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Persian
Origin
Iran
Height
8"- 10"
Adult Weight
8-15 pounds
Life Span
14-15 years
TEMPERAMENT
Sweet, gentle, quiet, charming
OTHER NAMES
Persian longhair
Group
Medium to large long-haired
Price
$1300 - $3000
Personality and Temperament
A thick, luxurious coat is only one of the wonderful qualities of the Persian cat. Persian cats bring joy to their families because of their loving personalities and gentle yet playful antics.
If you’re looking for a cat that isn’t into impressive displays of athleticism, the Persian might be the perfect breed for you. These cats love to lounge, particularly after they reach adulthood. Perhaps that’s why some people call them furniture with fur. Don’t be fooled by this reputation, though. These cats do exhibit a playful streak, particularly when their people are interested in joining the fun.
Not prone to excessive mischief, Persians are quiet and well-behaved pets. They aren’t into opening drawers and cupboards like their Oriental cousins, and unlike some other breeds such as Siamese and Savannahs, Persians usually don’t like walking on leashes and playing fetch. However, they are intelligent cats, capable of learning your routine, greeting you, and of course, curling up for snuggles as part of a daily routine.
Even though Persians are expert-level cuddlers, they are not terribly demanding. If you’re looking for a cat that is happy to nap while you’re gone, and will cheerfully accompany you through your evening routine, you’ll definitely want to give thePersian a second look.
Last but not least, despite having something of a frou-frou reputation, Persians make excellent family pets. They have the ability to get along well with children, other cats, and even dogs.
Care
Because Persian cats have a tendency to suffer from obesity, it’s vital to offer them a high-protein, low carbohydrate diet that relies on real meat or fish as the main ingredient. Consider choosing a food that contains added Omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
The Persian cat requires daily grooming sessions to prevent tangles that could eventually form painful mats in its ultra-fine undercoat. Brushing and combing a Persian cat is no simple task. It’s vital to comb down to the skin and not just brush along the top of the coat or you might miss tangles. This process is time-consuming, so some Persian cat owners opt to have their cat’s bellies shaved or clip the entire coat into a lion trim for easier maintenance.
Persian cats also have facial folds that require cleaning once or twice per day, depending on whether the cat is prone to a lot of eye discharge. In addition, brush your Persian cat’s teeth daily, and trim the nails every few weeks.
Persian cats need exercise, but take care not to overdo it, especially in warm weather. Have fun playing with feather wands and lasers, but watch the pace of play and take a break if your Persian cat doesn’t starts panting or suffering from shortness of breath.
The Persian is a brachycephalic cat breed, which means it has a push-in face. With the Persian’s flattened face come some known health issues, including shortness of breath and overheating during exercise or in warm temperatures. Other health issues associated with flat-faced breeds are an elongated soft palate, narrow trachea, stenotic nares, and everted laryngeal saccules. Persian cats are also prone to allergies, which is a common issue for all brachycephalic cat breeds.
Characteristics
Affection Level
80%
Activity Level
20%
Pet-Friendly
80%
Kid-Friendly
80%
Sociability
80%
Intelligence
40%
Playfulness
60%
Independence
40%
Vocality
20%
Grooming
100%
History
The Persian is an ancient breed, with a history that spans thousands of years. These cats—or cats with a similar appearance—can be seen on hieroglyphics that date back to approximately 1684 BC. However, the exact origins of the breed are unknown since we have no written history this far back.
Sometime during the 1600s, an Italian composer and adventurer named Pietro della Valle described Persian cats from the Khorazan region of Persia, noting that most had long, silky, gray coats. His manuscript, known as Voyages de Pietro della Valle, mentions that the cats made their way to Persia from India with Portuguese travelers.
With frequent travel came additional imports: both Persian and Angora cats made their way to France and England. In England, they were called French cats and they quickly gained popularity for their unique appearance and friendly personalities.
By the 1900s, Persian cats—then known as Persian Longhairs or simply as Longhairs—outpaced Angoras in terms of popularity, perhaps because Queen Victoria had two blue Persians and people of the day were heavily influenced by the Queen’s personal tastes.
Today, Persians are renowned as North America’s most popular cat breed. The Persian is recognized by cat breed registries worldwide.
The Breed Standard
Body
The Persian is well-rounded, yet well-balanced, with a cobby body type and good muscle tone. Most Persians are of medium to large size, with males typically weighing more than females.
Head
The head is large and round, and sits on a short neck. Viewed in profile, the Persian cat’s forehead, nose, and chin appear to be vertically aligned, with the eyes taking on a prominent appearance.
Eyes
The eyes are large, round, and full, with brilliant coloring. Persian cat eye color complements coat color.
Ears
The ears are small, with a slightly forward tilt. The tips are round, and furnishings are ample.
Legs & Paws
The legs are short and thick, with an appearance of strength. The paws are round, with prominent tufts between the toes.
Tail
The tail is short, yet well-proportioned, creating balance with the cat’s body. Hair creates a full, brush effect.
Coat
The coat is long and thick, with a fine texture. A prominent ruff that extends to form a frill between the front legs is desirable.
Color
Persian cats may be of nearly any color or pattern imaginable. Some registries separate Himalayans (colorpoint Persians) from other colors and patterns. Nose leather and paw pad color complement the coat color.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Persian cat cost?
Pet-quality Persian kittens usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000.
How big do Persian cats get?
Adult Persian cats are medium to large in size. According to the Persian cat breed standard, the body type is cobby, which means they are low on the legs, broad and deep though the chest, and massive across the shoulders and rump.
How long do Persian cats live?
The average life span for Persian cat is 12 to 20 years.
Do Persian cats shed?
Persian cats have very thick, profuse, long coats that can shed quite a bit. The daily brushing and combing that’s required to keep the coat free from mats and tangles can help cut down on how much hair a Persian sheds, but still expect a lot of shed hair in the house.