The Persian is the most popular breed in America, but it’s no secret that the Persian needs intensive daily grooming to maintain that long and lustrous coat. For busy people who like the look of a Persian but don’t have time for the daily maintenance, the Exotic Shorthair is the ideal choice. The Exotic Shorthair is nearly identical to its Persian forebear in every way with one very special exception: the Exotic Shorthair's short coat is thick, dense and plush, tending not to mat or tangle, which means it requires far less grooming than a Persian’s. For this reason, ExoticShorthairs are affectionately known as the lazy man’s Persian.

History and Origin

The Exotic Shorthair is a wonderful shorthaired relative of the Persian, a man-made breed resulting from the cross of the Persian with the American Shorthair and other shorthaired cats. In the early 1960s, American Shorthair breeders originally began using Persians as outcrosses in an attempt to strengthen their type. However, the resulting kittens were unique and looked decidedly different than they had expected.

The Exotic, as it came to be called, has the distinctive flat face, stocky body and tiny little meow of the Persian, but instead of the long luxurious fur, this breed’s coat has an irresistibly dense, plush teddy-bear look. As a result, the breed gained rapidly in popularity and was awarded its own distinct category in the late 1960s. A little livelier and more playful than the Persian, the Exotic Shorthair shares many of the Persian's gentler personality features.

Grooming requirements

Relatively carefree (at least compared to the Persian), the Exotic Shorthair breed still requires regular grooming to keep dead hair from clogging the coat, and to keep shedding under control.

Health Ailments

The Exotic Shorthair is a fairly sturdy breed, but subject to the same medical concerns as the Persian. At the top of the list are problems associated with an asymmetrical jaw, which can affect the cat's ability to bite and eat properly, and can also lead to dental problems. Other potential health issues to watch for are sinus, tear duct and eye problems.

Most other health problems associated with the Exotic Shorthair are caused by careless breeding, excessive inbreeding, or overbreeding for the extreme. Selecting a qualified breeder or buying from a reputable pet store can help eliminate many of these health problems. Maintaining your Exotic Shorthair’s proper weight and grooming requirements will also help insure its good health, along with regular checkups at the vet.

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