The Exotic Shorthair cat breed is sometimes referred to as the “lazy man’s Persian.” It’s similar to Persian cats in many ways, but it has a shorter coat and is generally more active. Because of its shorter fur, numerous pet parents consider it a relatively low-maintenance cat with an eye-catching appearance.
If you’re planning to take home a new cat, the Exotic Shorthair is among the many lovable cat breeds you can choose from. However, it’s crucial to know all about it. In this article, we’ll tackle the information you need to know about Exotic Shorthair cats.
Image source: Pixabay
History and Origin of the Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is a fairly young breed, originating in the late 1950s. Back then, American Shorthair breeders had crossed their cats with Persians in hopes of passing down the silver fur and green eyes of Persians. Instead, they ended up with short-haired Persian cats. The cats were also crossed with other breeds, such as the Burmese and the Russian Blue.
The crossbred cats were appealing in shows and exhibitions, but some American Shorthair breeders frowned upon them. They began disqualifying American Shorthair cats that showed signs of crossbreeding.
One breeder saw the potential of these cats, however, and had the Cat Fanciers’ Association recognize them as a new breed in 1966. This breed is now known as the Exotic Shorthair.
Notable Physical Characteristics of the Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is nearly identical to the Persian, although it has a short coat. Its head is massive and oval-shaped, with full cheeks and a short snout. It also has small, widely spaced ears that are rounded at the tip. It has big, round eyes as well.
The body of the Exotic Shorthair is medium-sized with a muscular build. Its neck is short and thick, and this goes for the tail as well.
The Exotic Shorthair cat’s coat is short and dense, but the fur is slightly longer than other short-haired cat breeds. Much like Persians, Exotic Shorthairs come in many colors and patterns, such as black, white, blue, and lilac.
Image source: Pixabay
Behavior, Temperament, and What to Expect
Pet parents often describe Exotic Shorthair cats as calm and gentle, much like Persians. However, they’re typically more active and playful. They can also be affectionate lap cats and enjoy being around people. These cats can do well in small houses and apartments and are also great at hunting mice!
Because of their shorter coats, Exotic Shorthair cats are generally more low-maintenance than Persians. However, it’s still best to brush their coats weekly to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs.
Exotic Shorthairs age relatively slowly and reach maturity at around two years of age. As short-snouted cats, they’re prone to sinus problems and breathing issues, as well as tooth misalignment.
The Takeaway
The Exotic Shorthair cat breed is highly similar to the Persian, although it has a short coat. It’s a more low-maintenance version of the Persian and can be an excellent lap cat due to its gentle nature.
