Grooming Tips for Exotic Shorthairs: Keeping That Plush Coat Perfect
Exotic Shorthairs are known for their teddy bear faces, expressive eyes, and soft, plush coats. While they’re often called the “low-maintenance Persian,” these adorable cats still benefit from regular grooming to stay clean, mat-free, and cuddle-ready.
Whether you're a new Exotic Shorthair kitten owner or brushing up on breed-specific care, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your squishy-faced companion looking their best.
How Often Should You Brush an Exotic Shorthair?
Although Exotic Shorthairs have shorter fur than Persians, their dense double coat can trap dirt and shed more than you might expect.
Brushing daily is ideal—and our kittens leave our home well-accustomed to it! But brushing at least 3–4 times per week will help:
Prevent tangles or mats (especially around the neck, behind the ears, and under the front legs)
Minimize shedding and reduce hairballs
Keep their coat shiny, soft, and healthy
Use a stainless steel comb made for short-haired cats. Start slowly and make brushing a calm, enjoyable bonding routine. Although the stainless steel butter comb is the best for daily combing we start our combing our very young kittens with a light plastic comb, by 12 - 14 weeks they graduate to the steel comb. We make sure to handle the kittens touching and combing all the places so they tolerate being combed in all the places, the belly, the head, and under the chin and tail.
Managing Seasonal Shedding
Your Exotic Shorthair may shed more heavily in spring and fall, depending on your climate. During these times, increase grooming to daily sessions. A lint roller for your clothes and furniture will be your best friend—and regular bathing will help control loose fur.
Older cats will “blow coat” 1 - 2 times a year. This is more intense shedding and requires more combing. That’s when we take it outside and let the fur fly. Felix loves it and stays right by my side.
Cleaning Their Face: Those Squishy Sweet Faces Need Help!
One of the breed’s most endearing features—the flat, brachycephalic face—also means they’re prone to tear staining and mild facial discharge.
Wipe your kitten’s face once or twice daily with a warm, damp cloth or unscented pet-safe wipes. Focus on:
Tear stains beneath the eyes
Folds around the nose and cheeks
Corners of the mouth
This keeps their face clean, prevents skin irritation, and reduces staining. If tear stains persist, a vet-approved tear stain powder can help keep things looking fresh and dry.
I love this blueberry facial product by Lavish for bathing or just to use for a quick face wash during the week.
Bathing: How Often Should You Bathe an Exotic Shorthair?
Products change a lot depending on the coat color.
Most Exotic Shorthairs only need a bath about once a month, unless they get into something messy or have particularly oily skin (which is more common in males).
Show kittens and cats may need weekly baths during show season.
Tips for a successful bath:
Use a gentle, cat-safe shampoo
Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue
Gently towel-dry and use a low setting on the hairdryer if your cat tolerates it. There are many specialty dryers for pets depending on your needs. I do like a box dryer when I am not showing and we start using the dryer with our kittens very young. I place kittens with mom in the dryer at the same time at first so they get used to the process. If this is a new experience for your kitten or cat you might want to start out for only a couple minutes at at time.
If all else fails, let them air dry in a warm, draft-free spot
Starting young and keeping the routine positive helps them accept bathing more easily.
Nail Trimming and Ear Care
Nail trimming: Every 2–3 weeks. If you're nervous about cutting too far, just trim a little at a time—more often is better than cutting too close. With practice, you’ll feel more confident. Watch this helpful video by Chewy on nail trimming for beginners. Here.
Ear checks: Once a week. Only clean the ears if you notice dirt, wax, or redness. Use a warm, damp cloth or a vet-recommended ear cleaner and a cotton pad. Avoid cotton swabs, which can damage the ear canal. Many owners find this is easiest to do during bath time.
When to Call a Professional Groomer
If your kitten has a mat you can’t safely remove or becomes very stressed during grooming, call a professional groomer who is familiar with flat-faced breeds like Exotic Shorthairs. I can try to recommend someone or your vet may be able to recommend someone local. I would never recommend shaving the coat, nor should your groomer. Coats act like a natural insulator protecting against both the heat and the cold. Shaving an Exotic Shorthairs coat also will compromise the natural beauty and the coat will not return to the natural texture or density it once had. Routine combing will ensure a beautiful coat.
Ready for show!!