What is the difference between a Exotic Shorthair and a Russian Blue?

The Exotic Shorthair is 7–12 lbs sized while the Russian Blue is 7–12 lbs sized. They differ in size (7–12 lbs vs 7–12 lbs), lifespan (8–15 years vs 15–20 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Exotic Shorthair or Russian Blue?

Exotic Shorthair is generally good with kids. Russian Blue is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Exotic Shorthair or Russian Blue?

The Exotic Shorthair has a lifespan of 8–15 years while the Russian Blue has a lifespan of 15–20 years.

Exotic Shorthair vs Russian Blue — Breed Comparison

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.

About the Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed believed to have originated in the port city of Arkhangelsk (Archangel) in northern Russia, arriving in Europe aboard trade ships in the 1860s. This medium-sized cat weighs 7–12 pounds and is renowned for its dense, plush double coat of uniform blue-gray with silver-tipped guard hairs that give it a luminous shimmer. Its vivid emerald-green eyes, wedge-shaped head, and enigmatic "Mona Lisa smile" complete an unmistakably elegant look.

Temperament & Personality

Russian Blues are gentle, reserved cats that are intensely loyal to their families yet cautious around strangers. They are creatures of habit who thrive on routine — eating at the same time, playing in the same spots, and sleeping in their preferred perch. Once bonded, they are affectionate and playful, often fetching toys and entertaining themselves with quiet grace.

Pros

Produces lower levels of the Fel d 1 allergen — better tolerated by some allergy sufferers
Dense double coat is low-shedding and virtually maintenance-free
Quiet and well-mannered — rarely destructive or excessively vocal
Long-lived breed with few genetic health issues — many reach 15–20 years

Cons

Shy and reserved with strangers — may hide during gatherings or parties
Sensitive to change — can become stressed by moves, new pets, or schedule disruptions
Prone to overeating and weight gain if food is left out freely
Can be slow to warm up to new family members or housemates

Charmed by those emerald eyes and silver-tipped fur? Find Russian Blue cats ready for their forever homes on Puplister.

Exotic Shorthair vs Russian Blue