Persian Cat with Short Hair Guide: Charming & Easy

Persian Cat with Short Hair

Introduction 

I’ve always loved Persian cats. But all that grooming? Not so much. Then I met Obi—a Persian cat with short hair—and everything changed. He’s soft, sweet, and so easy to care for. Yes, Persian cats can have short hair! In this guide, I’ll show you what makes them special. From grooming and health to fun tips and care, you’ll learn it all.

Overview: What Is a Persian Cat with Short Hair?

You might be wondering—can a Persian cat have short hair? The answer is yes! These cats are known as Exotic Shorthair cats. Think of them as the cousins of the long-haired Persian cat. Same cute face. Same calm nature. Just easier to care for.

I first heard of the Exotic Shorthair when someone told me, “It’s like a Persian, but with way less grooming.” I didn’t believe it until I met one. That round face. The big, shiny eyes. The soft, plush coat. It was love at first sight.

These cats go by many names. Some call them Persian Shorthair, others say Exotic Persian or short hair Persian cat. No matter the name, they all share one thing—they’re adorable and easygoing.

The main difference between a long-haired Persian cat and a short-haired Persian cat is the coat. Long-haired Persians have flowing, silky fur that needs daily brushing. Short hair exotic cats have thick, velvety fur that only needs brushing once or twice a week.

Their looks are similar—flat face, small nose, and round body. But Exotic Shorthair cats tend to be a little more playful. They enjoy naps, but they’ll chase a toy or follow you around the house too.

If you want a cat that looks like a Persian but needs less grooming, this might be the one. A Persian cat with short hair gives you the charm of the breed—without the tangle of hair.

Appearance: Small Face, Big Eyes, and a Plush Coat

The first time I saw a Persian cat with short hair, I couldn’t stop staring. That tiny face, those big, round eyes—they looked like a living plush toy!

These cats are often called Exotic Shorthairs, and they’re famous for their cute, chubby look. Their heads are round, with flat noses and small ears. The face is wide and short, giving them a sweet, almost baby-like expression.

Their fur is thick, soft, and dense—like a teddy bear. While long-haired Persian cats have flowing coats, short hair exotic cats have fur that’s plush and easy to manage. It gives them a puffy, cuddly look without all the tangles.

You’ll see these cats in many colors. Some have solid coats like white, black, or cream. Others have patterns like tabby, bicolor, or calico. One of the rarest is the color-point Exotic Shorthair, which has blue eyes and light fur with darker spots on the ears, face, paws, and tail.

There are two main face types: flat-faced and doll-faced. The flat face is more common in show cats, while the doll face has a slightly longer nose. Both are cute, but some people prefer the doll face because it may have fewer breathing issues.

If you’re looking for a mix of charm and ease, the Exotic Shorthair Persian cat is a top pick. It’s like having the beauty of a Persian cat—just in a lower-maintenance package.

Temperament: What Is the Short-Haired Persian Cat Like?

My cat Obi is a Persian cat with short hair. He is calm, sweet, and soft like a toy. He made our home feel warm from day one.

These cats are quiet. They love peace. They enjoy naps, soft beds, and being near you. They do not run wild or meow all day. They just want love and calm.

Obi likes to sit close but does not need much. He will follow me but stay quiet. If I leave, he waits. When I sit, he curls up beside me. He brings peace, not noise.

Short-haired Persian cats are good with kids too. They are kind and soft. They do not scratch or hiss. They like slow play and soft voices.

They also get along with dogs and other cats. Obi made friends with our dog fast. No fights. No fear. Just slow steps and trust.

These cats are playful but in a slow, sweet way. A toy mouse makes them smile. A soft ball makes them roll. But after ten minutes, they nap.

The Exotic Shorthair Persian cat is calm and full of love. If you want a friend who is cute, kind, and quiet—this cat is for you.

Grooming Requirements: Easier Than You Think!

When I first got Obi—my sweet Persian cat with short hair—I thought I’d still need to groom him every day. After all, he’s part Persian, right? But I was wrong. It’s way easier than I imagined.

Unlike a long-haired Persian cat, which needs daily brushing to avoid mats, a Persian short hair (or Exotic Shorthair cat) only needs brushing once or twice a week. That’s it! Obi’s thick fur doesn’t tangle as much, but it still needs a little love to stay soft.

