Exotic Shorthair Persian Cat: History, Facts & Care

There are different types of Persian cats, each with its own set of characteristics. The Exotic Shorthair Persian cat is one of the most popular types and is known for its short hair, round face, and sweet personality.

These cats are similar in appearance to Traditional Persians but with short hair that is much less prone to mats and tangles. Plus, they’re just as sweet and cuddly as their long-haired cousins.

 If you’re considering adding an exotic shorthair persian cat to your family, here’s what you need to know.

cute exotic short hair persian cat with its kitten

History of exotic shorthair Persian cat breed

The Exotic Shorthair Persian cat was developed in the 1970s by breeding a long-haired Persian with an American Shorthair.  This new breed had to have similar temperament and physical characteristics and be easy to care for without requiring frequent grooming sessions, which is why it’s so short-haired.

The exotic shorthair Persian cat has its origins in North America but was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1975.

Appearance of an exotic shorthair Persian cat

The Exotic Shorthair Persian cat is a short-haired version of the traditional Persian. They have broad, round heads with large eyes and high cheekbones.

Their ears are small and set low on their head, and their tails are long and fluffy. Their coats can be any color or pattern, but they tend to be short and do not require frequent grooming.

orange exotic shorthair persian cat

Body Size

They are known as a medium-sized cat that is longer than tall, with sturdy legs and rounded paws. They often have shorter tails and smaller ears than traditional Persians.

The exotic shorthair Persian cat weighs between 12 pounds (for an average adult female) to 14 pounds (for an average adult male) and stands 12 to 16 inches tall.

Personality

The exotic shorthair Persian cat is affectionate, gentle, playful, and people-oriented in terms of personality.  They tend to be a little more vocal than traditional Persians but are also extremely loyal pets that form strong bonds with their owners.

Exotic shorthair Persians are known to be more dog-like in their affection and playfulness, so they may not make ideal cats for families with very young children.

Cost

An exotic shorthair Persian cat typically costs between $200 and $800, depending on the breeder. The price of exotic shorthair may be higher than the price of traditional Persians.

In addition to the initial cost of buying a cat, you should consider paying for routine veterinary care as well.  Exotic shorthair Persians may need more frequent visits to the vet due to their tendency towards health problems such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and cystinuria.

Exotic Shorthair Persian cat Health issues

The exotic shorthair Persian cat is a generally healthy breed, but like all cats, they can be prone to certain health problems.

Some common issues include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (an inherited heart disease), polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disorder that causes the kidneys to fail), and progressive retinal atrophy (an eye disease that can lead to blindness).

While there is no way to prevent these health problems completely, regular vet check-ups can help catch them early and treat them effectively.

Exotic Shorthair Persian cat care requirements

Brushing exotic short hair persian cat

Grooming

The exotic shorthair Persian’s low-maintenance coat means that it does not need frequent grooming sessions or expensive trips to the groomer.  They have no undercoat, so they don’t shed as traditional Persians do.

Bathing

They are also less prone to hairballs and coat matting than other Persian cats. Exotic shorthair Persians typically require a bath only when necessary (for example, if they roll in something stinky or get into some sort of accident). A weekly brushing should be enough to keep their coat looking healthy and shiny.

Water

One thing to note is that the exotic shorthair Persian’s short hair can make them more susceptible to sunburn, so they should always have access to shade and plenty of water when spending time outdoors.

Good Diet

Like all cats, exotic shorthairs need a good diet and fresh water every day, a safe place to get away from other pets or people (like on top of the refrigerator), and plenty of toys and catnip.

Playing space

These cats can live in apartments but have the potential to be fairly active, so you’ll need a good amount of space for them. They don’t require big yards or lots of exercises, though – just regular playtime and enough room to stretch out their legs make these cats happy.

cute exotic short hair kittens playing

Benefits of owning a Persian cat with short hair.

  • They are low maintenance.
  • They are less prone to hairballs.
  • Their hair doesn’t mat as easily as traditional Persians. So they don’t require frequent grooming sessions.
  • They typically require a bath only when necessary.
  • They make good apartment cats.

Drawbacks of owning a Persian cat with short hair.

