Persian Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

Persian cats have been loved for centuries, with roots in Persia and Iran. These medium to large cats are known for their flat, round faces and long, flowing fur that comes in many colors. Despite their sometimes grumpy appearance, Persian cats are gentle and loving pets.

Characteristics of the Persian Cat

Persian cats are sweet, gentle, and calm pets. While they’re friendly, they need careful handling and don’t do well with rough play from small children. They get along best with gentle kids who pet them softly. These cats also mix well with other cats and calm dogs when properly introduced.

These cats like to relax in comfortable spots where they can watch what’s happening at home, such as soft chairs or cat trees. Persians prefer staying indoors to protect their long fur from getting dirty or tangled and to avoid getting too hot outside. They love their owners but are happy to spend time alone at home where they feel safe.

History of the Persian Cat

Persian cats first appeared in written records in the 1500s, though they might be older. Old Egyptian drawings show long-haired cats that could be early Persians. The first Persian cats were shown at London’s first cat show in 1871.

Queen Victoria loved Persian cats and had several of them. Her interest made these cats popular among British nobles and wealthy people. Persians came to America in the late 1800s and early 1900s, where they also became very popular.

In 1906, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognized the Persian as one of its first breeds. The Himalayan Persian, which has a light body with a darker face, ears, legs, and tail, is considered a separate breed by some groups but part of the Persian family by the CFA.

Persian Cat Care 

Persians need little exercise and playtime, but their fur needs a lot of attention. Without regular grooming, their long coat can become painfully tangled and matted.

Grooming

Persian cats have the most demanding grooming needs of all cats. Their long, silky coat needs daily care with a metal comb and soft brush to prevent tangles. When combing, you must part the hair and reach down to the skin to stop hidden tangles from forming.

These cats need regular baths to stay clean. After washing, dry them with a special pet dryer that’s cooler than human hair dryers to protect their skin. Their faces need daily cleaning because their big eyes tend to water. Their nails need trimming every 1-2 weeks, and their ears should be checked and cleaned when dirty.

Because grooming is so time-consuming, some owners take their Persian cats to professional groomers. Groomers can give the cat a shorter belly cut to reduce bulk and prevent tangles in problem areas. Another option is the lion cut, where most of the body is trimmed short while leaving fluffy fur on the head, legs, and tail.

Exercise

Persian cats are calm but like playing with toys, especially feathers. Playing with your Persian a few times each day helps keep them healthy and happy.

Cats need to scratch things. Give your cat proper places to scratch by putting scratching posts and pads around your house. Use both standing posts and flat scratchers on the floor, since cats like to scratch in different ways.

Common Health Problems

Persian cats are genetically predisposed to the following conditions:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: This heart problem reduces blood flow and can cause health problems throughout the body
• Progressive retinal atrophy and trichiasis: These eye problems can make it hard to see or cause blindness
• Polycystic kidney disease: This disease makes fluid-filled sacs grow on the kidneys and can make them stop working if not treated.
• Brachycephalic syndrome: Persian cats’ flat faces create small airways, making it hard for them to breathe, causing problems from snoring to trouble breathing.

Reputable Persian cat breeders have their adult cats screened for these problems before breeding to keep from passing unwanted health traits to the next generation.

Appearance

Persians are medium to large cats with strong, compact bodies, short legs, and deep chests. Their most noticeable feature is their flat face, which has full cheeks, a short nose, round eyes, and medium-sized ears. This gives them a gentle, sweet look.

Their fur is very long and thick, with a full undercoat that makes them look fluffy. Persians come in many colors like black, white, blue, cream, red, lilac, silver, golden, and chocolate. They can also have different patterns, including tabby, tortoiseshell, solid, or two-colored designs.

Diet and Nutrition

Persian cats can easily gain too much weight due to their large build. Like all cats, staying at a healthy weight helps prevent health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

Feed your Persian cat two measured meals each day rather than leaving food out all the time. Feed kittens three times daily. Ask your vet or breeder about the best food and portion sizes for your cat.

Some Persian cats have jaw problems that make eating difficult. Your vet can suggest special dry food and water bowls that make it easier for them to eat and drink.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Persian Cat

Persian cats cost a lot – usually $1,000 or more from breeders.

You can find Persian cat breeders through two main groups: the Cat Fanciers Association and The International Cat Association. Both have lists of breeders on their websites.

If you prefer to adopt, you can find Persian cats at shelters and rescue groups. You can also ask local breeders if they know anyone who wants to give their adult Persian cat a new home.

Breed Overview

Persians are calm cats that enjoy being at home. They balance being loving and independent. While not very vocal, they have gentle, pleasant meows. These cats enjoy cuddling, staying close to their owners and will welcome you when you return home.

Pros of Persian Cats

• Mellow and sweet personality
• Affectionate and friendly with adults, gentle kids, and other pets
• Doesn’t mind hanging out alone occasionally

Cons of Persian Cats

• Doesn’t enjoy loud and boisterous activity
• Needs daily face washing to combat tear stains
• Coat requires daily combing and possibly professional grooming

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you like the Persian cat, you might also like these cat breeds:

• Exotic Shorthair
• Himalayan
• Ragdoll