Persian Origins
The Persian cat was once traded for goods and valued for its beauty and temperament, aiding the beautiful, longhaired cat’s journey across the world. The breed is thought to have originated in Persia, known today as Iran, but there are also hieroglyphics on pyramid walls that resemble the Persian cat. Today, it is the most popular breed of cat and is easily recognized, highly sought after, and greatly treasured by those who are fortunate enough to be owned one.
The most common characteristics of the Persian cat are:
- Long, soft hair
- Strong, cobby build
- Large, expressive eyes
- Chubby cheeks
- High nose, which creates the “smushy” face type
- Low, rounded ears
- Wide, round head
- Complete Persian Breed Standard
They come in a wide range of colors that the Cat Fancier’s Association has broken down into different divisions for registration and show. The different color categories of Persians are:
- Solid Color
- Silver and Golden
- Shaded and Smoke
- Tabby Division
- Particolor
- Bicolor
- Himalayan
Persian Temperament
The Persian is as well known for its temperament as for its beauty. They make wonderful family pets because they adapt so easily to their environment. Their cobby body style keeps them from high jumping (usually). This breed is the most calm and docile of all cat breeds but is also loving and affectionate, though they don’t demand your undivided attention and aren’t the pushy sort. Persians aren’t a very vocal breed and tend to be fairly quiet, though I find my Himalayans quite chatty. Persians tend to be accepting of other animals in the family.
Grooming Persians
The fact that the Persian requires a large amount of grooming hasn’t affected their popularity, though if you adopt a Persian, you have to be willing to do daily brushing and face washing and give your cat a monthly bath. Many people who love the breed but aren’t interested in the amount of grooming it takes, or who suffer from allergies but still long for a Persian companion, opt for the lion cut for their feline friend. Even with the lion cut, your Persian will still need eye care and monthly baths. The Persian is not a low-maintenance breed! Your Persian must be an indoor pet!
The Himalayan, a color pointed Persian, was created by breeding the Persian to the Siamese, which made for a coat that is easier to care for. Himalayans aren’t quite as prone to matting and require less brushing, though a daily comb-thru is a good idea. The Exotic Persian has thick, plush fur that is much easier to maintain.
Persian Health
The Persian is a hardy, healthy breed of cat. Some of the more extreme-faced cats may have some respiratory problems and are prone to more tearing than Persians with a lower nose. Many Himalayan breeders also breed specifically for the doll face cat, which has a lower nose, decreasing tearing. You can also find doll face Persians.
If you have any questions about this wonderful breed or want to share your stories or pictures of your Persian, join us in the discussion area! If you are considering a Persian for your family, please consider the Persian Cat Rescue or one of the many beautiful adoptables from Petfinder.com.
