Exotic Shorthair
📺 32-second video · Cantonese narration
The Exotic Shorthair story, in one take
From its origins to Hong Kong homes — how did the Exotic Shorthair become one of Hong Kong's most popular cat breeds?
- ✓Origin story: starting in its homeland
- ✓Personality: Gentle and affectionate
PetChill Pet Encyclopedia
Exotic Shorthair everyday food & supplies
Chosen by species (cat) from products PetChill stocks — not a breed-specific formula. Actual suitability depends on age, weight and health.
Special offerNutriplan Cat Food Complete Health Nutritional Formula 5kg (64352)
HK$123HK$128About HK$24.6 per kg
Price checked 2026-10-21; the store page shows the live price, stock and offers.
Bella & Molly's Dutch Berry Royal Selected Cat Food AAFCO Anti-Aging Grain-Free Single Protein Salmon Formula 50g (Limited Time Experience)
HK$10About HK$200 per kg
Price checked 2026-10-21; the store page shows the live price, stock and offers.
Hills Cat Food Life Stage Series Adult Formula Chicken 490g (609885)
HK$55About HK$112.24 per kg
Price checked 2026-10-21; the store page shows the live price, stock and offers.
History & origin
The Exotic Shorthair is the famous "Garfield" cat, and its origins go back to 1960s America. Breeders at the time wanted to cross the American Shorthair with the Persian, aiming to create a breed with "the Persian's looks but a short, easy-care coat".
They succeeded in producing the Exotic Shorthair — it has the Persian's round cheeks, flat face and round body, but a short, dense coat that doesn't need daily brushing. In 1966 the Exotic Shorthair received official CFA recognition and quickly became one of the most popular breeds.
The Exotic Shorthair became a household name thanks to the comic character Garfield — the orange tabby Exotic Shorthair is Garfield's model. They are gentle, easygoing and affectionate, a little more lively than the Persian but overall the quiet, laid-back type, liking to sleep next to their owner. The Exotic Shorthair suits owners who want the Persian's looks but don't have time for daily brushing, and is a popular choice for city families. Note that flat-faced breeds are prone to tear staining and breathing problems, so choose a reputable breeder when buying.
Frequently asked questions
The questions people ask most about the Exotic Shorthair
Yes! Garfield's model is an orange tabby Exotic Shorthair, so the Exotic Shorthair is also nicknamed the "Garfield cat".
The Exotic Shorthair has the Persian's looks (round cheeks, flat face, round body) but a short, dense coat that doesn't need daily brushing — it's the "short-haired Persian".
Relatively laid-back. Exotic Shorthairs are gentle and quiet, like to sleep next to their owner and have low activity levels, which suits indoor living.
Easier than the Persian. The Exotic Shorthair's short coat doesn't mat easily and brushing 1-2 times a week is enough, but the facial folds and eyes need regular cleaning.
Flat-faced breeds are prone to tear staining, breathing problems and dental problems; clean the eyes regularly, control weight, and choose a reputable breeder when buying.
Exotic Shorthair articles
5 articles
Exotic Shorthair Lifespan: How Long Do They Live? A Hong Kong Guide to Longer, Healthier Lives
How long do Exotic Shorthairs live? This guide covers the average lifespan range, how the flat face and polycystic kidney disease affect longevity, six key factors, health screening by life stage, an actionable checklist to help your flat-faced cat live longer, plus a medical disclaimer.
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Exotic Shorthair Personality & Intelligence | A Guide to Hong Kong's Quiet, Smart Cat
Is the Exotic Shorthair gentle? Are cat intelligence rankings worth anything? This article breaks down the Exotic Shorthair's personality traits, real-world intelligence, how they get along with children and other pets, male vs female differences, and a straight answer to searches like 'the least intelligent cat'. Includes a personality trait comparison table and interaction tips to help you decide if this flat-faced cat suits your family.
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Exotic Shorthair Disadvantages: 8 Honest Points Hong Kong Owners Must Know
Are Exotic Shorthairs easy to care for? PetChill's editorial team honestly lists 8 widely recognised drawbacks of the Exotic Shorthair: flat-face breathing issues, tear staining, easy weight gain, genetic polycystic kidney disease, low activity, heat sensitivity, high medical costs and training difficulty, with practical solutions and cost guidance for each. Anyone searching for British Shorthair disadvantages should read this too, as the pain points overlap heavily.
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Exotic Shorthair Hong Kong Care Guide｜Humidity Protection for Flat-Faced Cats & Heat Relief
Are Exotic Shorthairs easy to keep in Hong Kong? This article addresses the real challenges of flat-faced breeds: summer heat relief and respiratory risks, humidity protection and skin care during the returning-south damp season, cat-keeping restrictions under public housing and building deeds of mutual covenant, indoor environment setup and a seasonal management table — all in one clear explanation of the living conditions you should assess before considering buying a cat in Hong Kong, helping both you and your cat live with peace of mind.
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Exotic Shorthair Price & Adoption Guide | Hong Kong Buying Market 2026
Exotic Shorthair prices in Hong Kong are about HK$10,000–18,000 (pet grade) and HK$18,000–35,000 (pedigree), with special colours costing more. This guide covers how Exotic Shorthair prices compare with British Shorthair, adoption routes via SPCA/IRC/RCAP, free-adoption traps, a five-document breeder checklist and monthly cost estimates, so you can work out the full cost before bringing home a flat-faced cat.
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