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A domestic, pedigreed cat of European and British descent, the Exotic Shorthair cat is a breed developed as a short-haired version of the Persian cat, and is sometimes referred to as a Shorthaired Persian for this reason.
Over centuries, dozens of shorthaired breeds of cats have emerged, but can all be classified under three main breeding groups: British, American, and Oriental Shorthairs. This article focuses on the Exotic Shorthair (EXO) cat, with reference to the British and American shorthaired cats that have influenced the Exotic Shorthair cat breed’s pedigree.
The History of the Exotic Shorthair Cat in the USA
Back in the late 1950s, the American Shorthair cat – then classified as a Domestic Shorthair cat – was busy making a name for itself and firmly establishing the breed as a pedigree. Around the same time, an American cat breeder crossed a Persian with a brown Burmese, believing that a short-haired Persian would be easier to brush and maintain, but would still retain the same grace of the breed, coupled with the easy-going temperament of the Persian.
The story goes that her cat had a litter of black kittens, but she got lucky when the resulting kittens turned out to be rather cute. Persian cats were sought-after at the time because cross-breeding could introduce the beautiful Persian coat colors to the shorthaired breed, and further enhance their body type. The hybridization resulted in the bone structure of the American cat growing heavier, the nose shorter, the head rounder, and the coat longer and denser.
In the early 1960s, American Shorthair breeders began to notice the changes occurring in the hybridized breed. Alarmed and appalled at the hybridization, breeders began to disallow any hybridized shorthaired cat, until a judge from the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) introduced and accepted an exotic shorthair cat for championship status in 1967.
CFA breeders shifted their American Shorthair/Persian hybrid cat breeds into the new Exotic Shorthair classification. Burmese, Russian Blues, and American Shorthaired cats were used to cross the gene pool and to introduce the shorthair gene into the breed line. As the breed grew in popularity and the Exotic Shorthair cat’s gene pool got bigger, concerns were raised about cross-breeding regulations.
In 1971, the first Exotic Shorthair was awarded the status of CFA grand champion.
The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized Exotic Shorthairs in 1979. Listed as part of the Persian Breed Group, this breed group includes both Persian and Himalayan breeds.
In 1983, the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) recognized the Exotic Shorthair due to the regular use of Persians as an outcross. The Persian was only recognized by the FIFe in 1949.
In the 1980s, a growing trend in the UK and Australia emerged, where the Exotic Shorthair was bred with Persians and the British Shorthair, resulting in a longer coat. As the shorthair gene is dominant in cross-breeding, only a few outcrosses to shorthaired cats are necessary to make most kittens shorthaired cats.
A copy of the recessive gene for long hair does pop up here and there, and an Exotic Shorthaired cat may produce a kitten or litter that grows long hair, depending on the cross breed. Long Haired Exotics are not considered Persians by the CFA, but are accepted as Persians by TICA. The American CFA recognizes these cats as an Exotic Longhair breed.
In 1987 the CFA finally closed the Exotic breed to shorthair cross-breeding with a Persian cat only, where the Exotic Shorthair cat’s breeding standard is identical to the Persian cat’s standards – with the exception of coat length.
Fast-forward to 1991, and an Exotic Shorthaired cat claimed the CFA’s Cat of the Year award. In 1992, the CFA’s Best Kitten award was issued to an Exotic Shorthaired kitten.
Today, the Persian is the CFA’s only acceptable outcross and the Exotic Shorthair is regarded as one of the most popular purebred shorthaired breed of cats in the US.
The personality of the Exotic Shorthair Cat
Capable mouse hunters (thanks to their American Shorthair breeding and broad, powerful jaws), Exotic Shorthairs are nonetheless gentle with a calm and curious personality. Generally considered to be livelier than their longhaired Persian ancestors, the playful Exotic Shorthair is friendly to other cats and dogs and socializes well but dislikes being left alone for too long.
The Exotic Shorthair needs to be close to its owner, showing much more affection and loyalty than most other breeds. Exotics make excellent lap cats on lazy days, and adapt well to city life and apartment dwelling. They have a soft, mellow tone of voice, are quite talkative, and tend to chirp a bit when expressing themselves
Physical characteristics of the Exotic Shorthair Cat
The Exotic Shorthaired cat breed is categorized as brachycephalic, which is distinguishable from other breeds due to the skull and face being short and broad, with a flat muzzle.
Of pedomorphic appearance (the breed retains its kittenish expression), the Exotic Shorthair cat is known for its large and round wide-set eyes, its comparatively small ears, a quite short nose, and the resulting large, round head.
Recognizing an Exotic Shorthair is easy, based on coloring, weight and size, and its distinctive features. Persians are largely responsible for the coat and color of the Exotic Shorthair, where standard colors could be as plain as white, black, blue, red, chocolate, cream, or lilac.