I use a soft-bristle brush. It takes five minutes. He purrs the whole time. It’s more like bonding than work.

🧴 Coat care tip: Use a grooming glove if your cat doesn’t love brushes. It feels like petting and still removes loose hair.

Now let’s talk about the eyes. Many short hair Persian cats—especially those with flat faces—have watery eyes. Obi gets tear stains under his eyes every day. I wipe them gently with a soft cotton pad and warm water. It takes seconds, but it keeps his face clean.

👀 Eye care tip: Don’t use scented wipes. Just warm water or vet-approved pads is enough.

For the ears, I check them once a week. If they look a bit waxy, I take a clean, damp cloth and gently wipe the outer edge. Never go deep. Cats clean most of their ears on their own.

🦷 Ear care tip: If there’s a bad smell or dark wax, check with a vet. It might be an infection.

Don’t forget the nails! I trim Obi’s claws every two to three weeks. Just the tip. I started slow—one paw at a time—and now he barely notices.

🛁 As for baths? Not needed often. Most exotic cats keep themselves clean. If Obi gets into something messy (like flour—don’t ask), I’ll give him a quick wash.

The best part? Grooming time has become our chill time. It’s not a chore—it’s our thing.

So if grooming was holding you back from getting a Persian cat with short hair, don’t worry. These cats give you the Persian charm without the daily brush battle. Just a few minutes each week—and your fluffy friend stays clean, soft, and snuggly.

Health: What to Watch For

Even the cutest cats need care. The Persian cat with short hair is no different. I learned this fast with my boy, Obi. He looks strong, but he still needs checkups and love.

😮‍💨 Flat Faces Need Help

Obi has a flat face. It makes him look like a toy! But it can cause small problems. He snores. He breathes loud. And when it’s hot, he gets tired fast.

So, I keep him cool. I use a fan and close the sun. It helps a lot. I also let him rest more in summer.

🧠 Watch for Hydrocephalus

This is rare. But it’s good to know. Some short hair Persian cats can get fluid in the brain. That’s called hydrocephalus. It makes them act slow or walk odd.

I’ve not seen this in Obi. But I did ask my vet about it. If your kitten acts strange, go to the vet fast.

👁️ Clean the Eyes

Big eyes need care. Obi’s eyes get wet a lot. So, I wipe them each day. I use soft pads and warm water. No soap.

This stops stains and keeps bugs away. Most exotic shorthair cats need this. It takes 30 seconds.

🧬 How Long Do They Live?

People ask: How long do exotic shorthair cats live? The answer is good! They can live 12 to 15 years, even more. That’s with clean food, love, and vet care.

🩺 Vet Visits Matter

Obi sees the vet two times each year. Even if he looks fine, I take him in. One time, the vet found a small tooth ache. We fixed it fast.

These visits stop big things from growing. That’s why they matter.

Diet and Nutrition: What to Feed a Persian Cat with Short Hair

Feeding your cat right is key. A Persian cat with short hair needs good food to stay healthy and happy.

🐟 Wet or Dry Food?

Both are good. I feed my cat wet food in the morning. I give dry food in the evening.
Wet food helps with water. Dry food helps with teeth.

Don’t feed only dry food. Your cat may get sick or have trouble going to the litter box.

⚖️ How Much Should I Feed?

Too much food is bad. These cats love to eat. But if they eat too much, they get fat fast.
A fat cat may have pain in the joints. It can also get sick more often.

I feed my cat 1/4 cup of dry food and one pouch of wet food each day.

🦴 Treats: Yes or No?

Treats are fine—but not too many. I give treats after a vet visit or nail trim.
My cat loves freeze-dried chicken. Stay away from treats with fake stuff or food dyes.

💧 Water Is Just as Important

Exotic Shorthair cats do not drink much water. That can hurt their kidneys.
I use a pet water fountain. It keeps the water clean and moving. Now my cat drinks more.

Behavior and Training Tips: Smart but Laid-Back

When I got Obi, I thought he’d be hard to train. I was wrong. He used the litter box on day two. No mess. No stress.

A Persian cat with short hair is smart and calm. They like clean spots. They don’t like loud sounds or big changes.

Tip:
Show them the litter box on day one.
Keep it in a quiet place.
Use litter with no smell.
Scoop it each day.

