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The credit for the Persian cat breed usually goes to Iran, Turkey and the surrounding countries, though references made in ancient hieroglyphs date this pansy-faced longhair clear back to Egypt in 1684 B.C. or, perhaps, even earlier.  How the Persian cat truly came to be, however, is likely to be one of those forever-shrouded mysteries.

Persian Cat and Kitten Central is pleased to offer this insightful Persian Cat Facts and Information article to assist you in learning about the Persian cat breed and deciding if a Persian cat or kitten is the right choice for your family. Enjoy!

Persian Cat Breed Facts | Persian Cat Breed History | Persian Appearance | Persian Temperament
Grooming Your Persian Cat | Persian Cat Health Information | Is a Persian The Right Choice For You?

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The History of the Persian Cat

Persian Cat Breed Facts: Origin: Iran (formerly known as Persia) Weight: 7-12 pounds Average Litter Size: 3-5 Grooming Needs: High Life Expectancy: 15+ years Good With Kids: Yes Good With Other Animals: Yes

While many are quick to say that the Persian cat originated in Persia, the country now known as Iran, it is actually believed by others, that the Persian may be a mutation that occurred in shorthaired cats that had come from Egypt.  Considering the colder climates that the cats were subjected to in both Iran and Turkey, these long-furred cats would be better-suited to their surroundings and more likely to survive in the cooler temperatures. Regardless of how they came to be, however, these unique cats definitely caught the attention of foreigners and were considered a valuable item of trade.  This, if nothing else, would help to preserve the breed in the ancient times.

It’s generally agreed that the first Persian cats to be introduced into Europe made their way to the continent during the Great Crusades, around 1300 A.D.  Other people, however, say that the credit should go to the Italian writer and traveler, Pietro della Valle (1586-1652).  Some claim that he was the one to introduce the Persian cat to Europe, mainly his home of Italy.  From there, the Persian cats were supposedly bred to the Angoras already popular to that area.  Unfortunately, with so many different historical references, the true origins and history of the Persian cat have been obscured by the sands of time.  Today, in the United Kingdom, the Persian cat is referred to as the Longhair and every color of cat is considered to be a separate breed.

The Persian that we know today is believed to have made his way to North America during the late 19th century.  Since his introduction, the Persian cat has become the most popular breed of cat in the United States with Persian kittens being bred across the country. 

Persian Cat Breed Facts | Persian Cat Breed History | Persian Appearance | Persian Temperament
Grooming Your Persian Cat | Persian Cat Health Information | Is a Persian The Right Choice For You?

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Persian  Cat Appearance

The Persian cat is a well-balanced animal, rather heavy of bone and yet possessing a very sweet and endearing face with prominent round eyes.  Often referred to as “pansy-faced cats,” the Persian’s forehead, nose and chin should all appear to be aligned, giving him the desired flattened look that is trademark of the breed and his head should be both massive and round in shape.  The Persian is a study in both power and gracefulness.

In the UK, the Persian is called a Longhair and every color is shown as a separate breed though, in the United States, the colors are broken up into several divisions, which are as follows:  Solids (white, black, blue, cream, chocolate, red, and lilac), Silver and Goldens (chinchilla silver, shaded silver, chinchilla golden, shaded golden), Shaded and Smokes (shell cameo, shaded cameo, shell cream, shaded cream, shell tortoiseshell, shaded tortoiseshell, shell blue-cream, shaded blue-cream, black smoke, blue smoke, cream smoke, red smoke, tortoiseshell smoke, blue-cream smoke), Tabbies (these can be found in either classic tabby or mackerel tabby styles: silver tabby, silver patched tabby, blue-silver tabby, blue-silver patched tabby, red tabby, brown tabby, brown patched tabby, blue tabby, blue patched tabby, cream tabby, cameo tabby, cream silver tabby, chocolate tabby, chocolate patched tabby, lilac tabby, lilac patched tabby), Parti-colors (tortoiseshell, blue-cream, chocolate tortoiseshell, lilac cream), Calico and Bi-colors (calico, dilute calico, chocolate calico, lilac calico, calico smoke, dilute calico smoke, chocolate calico smoke, lilac calico smoke, bi-colors), and the Himalayans (chocolate point, seal point, lilac point, blue point, flame point, cream point, tortie point, blue-cream point, chocolate tortie point, lilac-cream point, and the tabby-marked lynx point).  In other words, there’s a Persian colored for everyone!

