Think of the Exotic Shorthair as the Persian’s low-maintenance cousin: the same sweet, flat-faced look and round, plush body, but with a short, dense coat that doesn’t need daily brushing. It’s often nicknamed “the lazy man’s Persian” for exactly that reason. Underneath the teddy-bear looks is a cat that’s a little more playful and easygoing than a traditional Persian, without giving up any of the calm, affectionate personality that makes the look so popular.
The Exotic Shorthair was created in the late 1950s almost by accident. American breeder Carolyn Bussey crossed a Persian with a Burmese hoping to create a brown-colored Persian; the kittens weren’t the color she expected, but their short, plush coats caught the eye of other breeders, who saw an opportunity to build a shorthaired version of the beloved Persian. The Cat Fanciers’ Association granted the breed championship status in 1967, and it’s been a favorite ever since — even earning CFA’s “Cat of the Year” title in 1991.
Exotic Shorthairs are sweet, gentle, and playful — genuinely a bit livelier than a Persian, while keeping the same devoted, affectionate streak. They’re social cats that like being around their people and don’t do particularly well being left alone for long stretches. Their short coat means far less grooming than a Persian, making them a popular pick for people who love the look but not the brushing routine.
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