Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is a medium-sized domestic cat developed in the United States during the late 1950s as a short-coated counterpart to the Persian.

American Shorthair breeders initially crossed their cats with silver Persians to introduce silver coats and green eyes. Jane Martinke recognized the appeal of these kittens and proposed a distinct standard in 1966. The Cat Fanciers' Association gave the breed championship status in 1967. Early breeders introduced Burmese and Russian Blue crosses to fix the short-hair allele, though outcrosses later closed to Persians alone. The International Cat Association recognized the cat in June 1979, and the Fédération Internationale Féline granted official acceptance in 1986.

Adult males typically weigh 4-6 kg (9-13 lb) on a compact, cobby frame with a deep chest, short stout legs, and a heavy skull. Its dense double coat stands away from the flesh like plush velvet rather than lying flat against the flank. Registries describe the cat as calm, affectionate, and peaceful, retaining the quiet nature of its longhaired ancestors alongside playful curiosity. It enjoys chasing soft toys, follows family members from room to room, and speaks with chirping sounds.

Simple weekly combing removes loose hairs from the dense coat, alongside daily damp wipes to clear excess fluid from the deep facial folds. The shortened skull contributes to several recognized health challenges. Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome causes noisy respiration and intolerance to high heat. Corneal sequestrum, tear overflow, and dental malocclusion stem from facial crowding, while polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy remain primary hereditary risks.