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Need to Know
- Benefits from an experienced owner
- Quiet and sedate cat
- Highly active and inquisitive cat
- Sociable and dependent cat
- Slightly talkative cat
- Average build cat breed
- Requires grooming every day
- Indoor cat
- Great family cat
- Can be regularly left alone for a few hours
- Great for a relaxed home
Personality
Exotic Shorthair cats are an American Shorthair and Persian mix. They are playful, love lounging, and can be mellow like a Persian but also lively. Laidback, loyal, and affectionate, they have an entertaining streak that might see them up for a game of chasing a catnip mouse. They love being involved in their owner’s life, following them from room to room to get in on the action. Affection is lavished on their owners through purrs and licks and they hope for it to be reciprocated in the form of hugs and cuddles.
In the late 1950s, the American Shorthair cat was mixed with the Persian Cat to create a heavier, round-headed cat with a denser and longer coat. The resulting Exotic Shorthair is one of the most popular cat breeds.
Exotic Shorthairs will lavish love on their owner and expect the same in return. They are a good mix of playfulness and curiosity, most happy when they are interacting with their owners. They are not great at grooming themselves, so an owner who can assist them with regular grooming is a good fit.
The Exotic Shorthair breed is not known for its athleticism. Instead, they are more inclined to follow their owners around, licking them and looking for cuddles in return. These indoor cats can be lazy, and owners might find themselves picking up a cat and gently encouraging them to get some fresh air on an enclosed cat run or “catio” rather than the cat taking initiative.
They don’t require a lot of space but do require a lot of attention. Expect Exotic Shorthairs to curl up in your lap or wrap themselves around your feet. If they have access to a “catio” or enclosed cat run, they will enjoy it, but you might have to drag them out there as they are not known to take the initiative when it comes to exercise.
This American Shorthair and Persian Cat mixed breed needs a little assistance with grooming. Their short faces mean that they cannot fully groom themselves effectively, even if it looks like they are. They need their eyes and faces cleaned regularly, and under their tails after a trip to the litter box.
The Exotic Shorthair is not the most athletic cat, preferring to follow owners around rather than burn off energy. You might need to prod them to move gently without causing them stress. Food dispensing toys can help.
Quiet homes are ideal for Exotic Shorthairs. Small children might stress them, or a home with lots of visitors and noise.
The cost of an Exotic Shorthair from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Exotic Shorthair on Purina.
Did You Know?
- Despite the name, Exotic Shorthairs aren't a rare cat. They're a newer breed that is an American Shorthair cat and Persian cat mix.
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