Persians have big bones and short, broad bodies covered in long, flowing, luxurious hair. They come in so many colors and patterns that the breed is subdivided into seven categories for competition: solid, silver and golden, shaded and smoke, tabby, particolor, bicolor, and Himalayan. These cats have wide, round heads with sweet faces. Coloration of their round eyes varies by coat color. Persians have flat noses and their ears are small and rounded at the tips.
Individual cats sometimes live up to or more than 20 years with proper care, which includes an indoors-only life, a nutritious diet, daily exercise, annual veterinary well checks, and lots of affection.
This is a docile and affectionate breed, epitomizing the lap cat. While these cats have playful moods, Persians usually prefer to cuddle and lounge around, relaxing in style and striking poses. They desire attention but don't demand it, and they get along with calm children and animals. These cats are best suited to tranquil home environments, but they are adaptable enough for a more hectic household as long as their needs are met. They belong in homes where they have company most of the time. Persians are high-maintenance from a grooming perspective, requiring daily attention.
Persians are the most popular cat breed in North America and many other places around the world.
Persians are loyal and loving, though they're selective about who they bond with. They are likely to develop the closest relationship with one particular person in the home. They crave attention, but don't make pests of themselves or vocalize excessively. These cats much prefer a serene environment.
This breed has its playful moments, but it isn't particularly energetic or active. Persians don't jump or climb like many other cats, preferring to stay on the ground, in a lap, or draped across the couch. They aren't fond of hyperactive children or animals, but they love the company of other mellow people and pets.
Persians tend to be unhappy in homes where they're left alone for extended periods of time. They require a commitment to providing companionship, as well as to daily grooming. When a human family member is not around, another pet can make excellent company for the Persian.
Persians are a robust, healthy breed, and American breeders are careful to cultivate genetic lines with minimal risk of known hereditary conditions. Individual cats sometimes live up to or more than 20 years with proper care, which includes an indoors-only life, a nutritious diet, daily exercise, annual veterinary well checks, and lots of affection.
These cats have a genetic predisposition to certain health problems, but responsible breeding is making such problems increasingly rare. Only acquire Persians from a breeder who supplies proof of health screenings performed on kittens and their parents, a written guarantee of good health at the time of purchase, and references from satisfied customers.
Those conditions to which Persians are more susceptible include polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, bladder stones, bladder infections, and liver shunts. Also, snub-nosed cats like Persians may have breathing difficulties and can enter respiratory distress when stressed; snub-nosed cats are also heat-sensitive.
Persians enjoy interactive toys and play, but they spend most of their time relaxing. Lots of affectionate attention is important. These cats don't harass for attention, but they aren't independent by cat standards; their feelings become hurt when they feel neglected, and it shows in their expressive eyes.
This isn't to say Persians can't amuse themselves or spend time alone. However, adequate interaction is key to maintaining emotional health and good behavior. These cats can experience considerable separation anxiety. To minimize stress, using a pet sitter in the familiar home environment is preferable to boarding or leaving a Persian with a friend or relative.
While all cats are much safer indoors, Persians should never be allowed outside. They are too docile to defend themselves effectively against aggressive animals. Additionally, Persians' coats are high-maintenance enough without extra exposure to dirt and other foreign substances found outside.
There's no denying that Persians are a high-maintenance breed where grooming is concerned. Their coats should be brushed every day with a stainless steel comb to prevent tangles and matting and to control loose hairs. Mats and tangles can cause considerable discomfort or pain, and loose hairs get everywhere-including in the cat's digestive tract as hairballs. All Persians shed relatively heavily.
The texture of the individual's coat varies by coloration. Persians with softer hair are more prone to tangles and matting than those with silkier fur and require longer, more thorough grooming sessions.
Occasional bathing is generally recommended for Persians, and their coat should be blown dry on the lowest heat setting while combing continuously. Their pushed-in faces and large eyes make them prone to excessive tearing, but gently wiping beneath the eyes with a clean, damp cloth will prevent unsightly tear stains on the facial hair.
Much of this cat's history is shrouded in mystery. The breed takes its name from its suspected origins in Persia, or modern-day Iran. Its verifiable story begins in the first half of the 1600s, when an Italian traveler named Pietro della Valle brought some of these cats to Europe from the Middle East.
By the Victorian Era, this breed was quite popular in Britain. In fact, Queen Victoria herself owned two blue Persians, which made blue the most fashionable variation of the time. These cats appeared in the earliest cat shows, including the first modern cat show, held at the Crystal Palace in London in 1871.
Persians made their way to the US in the late 19th century, where they quickly achieved widespread popularity and eventually climbed to the number one spot on the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) list of most popular registered breeds. American breeders tweaked the British standard to create a domestic Persian with a unique appearance.
The CFA first recognized the Persian breed in 1914.