Short hair Persian cats like clean places. If the box is dirty, they may stop using it.

What about scratching? Obi loves his post. I got him one with soft rope. I showed it to him. He used it right away. My couch is safe!

If your cat claws your stuff, don’t yell. Just pick them up and place them near the post. Praise them. Give a treat. These cats like soft voices.

You don’t “train” them in the hard way. You guide them. They learn fast. They don’t jump or break things. They play, then nap.

They’re great for calm homes.

Here’s what I learned:
Training a Persian short hair is easy.
Be kind. Be clear.
They’ll follow your lead.

Fun Activities for a Persian Cat with Short Hair

A Persian cat with short hair may seem lazy. But they still love to play. My cat Obi proves it every day.

🪶 His favorite toy? A feather wand. I wave it across the floor. He crouches, then pounces. It’s like watching a soft cloud jump.

🎯 Obi also likes the red dot. But I move it slow. Fast games are not his thing. He likes calm play. It fits his mood.

🧩 A food puzzle works well too. He taps it with his paw. Then a treat comes out. He looks proud each time.

🛋️ He also loves tunnels. I got him one that makes noise. He hides inside and peeks out. It’s fun for both of us.

🎁 Other toys he enjoys:

• Plush mice
  
• Soft catnip pillows
  
• Scratch pads with balls inside
  

Obi plays for five minutes. Then he curls up and sleeps. It’s sweet and peaceful.

So, if you ask, “What are fun things to do with a short hair Persian cat?” — try calm games. Go slow. Keep it soft. These cats love play, but in their own quiet way.

Should You Get a Short-Haired Persian Cat?

A short-haired Persian cat is calm, sweet, and soft. They love people. They love naps. And they look like a plush toy.

They don’t need much space. A small home is fine. They also don’t run or jump much. That makes them great for quiet homes.

These cats are easy to love. They sit with you. They purr. They look at you with round, kind eyes.

They don’t shed much. That’s a big plus. You still need to brush them—but not every day. Once or twice a week is enough.

They’re also good with kids. But they don’t like loud noise. So soft voices and slow hands work best.

They may have some health needs. Flat faces can mean eye or nose care. But if you’re gentle and stay alert, it’s easy to manage.

These cats just want peace, love, and soft play.

So, should you get one?

Yes—if you like calm, cute cats.
Yes—if you want a soft friend to love.
Yes—if you want less grooming and more cuddles.

A short-haired Persian cat could be the perfect match.

Final Thoughts on the Short-Haired Persian Cat

A short-haired Persian cat is pure joy. Soft, sweet, and calm. They make life feel warm.

They don’t ask for much. A quiet home. A soft bed. Your time and love.

You don’t have to brush them every day. But they still look neat. Their coat is smooth and easy to care for.

They sit close to you. They blink slow. They purr. It’s their way to say, “I love you.”

They are not wild or loud. They like peace. They like naps. They like soft toys and kind hands.

If you want a pet that gives love and calm, choose this cat.
If you want less work and more snuggles, choose this cat.
If you want soft fluff and big eyes, choose this cat.

A short-haired Persian cat is more than a pet.
It’s your soft, sweet best friend.

Bonus FAQs: Persian Cat with Short Hair

Can Persian cats have short hair?
Yes! Persian cats with short hair are called Exotic Shorthairs. They look like long-haired Persians but have thick, soft, short fur. This makes them easier to care for and brush.

What is a short-haired Persian cat called?
Most people call them Exotic Shorthair cats or Persian Shorthair cats. Some say Exotic Persian or short hair Persian cat. All these names mean the same calm and cuddly breed.

Do Exotic Shorthair cats shed a lot?
They shed less than long-haired Persians. Their fur is dense but short. You still need to brush them once or twice a week. This helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat soft.

Are Exotic Shorthair cats friendly?
Very friendly! They have a calm and sweet nature. From my experience with Obi, they love cuddles but are not clingy. They get along well with kids and other pets.

What do Exotic Shorthairs eat?
They need a balanced diet. Both wet and dry food work well. Wet food helps keep them hydrated. Dry food helps keep their teeth strong. Watch portions to avoid weight gain.

How long do Exotic Shorthair cats live?
On average, they live 12 to 15 years. Good food, regular vet visits, and lots of love help them live a long, healthy life.

Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair

Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair Persian Cat with Short Hair