An even-tempered cat, the Persian is known to enjoy a sunny window and show sudden bursts of kitten-like energy.
The Persian is not known for a high degree of energetic exercise, so attention must be paid to weight management.
Weight range:
Male: large: >5 kgs.
Female: medium: 3-5 kg.
Eye colour:
Blue, Copper, Green, Hazel, Odd-eyed
Expectations:
Life Expectancy: 8-11 yrs.
Social/Attention Needs: Moderate
Tendency to Shed: High
Coat:
Length: Long
Characteristics: Silky
Colours: White, Red, Cream, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Silver, Golden, Cameo, Tortoiseshell, Blue-cream, Brown, Calico, Seal
Pattern: Solid Colour, Tortoiseshell, Bicolour, Tricolour/Calico, Tabby, Smoke, Shaded, Points
Less Allergenic: No
Overall Grooming Needs: High
Club recognition:
Cat Association Recognition:
CFA, ACFA , FIFe, TICA
Prevalence: Common
The Persian is usually a medium-sized cat. Heavily boned with masses of fur they can appear larger than they really are.
The Persian is an extreme-looking breed. The body is short but thick, with thick legs and a short thick neck. The tail is short and the ears are small. The head is round with large, round eyes. When viewed in profile the face is flat and the nose changes direction so that what is seen is mostly is the coloured flesh on the nose.
The coat on a Persian is thick, full and long. It is fine, but should be lustrous and glossy.
Personality:
The Persian is a placid cat that exhibits bursts of kitten-like activity. They will be sleeping in the sun and will then suddenly explode, running around the room and rolling around.
The Persian will stretch out next to you, sleep in your bed, and sit on your lap when in the mood. They don’t mind changes in routine and is generally friendly with anyone and everyone.
Living With:
The Persian needs to have their nutrition controlled to stay in good condition. The breed is not known for a high degree of energetic exercise, so attention must be paid to both nutrition and regular exercise. While Persians like to play with their parents and will play with interactive toys, chase balls, and attack catnip mice, you might have to keep after them to exercise daily.
The Persian coat requires attention daily. The coat must be brushed and combed in order to keep from tangling. In addition, the flat face must be cleaned regularly and carefully as tear stains can be deposited on the face.
History:
The Persian is an ancient breed of cat and, as with other ancient breeds, the history is a bit clouded. Long haired cats were in Italy in the 1500s. These cats were imported from Asia. In the 17th century, Pietro della Valle brought a cat from Persia to Italy to add to the breeding programme. This cat may well have been a cat known in Persia as the Sand cat, a cat who lived in the desert. This sand cat had a woolly coat, much like a steel soap pad, to protect from the environment and permit them to live in the sand.
About a hundred years later, Nicolas de Pereisc acquired some long haired cats. These cats came from Turkey, which is also the home to the Turkish angora, a different breed of long haired cat. In the 19th century, the descendants of these Turkish cats were bred with some of the cats from Italy, and that was the beginning of the modern Persian. Although this breed is ancient, it is also man made.
The popularity of the Persian was enhanced when Queen Victoria and other royals fell in love with this stunning breed. They were introduced into the United States at the end of the 19th century, where they were soon popular.
