The Exotic Shorthair is the short-haired cat breed developed from Persian cats and selected for a dense, plush coat.
Breeders began developing the Exotic in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. They crossed Persians with American Shorthairs and other shorthair cats to introduce a shorter coat while retaining the Persian’s rounded head, broad face and substantial body. Later breeding helped establish a consistent type.
The breed is often informally described as a “short-haired Persian,” but that phrase is a helpful comparison rather than its formal name. The Exotic Shorthair has its own breed standard and is registered separately by major cat associations.
Its coat is short, thick and plush rather than sleek and close-fitting. Like Persians, Exotics may have traditional or extreme facial types, and responsible breeding organizations pay attention to health issues associated with very flat faces.