Distinctive coats include coloring that is chinchilla or other silver patterns, golden patterns and colors, tortoiseshell, tabby, Himalayan, or pointed colors. A heavy-boned, large and muscular cat with short, stout legs, Exotics could weigh up to 15lb. Bone density plays an important role in the weight of this breed, and they tend to sit low to the ground.
Distinctive features of the Exotic Shorthair include their striking resemblance to the Persian breed the cat originates from. Although their coat is shorter than Persian breeds, it’s longer than most other shorthaired cats and brags a rather plush and thick undercoat.
It has been said that Exotic Shorthairs shed very little or almost not at all. Owners and breeders would argue that this is not the case in all Exotic Shorthairs; where some may only shed a little, others shed a lot. Remember that environment, seasonal changes, genetics, and diet all contribute to coat health.
In appearance, the Exotic Shorthaired cat is a stocky, medium-sized breed that has an average lifespan of between 10 and 15 years. Standing roughly 10-12in high (25-30cm), the Exotic Shorthair breed weighs in between 7-15lb (3-7kg) with a total body length of between 12-18in (30-45cm).
Activity levels of the Exotic Shorthair cat
Caring for the Exotic Shorthair Cat
Grooming
Caring for a high-maintenance Persian is hard work. The Exotic Shorthair is known for its grooming routines and keeping its own fur tidy, though we do recommend weekly brushing to remove loose hair, reduce hairballs, and lessen the shedding.
As with other flat-faced animals, the Exotic Shorthair’s tear ducts overflow often to stain the Exotic’s face. This can be managed by wiping your Exotic’s face regularly with a damp cloth. Be sure to use distilled water, or an over-the-counter (OTC) tear-stain removal preparation.
This breed ages slowly and only reaches maturity around 2 years old, with a fairly late puberty stage. Brushing your Exotic’s teeth at least twice a week will prevent periodontal disease and retain the teeth’s healthy white glow.
Check her ears weekly for wax or other build-up, infection, or pests, and clean with a soft, damp cloth or a cotton ball (cotton swabs can damage or hurt your pet’s inner ear lining. Dip your cotton swab or soft cloth in a 50/50 mix of lukewarm water and cider vinegar for a gentle yet thorough cleanse.
Cats are generally quite picky about where they do their nasties. Keep the litter box as clean as possible so kitty over there doesn’t end up using your bed as a toilet instead!
Feeding
As Exotic Shorthair cats have exaggerated facial features, their food needs may vary from average cats, and even crossbreeds like the American Shorthair or the Oriental Shorthair. A low-activity kind of cat, too much protein and not enough exercise could lead to obesity. It’s best to check with your vet to create a diet full of essentials, such as energy, protein, fats, and other nutrients for their specific bodies and nutritional needs.
Most healthy adult and senior cats of average weight need about 280-360 calories daily. As with all living things, essential nutrients and vitamins are needed to boost the Exotic Shorthair cats’ gut and immune health.
It is recommended that Exotic Shorthair cats should be fed a diet that is:
● high in animal-sourced proteins
● grain-free
● low in carbohydrates
● free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
● easy to chew
Exotic Shorthair cats really do prefer food is wet food instead of dry kibble, as wet food is much easier for cats to chew and swallow.
An overweight cat is at risk for developing feline diabetes or feline heart disease (obesity-related diseases), and prevention begins with a diet low in unnecessary fats. These are typically found in unhealthy cat-food fillers, but limiting intake of these dangerous fats can help prevent health problems, improve your cat’s well-being, and increase her chances of a longer life.
Cat foods that are enriched with essential fatty acids (such as Omega-3 and Omega-6) are always great options to keep a cat’s coat healthy.
Carbohydrates are a vital aspect of a cat’s nutrition, especially for those that need modified carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrate intake is dependent upon energy levels, but an ‘underactive’ breed like the Exotic Shorthair cat would probably require a lot less carbs than active breeds do.
Prone to obesity due to their body shape, bone density, and overall lack of interest in much more than cuddling their owner, indoor Exotic Shorthair cats should have their diets monitored, and placed on a more sustainable diet, such as grain-free, low carbohydrate cat food if necessary.
Muscles rely on protein for growth and maintenance. Exotic Shorthair cats are best described as stocky and not very active so may need a diet lower in protein than active cats such as the American Shorthair. Choose high-quality, real, fresh meats, where possible.
Note: To prevent obesity, it’s best to measure food instead of free-feeding an Exotic cat.
What foods should Exotic Shorthair cats avoid?
Onions, garlic, raw eggs, chocolate, raisins, grapefruit, alcohol, caffeine, and large bones (due to their shortened jaw) are all not recommended for cats (or dogs) as these foods are toxic to pets.
