Exotic Shorthair temperament and care: the short-haired Persian
Picture a Persian who has traded their long coat for a short, easy-going one: that's the Exotic Shorthair. Nicknamed the “Persian in pyjamas”, they have the same endearing round face, and the Exotic Shorthair temperament is just as gentle and laid-back — minus the hours of brushing. This affectionate, quiet cat is winning over more and more households who dream of a Persian… just a low-maintenance one. Origins, looks, personality, care and the precautions to be aware of: here's everything you need to know before welcoming one home.
The Exotic Shorthair at a glance
- Origin: United States, from crossing the Persian with short-haired cats (including the American Shorthair)
- Size: medium, with a stocky, rounded build (“cobby” type)
- Weight: 3 to 5 kg for females, 4 to 6 kg for males
- Coat: short but dense and plush, very soft to the touch
- Distinctive features: round, flat face, short nose, large round eyes
- Temperament: calm, gentle, affectionate and more playful than the Persian
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Origins: a “ready-to-wear” Persian
The Exotic Shorthair was born in the United States in the 1950s and 60s. American Shorthair breeders wanted to improve their breed's coat by crossing it with the Persian; the result was so appealing that breeders decided to make it a breed in its own right. So the Exotic is essentially a short-haired Persian: they share the Persian's standard, build and temperament, the only difference being the length of the coat. That's why they're affectionately nicknamed the “Persian in pyjamas”.
A look that's all curves
Everything about the Exotic Shorthair says softness and roundness. This is a cat made for cuddles.
Face and expression
Their signature is the head: round and massive, with full cheeks, a short, upturned nose (a flat face known as “brachycephalic”) and large, round, very expressive eyes, often copper-coloured. That face gives them a gentle, slightly pouty expression that's hard to resist. A word of caution, though: such a distinctive build also calls for health precautions, which we come back to below.
Body and coat
The Exotic has a stocky, short-legged, muscular body of the “cobby” type. Their coat may be short, but it's dense and thick, with an undercoat, which gives it a plush feel that's lovely to touch — like a little teddy bear. It's precisely this short coat that makes the breed so appealing compared with the Persian.
Exotic Shorthair temperament: gentleness itself
In temperament, the Exotic is pure Persian: calm, gentle, well balanced and very attached to their people. They love peace and quiet, dislike commotion and are happy in a calm home where they can settle on your lap. They're the quintessential indoor cat, affectionate without being clingy.
They're also a cat who sleeps a lot, which makes the quality of their bed matter more than it would for a very active cat. The criteria for choosing one are in how to choose a bed for your cat.
One difference, though: thanks to their short-haired ancestors, the Exotic is often a little more playful and livelier than the Persian. They enjoy a short play session every day and keep a curious streak even as adults. The ideal companion for anyone looking for a Persian's gentleness with a dash of mischief on top. A close cousin in temperament, the British Shorthair shares the same placid calm and plush look.
An indoor cat who enjoys a supervised outing
The Exotic Shorthair is a true homebody: they'll never ask for great adventures. But like any cat, they need a minimum of stimulation, and a gentle, secure outing on a harness can be a pleasant addition to their routine — a little fresh air, new smells, without the stress of complete freedom, which they're not cut out for.
For such a calm cat, the watchword is gentleness: the harness should be comfortable, soft and breathable (airmesh-type), easy to put on so you never have to rush them, and fully adjustable to fit their round, stocky build without squeezing. That's exactly the idea behind the Pelux harness. And because a brachycephalic cat breathes less easily, keep outings short, calm and at cool times of day, without ever pushing the pace. To get off to a good start, follow our guide to getting your cat used to a harness, one gentle step at a time.
Everyday care
The coat: easy at last
This is the breed's whole selling point: unlike the Persian, who needs brushing every day, the Exotic gets by with one or two brushing sessions a week to remove dead hair. Their short coat doesn't tangle or form knots. A real relief for anyone who loves the Persian look without the commitment.
Eyes and face
On the other hand, their flat face needs particular attention: their eyes tend to water, and you'll need to gently clean the inner corner every day or nearly every day, with a suitable gauze pad, to prevent staining and irritation. The folds of the nose also deserve a quick, regular check.
Health: brachycephalic precautions
Like the Persian, the Exotic can have hereditary predispositions, notably polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and certain heart conditions (HCM): hence the importance of a breeder registered with the LOOF (France's official pedigree registry) who carries out screening tests. Their flat face can also cause breathing difficulties and lower heat tolerance: be vigilant in summer and during exertion. For everything about protecting your cat in hot weather, read our article on heatwaves.
In summary
The Exotic Shorthair has all the Persian's charm and gentleness, with coat care that's finally reasonable. Affectionate, calm and a touch more playful than their cousin, they're perfect for a peaceful home looking for a tender companion. They simply need daily eye care and a few precautions linked to their flat face. Want to compare with the original? Read the full profile of the Persian.
Soft, breathable and fully adjustable, the Pelux harness gives your Exotic gentle, secure outings at their own pace.
Discover the Pelux harnessFrequently asked questions about the Exotic Shorthair
What's the difference between the Exotic Shorthair and the Persian?
Essentially the length of the coat. The Exotic is a short-haired Persian: the same build, the same round face and the same gentle temperament, but a short, plush coat that's much easier to look after. That's why they're nicknamed the “Persian in pyjamas”.
Do Exotic Shorthairs shed a lot?
They shed moderately, like most cats, and brushing once or twice a week is enough to keep dead hair under control. It's far less demanding than a Persian, but their dense undercoat is still there.
Can an Exotic Shorthair go out on a harness?
Yes, as long as you stay within their comfort zone: short, calm outings at their own pace. Choose a soft, breathable, fully adjustable harness, get them used to it gently, and avoid the hottest hours of the day, since their flat face makes them sensitive to heat and exertion.
Is the Exotic Shorthair a delicate cat?
They're generally robust, but their brachycephalic build calls for precautions: daily care for watery eyes, vigilance in the heat, and screening for hereditary diseases (PKD, HCM) through a reputable LOOF-registered breeder.
How much does an Exotic Shorthair cost?
In France, from a LOOF-registered breeder, you can generally expect to pay between €800 and €2,000, depending on the bloodline, the coat and how closely the cat matches the breed standard. Adopting through a rescue association is also an option.