Exotic Shorthair
eg-ZAH-tik SHORT-hair
Calm, Affectionate, Sweet, Playful in bursts. Origin: United States (Persian x American Shorthair).
An adult Exotic Shorthair weighs 10-12 lbs (male) or 8-10 lbs (female), needs 150-300 calories daily, and lives 12-15 yrs. The breed's primary health watch is polycystic kidney disease. All numbers below come from breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Exotic Shorthair needs 150 to 300 calories per day. An average male (11 lbs / 5.0 kg) needs around 230 kcal; a female (9 lbs / 4.1 kg) roughly 200 kcal.
Estimate for a typical adult Exotic Shorthair. For kittens, seniors, or specific conditions, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Exotic Shorthair is essentially a short-haired Persian, sharing the same flat (brachycephalic) face and cobby body. This facial structure creates predictable health concerns: breathing difficulties in heat, tear duct overflow requiring daily cleaning, and dental crowding in the shortened jaw. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is inherited from Persian lines, with DNA testing available. Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
Exercise and activity
Low; gentle play sessions are sufficient. They enjoy interactive toys but won't demand constant activity. A balanced mix of active play and quiet companionship suits most Exotic Shorthair cats. They adapt to their owner's lifestyle but should not be entirely sedentary.
Care and traits
Exotic Shorthair cats have a short, dense, plush (a shorthaired persian) coat. Origin: United States (Persian x American Shorthair).
Essentially a shorthaired Persian; same flat face, same sweet temperament, less grooming. Their brachycephalic structure means tear staining, snoring, and potential breathing issues. PKD testing is essential for breeders. Garfield is an Exotic Shorthair.
Expect visible shedding, especially during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall. A good lint roller and regular vacuuming become part of life with this breed. Weekly brushing reduces the amount of loose fur on furniture and clothing.
The Exotic Shorthair is well-suited for families with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, though all cat-child interactions should be supervised until children learn appropriate handling. Teaching children to respect the cat's space and body language prevents most problems.
The Exotic Shorthair is essentially a short-haired Persian, sharing the same flat face, round body, and calm temperament but with a coat that requires far less grooming. Weekly brushing is sufficient. Their brachycephalic (flat) face means they may have breathing difficulties in hot weather and are prone to tear staining that needs daily cleaning.
Tools for Exotic Shorthair owners
Frequently asked questions
Expect your Exotic Shorthair to need 150 to 300 calories daily. An average individual at 11 lbs falls near the middle of that range. Two measured meals daily keeps most medium cats at a healthy weight. Avoid free-feeding unless your cat self-regulates well, which many do not. Use our calorie calculator with your cat's actual weight for a personalized number.
A male Exotic Shorthair weighs 10-12 lbs (4.5–5.4 kg); females run smaller at 8-10 lbs (3.6–4.5 kg). Feel for ribs along the sides. They should be easy to find under a thin layer of flesh. View from above: a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs indicates healthy condition.
For Exotic Shorthair owners, polycystic kidney disease is the condition worth knowing about. PKD causes fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, gradually impairing function. DNA testing identifies carriers with near-perfect accuracy, and responsible breeders test all breeding cats. Ask any breeder for PKD test results. Other conditions to monitor include brachycephalic airway issues, dental malocclusion, tear duct overflow. Not every Exotic Shorthair will develop these conditions, but awareness and regular vet checkups make a real difference.
Moderate play needs that most owners can easily meet. One or two interactive play sessions of 10-15 minutes daily, combined with access to a cat tree and window perch, keeps this breed content. They enjoy play but are equally happy relaxing. Every cat, regardless of breed, benefits from some daily play and enrichment. Even five minutes of chasing a wand toy is better than nothing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on TICA/CFA standards and veterinary sources. Individual cats vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your cat. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026