Common diseases of the Exotic Shorthair Cat
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends that exotic shorthair cat breeds be kept indoors for health reasons, due to their shortened nose canals. Exotic shorthair cats are very susceptible to summer’s heat, and should be kept indoors as much as possible to prevent dehydration.
Bred as complete outcrosses, Exotic Shorthairs don’t really have any inbreeding or “small gene pool” issues you might expect in a thoroughbred cat, however some inherited Persian aspects (like overflowing tear ducts, occasional sinus problems, or crowded teeth from a slightly-shortened jaw) could still breed through with an unfavorable pairing.
There are not many brachycephalic cat breeds, but examples of other brachycephalic pets include the Pug and the French Bulldog. Brachycephalic cats are more sensitive to heat and high humidity, and the Exotic needs to stay cool during hot summer months, and Exotics love an airconditioned room for this reason.
Ensure your Exotic shorthaired cat’s weight is monitored and adjusted if needed through regular vet visits. Additionally, your vet is better placed to diagnose any medical issues, discuss your concerns, and to give your cat the vaccines and deworming needed to keep her at optimal health.
Genetic traits may result in breed anomalies, but Exotics are generally known to be healthy. Of unknown origin but thought to be genetic in cause, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a type of heart disease most common in cats.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can appear anywhere from around 3 months to 17 years old, but most cats tend to already be middle-aged when diagnosed. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is more common in males than females, where symptoms could include difficulty breathing, bodily weakness, or paralysis in the back limbs.
Alarmingly, fluid may also build up in the lungs, as well as in the chest wall. As a brachycephalic, your Exotic Shorthair may be at severe risk, but a check-up with your vet should allay any concerns you may have.
For those who are only slightly affected, your vet should look at improving cardiac and lung function, as well as at reducing any blood clots that develop. For those cats not severely affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, there is good reason to expect a long and happy – though well-managed – cat life.
We recommend a diet of wet foods because these are also filled with moisture, which is an essential part of the Exotic Shorthair cats’ diet. Persian breeds and crossbreeds tend to develop calcium oxalate urolithiasis (which is a type of urinary tract disease, bladder infection, or kidney stones in cats).
Some or more of the following factors may play a role in the development of the disease:
● feeding urine-acidifying diets
● feeding a single brand of cat food without scraps or treats to break or enhance their diet
● maintaining cats in an indoor-only environment with little to no outdoor exposure
If not exercised regularly, the Exotic Shorthair cat is liable to become obese, where excess weight is a critical factor in later development of feline diabetes, feline arthritis, and other life-threatening or contagious diseases. Your breeder will be able to answer any queries you have about health problems in the cat’s breed line, and what testing has been done so far.
Five quick facts about the Exotic Shorthair Cat
Are the Exotic Shorthairs hypoallergenic?
Does the exotic shorthair cat have any funny nicknames?
Ironically enough, “the lazy man’s Persian” actually says a lot more about the owner than it does about the cat!
Wait, wasn't an Exotic Shorthair the star in a movie once?
It is said that one of the most famous Exotic Shorthair cats was Garfield, the lazy, lovable, over-eating, dog-bullying, sarcastic cartoon cat. Garfield’s depiction of an Exotic Shorthair is not in keeping with real Exotic Shorthair cats as they really don’t share these traits at all.
Not intended to be any breed at all, really, and named after his creator’s grandfather at the time, Garfield seems to have all the physical aspects of a Persian cross, but with a tabby coat. Breeders offer ‘Garfield cats’, which are produced by cross-breeding a British Shorthair with an orange Persian. Said to be a cat with a “charming” personality, these so-called ‘Garfield cats’ sound like the exact opposite to Garfield!
Do Exotic Shorthairs eat lasagne like Garfield does?
Are Exotic Shorthair cats very active?
Uh, no. Well, maybe.
Yes, if you’re headed towards the kitchen…
Other Cat Breeds
Sources
Europe PMC. Evaluation of factors associated with development of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in cats. Retrieved November 9 2020 from http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/7493870
The Cat Fancier’s Association. The Exotic. Retrieved November 9 2020 from https://cfa.org/exotic/
Prestige Animal Hospital. Exotic Shorthair. Retrieved November 9 2020 from https://www.prestigeanimalhospital.com/services/cats/breeds/exotic-shorthair
The International Cat Association. Exotic Shorthair cat Retrieved November 9 2020 from https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=841:exotic-shorthair-breed&catid=79
Vetstreet. Exotic Shorthair. Retrieved November 9 2020 from http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/exotic-shorthair
WikiHow. How to take care of an Exotic Shorthair cat. Retrieved November 9 2020 from https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-an-Exotic-Shorthair-Cat