Exotic Shorthair health guide
Also known as: Exotic, Shorthaired Persian, Garfield Cat
About this breed
The Exotic Shorthair is a short-coated Persian: sweet, quiet and flat-faced, with the eye, airway and kidney concerns that come with that face and family tree. Daily face care and kidney screening are the two pillars of Exotic health.
Living in Macau's climate
Flat faces cool poorly, so keep Exotics in ventilated or air-conditioned rooms through Macau's humid summer and never encourage vigorous play in heat. Tear overflow worsens in humidity; wipe and dry the facial folds daily to prevent infection.
Common health conditions
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Signs: Silent for years; eventually increased thirst, weight loss and poor appetite.
Prevention: A DNA test or ultrasound at a young age identifies it, and early diet change slows progression.
Brachycephalic airway and eye problems
Signs: Snoring, noisy breathing, tear staining and squinting from shallow eye sockets.
Prevention: Keep weight lean, avoid heat stress, and treat any squinting or eye cloudiness as urgent.
Tear duct overflow and face fold dermatitis
Signs: Brown tear streaks and smelly, inflamed facial folds.
Prevention: Daily wiping and drying of the folds prevents most infections.
Dental and jaw crowding
Signs: Bad breath, tartar and misaligned teeth in the short jaw.
Prevention: Dental checks at each annual visit and cleaning as advised.
Daily care tips
- Wipe and dry the face folds every day.
- Ask about PKD screening at the first visit.
- Keep summer environments cool and calm; this face was not built for heat.
- Treat squinting eyes as same-day urgent, as in all flat-faced breeds.
Screening schedule
8 to 16 weeks
Vaccination course with airway, eye and PKD screening discussion.
1 to 6 years
Annual exam with eye, dental and heart check.
7 years and up
Twice-yearly senior checks with kidney blood work and blood pressure.
Book a breed-savvy check-up
Our vets see Exotic Shorthair patients every week and know exactly what to screen for. Call +853 6677 6611 or book online.
Book a check-upRelated breeds
This guide is general information for the breed as a whole and does not replace an examination of your individual pet. When in doubt, always call the clinic.
Reviewed by the Royal Veterinary Center veterinary team.