Bombay vs Exotic Shorthair

Which cat breed is right for you?

Bombay

Size
6–11 lbs
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Affectionate Playful Social Intelligent

Exotic Shorthair

Size
7–12 lbs
Lifespan
8–15 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Calm Affectionate Gentle Playful

About the Bombay

The Bombay was created in the 1950s by breeder Nikki Horner in Louisville, Kentucky, who crossed sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs to produce a cat resembling a miniature black panther. This medium-sized breed weighs 6–11 pounds and has a compact, muscular build with a sleek, jet-black coat. Every feature is black — from their glossy, patent-leather-like fur to their nose leather and paw pads — contrasted only by their striking copper or gold eyes.

Temperament & Personality

Bombays are outgoing, attention-loving cats that thrive on being the center of their family's world. They are remarkably adaptable and get along well with children, dogs, and other cats — often becoming the social director of the household. Their intelligence and trainability make them excellent candidates for learning tricks, and they are known for greeting visitors at the door.

Pros

  • Sleek, low-shedding coat requires minimal grooming
  • Dog-like personality — enjoys fetch, leash walks, and greeting guests
  • Highly adaptable to apartment living and urban environments
  • Craves warmth and is an enthusiastic lap cat and bed companion

Cons

  • Can be excessively needy — does not tolerate being ignored well
  • Prone to craniofacial defects and breathing issues inherited from Burmese lines
  • Overeats easily and is highly prone to obesity
  • May become demanding and vocal when seeking attention

Fall in love with the sleek elegance of the Bombay — find your perfect match among adoptable cats on Puplister.

About the Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair was developed in the 1950s–1960s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs to create a Persian with a more manageable coat — essentially a "lazy man's Persian." This medium-to-large breed weighs 7–14 pounds and shares the Persian's flat face, round eyes, small ears, and stocky build. Their dense, plush coat stands away from the body like a teddy bear's and comes in all Persian colors and patterns — though it is far shorter and easier to maintain than the Persian's flowing mane.

Temperament & Personality

Exotic Shorthairs are sweet, gentle, and calm — they have the Persian's placid temperament with a slightly more playful edge inherited from their American Shorthair ancestry. They are quietly affectionate, preferring to sit near or on their favorite person without being demanding. They do well with gentle children and calm pets, making them ideal for relaxed households.

Pros

  • All the beauty of a Persian with far less grooming — weekly brushing suffices
  • Calm, gentle temperament — perfect for apartments and quiet homes
  • Affectionate and loyal without being demanding or vocal
  • Plush teddy-bear appearance is universally appealing

Cons

  • Brachycephalic (flat-faced) — prone to breathing difficulties, tear staining, and dental crowding
  • Susceptible to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) inherited from Persian lines
  • Eyes and facial folds require daily cleaning to prevent infections
  • Can be heat-sensitive due to shortened nasal passages

Love the Persian look without the grooming commitment? Find Exotic Shorthairs on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bombay and a Exotic Shorthair?
The Bombay is 6–11 lbs sized while the Exotic Shorthair is 7–12 lbs sized. They differ in size (6–11 lbs vs 7–12 lbs), lifespan (12–16 years vs 8–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Bombay or Exotic Shorthair?
Bombay is generally good with kids. Exotic Shorthair is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Bombay or Exotic Shorthair?
The Bombay has a lifespan of 12–16 years while the Exotic Shorthair has a lifespan of 8–15 years.

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