Shorthair Persians (Exotic Shorthairs): What to Know Before Buying a Kitten

Updated

"Shorthair Persian" is the common nickname for the Exotic Shorthair — a cat bred to have the Persian's flat face, round body, and calm temperament, but with a short, easy-care coat instead of a long one. If you want a Persian-type cat without daily grooming, this is the breed to look at. Before you buy, the two things that matter most are health testing (especially PKD) and whether the breeder is a genuine show/health-focused cattery or a kitten mill. This guide covers how to tell the difference and what to ask.

Exotic Shorthair vs. Persian: the real differences

Trait Exotic Shorthair ("shorthair Persian") Persian
Coat Short, plush, dense Long, requires daily combing
Grooming Weekly brushing is usually enough Daily grooming, mats if neglected
Face/body Same flat face and cobby build Same flat face and cobby build
Temperament Calm, affectionate, quiet Calm, affectionate, quiet
Registry Shown in CFA as its own breed Shown in CFA as its own breed

The key point: they are separate breeds that share Persian ancestry and type. A breeder who crosses quality Exotic Shorthair and Persian lines — as Purfurvid Cattery describes doing — is working within that shared heritage, not selling you a "mixed" cat.

Health checks to ask about before you commit

  • PKD (polycystic kidney disease) DNA testing. This is the single most important health question for Persian-type cats. Purfurvid states that all its cats are DNA PKD negative. Ask any breeder for the same, and ask whether it's a DNA test result or just a verbal claim.
  • Registration. Purfurvid registers and shows exclusively in CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association). Confirm which registry the kitten's papers come from and whether the breeder actually shows.
  • Titles in the pedigree. Look for titles like GC (Grand Champion), GP (Grand Premier), DM (Distinguished Merit), and National/Regional Winner. These indicate the lines have been evaluated by judges, not just bred for sale.
  • Cattery standing. Purfurvid is a CFA Cattery of Distinction and its owner is a member of the CFA Exotic Breed Council and CFA Persian Breed Council. Membership in breed councils is a reasonable signal of engagement with the breed community.

How to spot a reputable breeder vs. a kitten mill

A reputable Exotic Shorthair breeder will:

  • Show their cats and can name recent wins or titles. Purfurvid's news page, for example, documents specific titled cats (e.g., a Grand Premier titled at 8 years old, and multiple Grand Champions from the same litter) with dates and show locations.
  • Test for PKD and state results plainly.
  • Specialize. Purfurvid focuses on the bicolor/calico division of Exotics and Persians — a narrow, deliberate program rather than mass production.
  • Ask you questions too — about your home, whether you want a pet vs. show/breeding kitten. Purfurvid's signup form even asks whether you're interested only in show/breeding kittens.
  • Let you see the cats and the environment, or provide verifiable references.

Warning signs: no health testing mentioned, no registry papers, kittens available "now" in many colors, no show history, and reluctance to let you visit or video-call.

Questions to ask about pedigree, show lines, and color

Before committing, ask:

  1. What registry are the parents registered in, and can I see the pedigree?
  2. Are the parents PKD DNA tested, and can I see the results?
  3. What titles appear in the pedigree (GC, GP, DM, National/Regional Winner)?
  4. What division/color is this kitten — bicolor, calico, or solid?
  5. Do you show your cats? Where and when?
  6. What health guarantee comes with the kitten?

If the breeder specializes in a division (like bicolor/calico), ask how the kitten's color pattern is expected to develop, since bicolor and calico markings can shift as a kitten matures.

What to expect when bringing one home

  • Grooming is genuinely easier than a Persian — weekly brushing rather than daily.
  • Flat-faced breeds need attention to eye and face cleaning, and you should discuss breathing and dental care with your vet.
  • Costs vary widely by pedigree, titles, color, and whether the kitten is pet or show quality. Purfurvid's site does not list prices, so ask the breeder directly rather than assuming a figure.
  • Waitlists are normal at show-focused catteries. Purfurvid offers an email alert when its "Available" page updates — a sign that kittens are released in batches, not constantly.

Bottom line

A "shorthair Persian" is an Exotic Shorthair: Persian type, short coat, easier grooming. Buy from a breeder who DNA-tests for PKD, registers in a recognized body like CFA, shows their cats, and specializes — and who asks you questions in return. Verify titles and test results yourself, ask about the specific color division, and get the health guarantee in writing before you pay a deposit.