The Exotic Shorthair is a relatively new cat breed. Sometimes called a Persian in a petticoat, this lovable cat was developed in the 1950s, when cat breeder Carolyn Bussey attempted to create a brown Persian by crossing a Persian cat with a Burmese. Although the resulting kittens were black in color, they were absolutely adorable and Bussey knew that she was on to something.
In 1967, the Cat Fanciers Association granted the Exotic Shorthair championship status. In 1971, CFA’s grand champion was an exotic Shorthair and the breed continued to gain popularity.
By 1975, the Exotic Shorthair gene pool was large enough for breeders to stop outcrossing with Burmese and American Shorthairs. Today, all pedigreed Exotic Shorthair cats are the result of pairings between registered Exotic Shorthair parents.
If you think that these cats look like shorthaired Persians, you’re right! According to CFA, they meet all Persian breed standards, with the exception of their short coat.