| Abyssinian | Exotic Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 9-13 years | 8-15 years |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Weight | 8-12 lb | 8-15 lb |
| Energy | Very high | Low |
| Grooming | Low | Moderate |
| Shedding | Low | Moderate |
| With kids | With supervision | With supervision |
Abyssinians are one of the most perpetually active cat breeds that exists and generally dislike being held or restrained, which is the opposite of what most people picture when a breeder describes a 'friendly, people-oriented' cat.
The Exotic Shorthair is a Persian in a plush short coat, bred to the same extreme flat-faced standard, which means it inherits the same brachycephalic breathing problems, tear-duct overflow, and elevated polycystic kidney disease risk as the Persian — buyers who pick this breed specifically to avoid 'Persian problems' are mistaken about what they're avoiding.
Abyssinian ·
Exotic Shorthair
Health problems, origin and what living with each is actually like.