Exotic Shorthair personality: life with a “Persian in pajamas”

The Exotic is often jokingly called “a Persian in pajamas”: the same round head and big eyes, but instead of a long coat, a dense, short, plush one. Its personality has a lot in common with the Persian's too, with a few differences of its own. What follows is a typical portrait of the breed, not a guarantee: every kitten is an individual, and its nature depends both on its parents and on how it was raised.

Calm but not indifferent

Exotics are usually even-tempered and unhurried. They don't go looking for adventure on top shelves and rarely “talk”: CFA describes them as quiet, loyal companions who speak with their big eyes rather than their voices. You'll hear purring far more often than meowing.

At the same time, many owners notice that Exotics are a bit more playful than Persians. As CFA notes, some put this down to Exotics not having to spend as much time on grooming. An Exotic will happily chase a wand toy, bat a ball around and suddenly stage a quick dash through the apartment, only to fall asleep just as suddenly in the middle of the room. A few minutes of active play every day is a good habit: it gives an outlet for energy and helps prevent the weight gain that calm cats are prone to.

A devoted companion

Exotics become very attached to their people. Typical behavior includes following you from room to room, settling next to you on the sofa or in your lap, and watching you cook dinner. CFA puts it this way: devoted but not intrusive. An Exotic is more likely to sit quietly beside you than to demand attention out loud.

A cat like this values routine and predictability. Regular mealtimes, its own sleeping spots and a calm atmosphere all help it feel secure. Introduce changes, such as a move or a new family member, gradually, and give your cat time and a quiet corner.

Children and other pets

GCCF notes that Exotics are easygoing and usually get along well with children and other animals. To keep it that way:

• introduce your kitten to other pets gradually, first through a door or a carrier;
• teach children to play with a wand toy rather than their hands, and not to pick the cat up unnecessarily;
• give your cat a quiet hideaway where it can escape the noise.

Remember that long, energetic chases are harder for a flat-faced cat, especially in hot weather. If your cat breathes through its mouth or heavily after play, take a break, and if it keeps happening, have a vet check it.

How much attention they need

An adult Exotic usually copes well with a working day alone if it has toys, a scratching post, water and a comfy place to sleep. But it will be waiting for you in the evening: playing together, being stroked, a few minutes with the comb are an important part of the day for a devoted cat. If you often travel for a few days, arrange for someone who will not only feed your cat but also wipe its eyes.

Compared with Persians, Exotics are easier to groom: the dense coat needs combing about once a week, more often during shedding. The eyes, however, need wiping every day, just like a Persian's. More in “Exotic care”.

An Exotic in an apartment

The Exotic is an almost ideal apartment cat: it doesn't need lots of space, isn't desperate to get outside and thrives on a predictable household rhythm. A few practical tips:

• watch the temperature: flat-faced cats cope less well with heat, so in summer provide a cool spot and fresh water;
• choose shallow, wide bowls, which are easier for a short-faced cat to eat from;
• set up a few “lookout posts,” such as a bed on the windowsill or a low shelf: Exotics like to watch the household from above but don't need high jumps;
• fit secure cat-proof screens on your windows.

Who is an Exotic right for?

An Exotic is a good choice for people who love the Persian look and temperament but don't have time for long daily grooming. It suits calm families, people who work from home, couples and first-time cat owners.

If you dream of an athletic cat that leaps to the ceiling and runs for hours, or your home is always noisy, look at other breeds. And keep health in mind: face shape affects breathing and the eyes, so think about tests and checkups in advance. See “Exotic health”.

Learn more about the breed on the breed page. Available kittens, if there are any, are among our kittens of the breed, and if there are none right now, join the waitlist.