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Exotic Shorthair: temperament, health and care
Exotic Shorthair: temperament, exercise and grooming needs, common health problems and who this cat suits.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Size | Medium, about 3–6 kg |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Exercise | Low |
| Grooming | Dense plush coat: brush weekly; clean around the eyes |
Temperament and who it suits
Calm, affectionate and quiet.
Often suits: quieter homes.
Their flat face can cause breathing and eye problems, so think hard about breed health before buying.
Health problems to know about
- Breathing problems from the flat face
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- Eye discharge and tear staining
- Dental crowding
Individuals vary. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks, vaccination and weight control.
Before you get a Exotic Shorthair
- See the kitten with its mother, where it was born
- Ask about health tests on the parents for the conditions above
- Check it is microchipped by 20 weeks old in England
- Consider adopting: breed rescues and rehoming centres often have cats like this looking for homes
See buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights.
Care, law and costs
See our general guide to cats for feeding, the law in the UK, what it costs and emergencies, and our guides to microchipping law and toxic foods and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an Exotic Shorthair live?
An Exotic Shorthair typically lives 12–15 years. Individual health, diet and weight all matter.
How much exercise does an Exotic Shorthair need?
Low.
What health problems are common in an Exotic Shorthair?
Common concerns include breathing problems from the flat face, polycystic kidney disease (PKD), eye discharge and tear staining and dental crowding. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks.
How much grooming does an Exotic Shorthair need?
Dense plush coat: brush weekly; clean around the eyes.
Who does an Exotic Shorthair suit?
It often suits quieter homes. Their flat face can cause breathing and eye problems, so think hard about breed health before buying.
Similar cats
Sources
- International Cat Care: cat breeds and health
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Cats Protection: compulsory microchipping of cats in England
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.