Exotic Shorthair

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Lore & Background

In the late 1950s, the Persian was used as an outcross by some American Shorthair breeders. This was done in secret in order to improve their body type, and crosses were also made with the Russian Blue and the Burmese. The crossbreed look gained recognition in the show ring, but unhappy American Shorthair breeders successfully produced a new breed standard that would disqualify American Shorthairs that showed signs of crossbreeding. One American Shorthair breeder who saw the potential of the Persian/American Shorthair cross proposed and eventually got the Cat Fanciers' Association judge and American Shorthair breeder Jane Martinke to recognize them as a new breed in 1966, under the name Exotic Shorthair. In 1987, the Cat Fanciers' Association closed the Exotic to shorthair outcrosses, leaving Persian as the only allowable outcross breed.

Reader's Guide

The Exotic Shorthair's significance lies in its creation as a short-haired alternative to the Persian, preserving the Persian's characteristic appearance while offering a lower-maintenance coat. The breed's development resolved a conflict among American Shorthair breeders, and its recognition in 1966 established a new lineage. Over time, the Exotic gained popularity, achieving CFA Championship status in 1967, Grand Champion status in 1971, and CFA Cat of the Year in 1991. The breed's health concerns mirror those of the Persian, including brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, corneal sequestrum, dystocia, and a high prevalence (40–50%) of polycystic kidney disease. The CFA closed the Exotic to shorthair outcrosses in 1987, allowing only Persian outcrosses. Longhaired Exotics are not considered Persians by the CFA, though TICA accepts them as Persians, and other associations register them as a separate Exotic Longhair breed.

Did You Know?

• The Exotic Shorthair was recognized as a new breed in 1966 by the Cat Fanciers' Association, thanks to judge Jane Martinke.
• In 1987, the Cat Fanciers' Association closed the Exotic to shorthair outcrosses, leaving Persian as the only allowable outcross breed.
• The prevalence of polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in Exotic Shorthairs is between 40 and 50% in developed nations.
• Longhaired Exotics are not considered Persians by the Cat Fanciers' Association, but The International Cat Association accepts them as Persians.
• In 1991, an Exotic was the Cat Fanciers' Association's Cat of the Year.

Common Misconceptions (Editorial)

Some people believe the Exotic Shorthair is a naturally ancient breed, but it was actually developed in the late 1950s and only recognized as a new breed in 1966. Another common misconception is that longhaired Exotics are considered Persians by all cat associations; while The International Cat Association accepts them as Persians, the Cat Fanciers' Association does not.

Why It Matters (Editorial)

The Exotic Shorthair endures because it offers the beloved round-faced, placid temperament of the Persian in a low-maintenance coat, making it a popular choice for owners who want the Persian look without daily grooming. However, its brachycephalic face, inherited from the Persian, comes with significant health risks—such as a 40 to 50 percent prevalence of polycystic kidney disease in developed nations—reminding us that aesthetic breeding choices often carry ethical responsibilities.