ORIGIN
Iran
HEIGHT
25-38 cm
LIFE SPAN
14-15 years
ADULT WEIGHT
3-5 kg
TEMPERAMENT
Sweet, gentle, quiet, charming
GROUP
Medium to large long-haired
OTHER NAMES
Persian longhair
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.
Persian Care
Essential Care Strategies for Your Persian
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.
1. Grooming
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.
2. Nutrition
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.
3. Exercise
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 starts panting or suffering from shortness of breath.
Persians appreciate cat towers and window shelves that offer them a good view of everything that's happening in the household and neighborhood, and they like to sink their claws into scratchers, too. Just like other cats, Persians love to play with toys including catnip mice, interesting balls, and little stuffed animals.
4. Health
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.