  • They can be more susceptible to sunburn.
  • They may require more space than other cats.
  • You’ll need plenty of toys and catnip to keep them entertained.
  • Regular playtime is important for their mental health.

How long do exotic shorthair cats live?

On average, a healthy exotic shorthair Persian will live for around 13 years.

Are exotic shorthair Persian cats right for me?

Exotic Shorthairs are perfect if you want a low-maintenance cat that still has a sweet, playful personality. They’re also great if you want to share your home with a cuddly companion without having to deal with long hair!

If you don’t have the time or energy for frequent grooming and bathing sessions but still want a cat who will sit on your lap and purr, the Exotic Shorthair Persian is a great choice.

How to groom a Persian cat with short hair?

While you may not need to groom your exotic shorthair Persian as often as a traditional Persian, it’s still important to brush them regularly. This will help remove any dead hair or dirt and keep their coat looking healthy and shiny.

You should also give your cat a bath when necessary (for example, if they get into something messy), but be careful not to get the water too hot, as their low-maintenance coat does not provide much protection from heat.

The best way to brush your cat is by using a rubber grooming glove or rough washcloth – this will help remove any loose hair and dirt without damaging their delicate skin.  A regular brush or comb will work just fine if you don’t have either of these.

You should also regularly check your cat’s ears and clean them if you see any signs of wax buildup or infection (redness, swelling).  Some owners prefer to use cotton balls soaked in warm water for this purpose; others opt to have the vet do it at every visit.

How to bathe a Persian cat with short hair?

You should give your exotic shorthair Persian a bath any time they get into something smelly, dirty, or sticky (like paint, for example).  However, you should always be careful not to get the water too hot – their low-maintenance coat does not provide much protection from heat.

When bathing your cat, make sure to use shampoo formulated for cats and never get the water in their ears or eyes (this can cause irritation).  It’s also helpful to wash them while they’re sitting on your lap, so you have better control over where the soap goes.  

After bathing, you should dry your cat off with a soft towel and then brush them to help remove any excess water.  You may also want to consider using an electric hair dryer on low heat – this will accelerate the drying process without putting too much stress on your Persian’s skin.

How to care for a Persian cat with short hair during the winter?

Since their low-maintenance coat does not provide much protection from the cold, you’ll need to take extra care of your exotic shorthair Persian during the winter.

Make sure they have a warm place to sleep (preferably indoors), and keep an eye on them when outside – if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.  You should also ensure they always have fresh water, especially if it snows or rains a lot where you live (this can lead to dehydration).

Beware of extreme temperature changes – don’t let your cat outside in the middle of winter wearing only their summer outfit!

How to keep Exotic Short Hair Persian Cat healthy and happy?

exotic shorthair persian cat playing with toy

Besides regular brushing and grooming, you can keep your exotic shorthair Persian healthy and happy by providing them with plenty of toys to play with, a good diet, and regular vet check-ups.

Make sure they have a scratching post so they can scratch their claws (instead of your furniture), and invest in good quality cat food so you know exactly what they’re eating.  You should also make sure your Persian is up to date on all their vaccinations and that they receive regular check-ups at the vet – this will help identify any potential health problems early when it’s easier for a veterinarian to treat them.

Conclusion:

The exotic shorthair Persian cat is a great choice if you want to own an adorable, low-maintenance cat who looks like the traditional Persian but requires much less grooming.  They’re also very intelligent and friendly – their only downside might be that they can become demanding when it comes to attention from their human companions!

Do you have any questions about taking care of an exotic shorthair Persian? Leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help!

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Esme Watson
Esme Watson

Esme Watson, the founder of Cat Queries, is a passionate cat lover driven by a deep love for felines. Inspired by her own furry companions, Minnie and Mickey, Esme created a platform dedicated to empowering cat owners with comprehensive and reliable information on feline health and behavior.

Cat Queries combines Esme's personal experiences with expert insights, offering a valuable resource that caters to all aspects of cat care. This inclusive approach fosters a welcoming community for cat lovers, making Cat Queries a trusted source for information, support, and guidance. Ultimately, Esme's mission is to enrich the lives of both cats and their human companions through knowledge and understanding.

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