Persian Origins
Persian cat breed is the glamorous cat breeds of the cat world and has the appearance and look that is extremely stylish. The features that make the Persian cat attractive are their beautiful and flowing coat, cute facial expression, and calm and peaceful personality. All the above features add to the appearance and attractiveness of Persians, which is the prime reason for their popularity. With all great looks and features these cats have a few drawbacks that include high maintenance and health issues.
Persian cat are the oldest cat breeds and have been around for 125 years and have enjoyed the supremacy in the cat world and among cat fanciers (CFA). First, developed by the British, this cat breed improved its status after the American breeders took ahead the job of breeding the Persians after the World War ll. Famous Hollywood personalities like Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and Kim Kardashian love Persians and have these fluffy cat breeds as their pets.
Persian History
Persian cat is one of the oldest cat breeds and has a history that goes back 125 years. Since the year 1871 the Persians have featured prominently in various cat shows. The first cat show held at the Crystal Palace in London featured these cats. The long haired cat breeds like Angora, which is an ancestor of the Persian were first sighted in Europe in the late 1500. These cats were introduced there by travelers from Persia the present day Iran and Turkey.
The recessive gene that was responsible for the longhair appeared in most cats that grew up in the hilly terrains of Iran. It was an Italian traveler who was credited to introduce the Persian cats to Europe in 1600s. Persians and Angora were mentioned in the various manuscripts of those times. According to these manuscripts, the Persians were described as grey colored cats with fine, long and glossy fur. These cats resided in Persia and came with the Portuguese travelers from India.
In the 1900 the British Governing Council of the cat fanciers decided Angoras, Persians, and the Russian longhairs be called as longhairs, which is a policy that is still followed. According to the British cat fancy each color is considered a separate breed. Regardless of the color, in the North America these cats are called Persians.
The reception the Persians received in America was overwhelming and very swiftly took over the top position. The Americans started their own breeding program using the British standards to start with, but tried to enhance the color, coat, and physical structure. The Persians from America soon had a unique style of their own and evolved in to a very successful cat breed.
Persian Cat Traits
Persian cat have short, heavy boned legs, and broad paws that ensure good support to their short and broad body. They are not jumping cats and will prefer staying on the ground. These muscled cats are medium to large in size. They have a thick and short neck, large shoulders, and a nice broad chest. The tail is short and proportionate to the body.
Persian cat come in a variety of colors, patterns and are divided into seven divisions for the purpose of competition. Some very popular colors in which these cats come are blue, black, cream, lilac, red, chocolate, silver to name a few. Patterns include calico, shaded, tabby, smoke, bicolor, and particolor. The eyes are usually matching the color of the coat.
The head is broad, round and large in size with a set of expressive eyes that are set wide apart. The ears are small, round and tufted which are set lower on the head and has a good gap between them. The nose is very short as if there are just two holes for breathing and placed between the eyes. Overall this cat looks very cute and cuddly.
They have long and flowing coat with full and soft wooly undercoat with long and coarse guard hairs and a Cobby body. Persians have a lifespan of 15 years and weigh in the range of 8 to 12 pounds for males while females weigh in the range of 7 to 9 pounds. The male Persians have height in the range of 10 to 15 inches while females have height in the range of 10 to 14 inches.
“The price of Persians from a good breeder can range $400 to $800”
Persian Cat Personality
Persians are a docile cat breed and is not suitable for people who like to own an energetic and active cat who will play around the house. They are perfect companions and very sweet natured cats. They are intelligent and not very curious like other cat breeds. They are a bit selective and are completely devoted. You have to earn their faith and love.
Like most cats they crave for your affection, love and enjoy petting. They won’t trouble you if they don’t get your attention for sometime unlike other cats. If you own a Persian, then you need to be very committed as their long and glossy coat requires regular grooming to keep it free from knots and tangles. Due to their long coats and good temperament that is very docile, these cat breeds need to be kept as indoor pets.
They hate loud noises and prefer quiet surroundings with few changes once a while. They have a soft and pleasant voice. They are content sitting on the sofa, chair, or bed and are unlikely to jump on curtains.
Persian Cat Health and Care
Persians can suffer from breathing problems due to the structure of their face. They are more sensitive to heat and like to live in an air-conditioned environment. Due to their respiratory problems a lot of airlines will not allow them to travel in the cargo bay. Persians are a high maintenance cat and their coat must be groomed daily.
Due to their silky coat they tend to get tangled more and hence you need to spend more time in grooming. Due to their flat face they have the tendency to tear. Wash and wipe their face daily especially under the eyes. Persians will eat meat based food like other cats. You can choose from dry and wet food according to your liking.
Persian Cat Behavior
Persians typically have a laid back character. They are caring and affectionate and enjoy the company of their owners. These cats are quiet and easy natured and can get along well with other family members, pets and children. They like to stay away from loud and playful children and this is due to their docile temperament. They are very responsive cats and are a source of joy and happiness in the house.
Persian Cat with Children and Pets
Persians get along well with other pets in house. They do not enjoy the company of overexcited children and even dogs, but will enjoy playing with gentle children. These cats love dogs that don’t chase and pester them.
