The Persian cat breed is a semi-long-haired breed of cat. The Persian is one of the most popular breeds of cat in Britain, Europe, and America. It is also called an ‘English Longhair’ or simply just ‘Longhair.’
Persians are placid, but sometimes they can be snappish when they don’t get their way.
| Persian Cat Breed | |
|---|---|
|
Height |
10 - 15 inches ( 25 - 38 cm) |
|
Weight |
7 - 13 pounds (3 - 6 kg) |
|
Life span |
10 - 15+ years |
|
Temperament |
Affectionate |
|
Intelligence |
Medium |
|
Playfulness |
Medium |
|
Activity level |
Calm |
|
Coat length
|
Long |
|
Origin |
Iran (Persia) |
History of Persian Cats
The first longhaired cats were brought to Europe from the near East in the 1600s, and it is believed that they were longhaired Angora types, but it didn’t take long before Europeans selectively bred them for longer and longer fur. The earliest record of a longhaired cat in England was in 1843 when one was exhibited at a cat show.
The first person to give a Persian-type cat the name “Persian” was Harrison Weir in 1889. At first, he had to use “Angora” because the term Persian wasn’t popular yet.
People began breeding Persians in America around 1890, and they started competing at American cat shows in 1895.
In Britain, The National Cat Club recognized them as early as 1894. Today Persians are one of the most popular cat breeds worldwide and one of the most popular breeds in many countries for show competition.
Breed standards: TICA.
Physical Characteristics of Persian Cats
Persians have round faces with short noses and large eyes. They usually weigh between 7 and 13 pounds. They have thick, soft fur with long hair. The topcoat is dull-looking and sometimes wavy.
The undercoat is dense, fine, and woolly in texture. Persians are classified into four Persian type divisions: Applehead, Dollface, Long head(also called the “Peke-faced”), and the more recent Ultra-type. Each division has certain breed-defining physical traits. Physical Characteristics of Applehead Persians
Apple heads are the oldest of the Persian type divisions. The name was coined because their round faces make them look like apples in their cheeks or always smiling. They have large, round eyes and short noses with open nostrils. Their heads can be almost too round.
Temperament
Persians are known for their calm, placid temperaments. They can be very loyal at times, but they can get grumpy from time to time. They love sitting on laps but do not like being picked up. Persians get along well with children and other pets, but some can get grumpy if they are played with roughly or yelled at.
Persian cats tend to be less active than most breeds of cats. They would rather sit on a lap for hours than run around and get into trouble. This makes them popular as pets. But some people think that this is laziness.
What Persian cats need?
Persian cat care does not require any unusual living spaces, despite their resemblance to fashion models. This medium-energy breed will be equally content in a tiny apartment or a large house. Persians will enjoy using a cat tree to climb on, but depending on your pet’s specific needs, it may not be necessary – not all of these cats are climbers.
While they may not need a cat tree, Persian cats still enjoy perching on high places where they can survey their territory. If you have several Persians in your home, make sure to provide them with multiple elevated areas like the top of the refrigerator, bookcases, or even your shoulder.
What do Persians eat?
Persians are picky eaters. Some Persians will only eat expensive special brands of cat food. Persians almost always prefer dry food over wet. They may only eat the bottom few bits of their wet food and leave the rest.
Persians usually like chasing and eating insects, but they make good indoor cats as long as they receive regular exercise and playtime outside their cage.
Some Persian Cats Are Prone To These Health Issues
Hereditary polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common health problems in Persian cats, but the condition can also occur in non-pedigree cats.
PKD is a condition in which cysts cluster on the kidneys, leading to eventual kidney failure. It has also been reported in some Persian lines that are more prone to PKD than others, but the exact mode of inheritance has yet to be established.
Eye problems can be another concern with this breed. Persians are susceptible to a wide range of eye problems. They include tearing, squinting, swollen eyelids, cloudiness of the cornea, cherry-eye, protrusion of the third eyelid, inward-growing eyelashes that rub on the cornea, and retinal atrophy.
The breed’s other health concerns include spinal disc problems, hip dysplasia, gingivitis, and dental malocclusion.
Proper Persian Cat Care
Exercise for young Persians is desirable but not necessary. As they age, however, health conditions may require more exercise than an owner can provide. Many will be content roaming a house as long as they have a sunny window perch to survey the world.
Be sure to provide your Persian with high-quality cat food that meets his dietary needs.
What Is The Average Size Of A Persian Cat?
The average weight of a female is 11 – 13 pounds (5 – 6 kg), and the average weight of a male is around 11 – 14 pounds (5 – 7 kg). Persian cats typically live for 15 years or more.
Common Persian Cat Colors
The most common colors for a Persian cat are brown tabby, chocolate tabby, black silver tabby, blue silver tabby, and cream. The other colors that a Persian can be are red tabby, tortoiseshell, flame point, black smoke, white, and colorpoint.
What Are Some Good Facts About Persian Cats?
Persians are very good at getting what they want. If you give them a treat or any food, be sure to watch it because some Persians will eat your food and look for more. So keep an eye on them!
They also like to lounge around and take naps. They are very good companions for their owners. They are very calm and easygoing around people, but they can be aggressive around other cats. Just make sure to provide them with toys so that way they don’t fight with other cats.
Persians are also very loyal to their owners if you treat them the right way. If you don’t, they will not like you. Just make sure to give them lots of love and affection!
They are very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. You only need to comb them about once a week or so. All you need is a regular brush for this breed!
Best Persian Cat toys
Persian cats love to play. Some of their favorite toys include things like balls, string, flopping fish, and ping-pong balls.
Persian cats love to play with their owners. They are very low maintenance when it comes to grooming, too! A good owner will make sure they have a lot of toys for them, though.
Many Persian cat owners give their cats the best things in life soft beds to sleep on, tasty food, and lots of toys that stimulate their senses. Persians do well with catnip if it is applied sparingly or rubbed into their paws gently.
Are our Persian cats friendly?
Persians are friendly, but they like to do things their way. If you want a Persian cat that follows your every command and listens well, then get a Russian Blue.
Do Persians like water?
Most Persians don’t like water and will run and hide when the bathroom faucet is turned on or when they are being hosed down outside.
Do Persians have vision problems?
Persian cats are characterized by their large, round eyes, prone to various health problems. Some of the conditions include corneal ulcers, cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal atrophy.
Do Persian cats like to cuddle?
Yes, Persians are very affectionate cats. Just be careful when it is time for them to go outside or when they are in heat because male Persians can get quite “frisky” during this time.
How do I keep my Persian cat entertained?
The best way to keep your Persian entertained is by playing with them as much as possible. Try using a toy that moves or dangles on the floor so they can chase it across the room!
Do Persians cats like other cats?
Persian cats are extremely loving and affectionate, even with their kind. Some will even choose to be friends with cats that they didn’t grow up with.
Conclusion
Persian cats are very easy to maintain and care for. They also have low-maintenance grooming needs, so they’re perfect for people who don’t want a lot of hassle with their pet.
This breed is generally well-behaved around humans but may not always get along with other cats in the household. Persian breeds can live up to 15 years or more if cared for properly and given regular exercise outside their cage every day!