Persian Cat Temperament

The Persian is a laid back and lovable loafer who enjoys nothing more than to be pampered and petted.  Known for their docile and laid back temperaments, they do very well with other cats and animals, and are very tolerant of children, provided they are old enough to know better than to poke at kitty’s big eyes or pull the long hair.  Generally a very lazy cat, the Persian is not much of a climber, nor one that is prone to getting into mischief.

Persian Cat Breed Facts | Persian Cat Breed History | Persian Appearance | Persian Temperament
Grooming Your Persian Cat | Persian Cat Health Information | Is a Persian The Right Choice For You?

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Persian Cat Grooming Requirements

The Persian is the supermodel of the cat world and, as such, requires a lot of primping and pampering to look her best.  If you’re interested in one of these cats, be forewarned that they are high-maintenance - there is no other way to describe caring for the Persian cat.  Daily combing must be done, in order to prevent matting of the long and beautiful fur and the occasional bath should be given, in order to prevent an over-abundance of oil in the coat.

Bathing the Persian cat should only be done after the cat’s toenails have been clipped and the coat has been thoroughly combed through to ensure that all mats and snarls have been removed.  Failing to remove the tangles first will only make them worse and result in a vicious rat’s nest that you simply can’t loosen and comb out.  Always comb them first.

Another thing to remember, when bathing your Persian cat, is to dilute your soap, prior to use.  Not only is undiluted shampoo hard to work into your cat’s coat, but it’s equally difficult to rinse out again.  For best results, dilute a small amount of shampoo into water and use a bottle to distribute it through your cat’s coat, doing a small section at a time.   After you’ve worked it through the coat, you need to rinse it well - usually done by rinsing the coat for at least 5 minutes or by filling the tub numerous times until the rinse water remains free of any soap residue.

The use of conditioner is also very important when one has a Persian cat.  Like humans, you will need to choose your shampoo and conditioner based on the quality of your cat’s coat.  A little show trick?  Add a small amount of fabric softener to your cat’s bath water and then rinse thoroughly once again.  This will make the coat very soft and help to prevent tangles - just be sure to keep it out of kitty’s eyes, nose, and mouth as many chemicals can make your Persian kitten ill.

When blow drying your Persian cat, you should always use the low setting and always ensure that the temperature is set on cool.  While it’s tempting to use warm settings, realize that this can not only burn your kitten’s skin, but can just generally make the kitten uncomfortable and turn bath time into something that she is afraid of.  To keep your Persian kitten cooperative, start at a young age and always make bathing a pleasurable experience, filled with lots of love and praise.

Persian Cat Health Concerns

The Persian is generally a very robust and healthy breed of cat.  Like many purebreds, however, they are still prone to a few genetic problems.  Some of the health concerns of the Persian cat include:

• Prone to feline urological syndrome

• Polycystic kidney disease

• Corneal sequestrum

• Stenotic nares
   

Is the Persian the Right Breed For You?

There are few cats who are as laid back or loveable as the Persian.  Loving the opportunity to sit beside you in the chair or drape across your lap, most love to be pampered and petted, and are content to soak up the attention for hours.  However, owning a Persian cat is no picnic for the inexperienced and uncommitted.  Caring for a Persian cat takes a great deal of time and effort.  If you tend to be somewhat lackadaisical, are always on the go, or don’t like to spend a lot of time combing cats, chances are that a Persian is not the cat for you.  Make your choice wisely.

Ready to add an exquisite Persian cat or kitten to your family? Visit our Persian Cat Breeders Showcase where you can find contact information for responsible Persian catteries and view photos, detailed information and litter announcements for Burmese kittens for sale. Click here!