Family-friendly: 3/5 Playfulness: 2/5 Intelligence: 3/5 Tendency to Vocalise: 3/5 Likes Other Pets: 2/5 Grooming needs: 5/5 Shedding: 5/5

Persian

They might have a grumpy looking face, but make no mistake, the Persian cat is as sweet and easy going as it can get. The fancy felines are loving and charming creatures that would get along with the entire family if introduced to them as kittens. But beauty is not always effortless, so Persian cats do require extra attention – find out more about them.

Lifespan

10 - 12 years

Weight

3.2 - 5.4kg

Colours

There are six separate colours, black, blue, cream, cameo (red), smoke tortoiseshell and blue-cream smoke.

The need-to-know

Benefits from an experienced owner
Quiet and sedate cat
Calm cat
Independent but friendly

Quiet cat
Average build cat breed
Requires grooming every day
Indoor cat

Not ideal for family homes
Can be left alone all day
Needs a calm environment

This breed has a higher risk of health issues

The Persian cat breed is classified as brachycephalic; problems associated with the condition include;
- Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome: is a condition in brachycephalic (breeds with a short noses and squashed faces) breeds where breathing is obstructed and can lead to severe respiratory distress.
- Skin inflammation/infection: brachycephalic breeds have a short nose and a normal amount of facial tissue. This means there is often excess skin around their face which leads to skin folds- which is where soreness and infections are prone to develop.
- Eye ulcers: ulcers are painful erosions on the surface of the eye, they are more common in brachycephalic breeds due to their conformation, as their eyes tend to be more bulbous.

The breed is also prone to:
- Polycystic kidney disease which is an inherited condition where cysts form in the kidneys. This affects kidney function and can eventually lead to kidney failure.
- Progressive retinal atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness.
- Hip dysplasia¹ which is where the hip joint does not develop normally.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy² which is a disease were the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick which means the heart cannot beat effectively.
- Alpha-mannosidosis which is an inherited storage disease that affects many different organs.

Testing available:
- DNA testing for progressive retinal atrophy which tests whether or not a cat has the potential to be affected by this condition.

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Persian Long Hair cat is standing in the kitchen

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Persian Cat Appearance

Medium sized and stockily built, the Persian cat characteristics include a round, broad head, somewhat large in proportion to the body, with large round eyes and short muzzle that gives them a distinctive and somewhat grumpy expression. The ears are small and set wide which further accentuates the size and roundness of the face. The body is compact, with short sturdy legs, large round paws, and a short, bushy tail. The coat is long, extremely thick and luxuriant, with a soft, dense undercoat.

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Persian Long Hair cat is lying on the floor

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Persian Cat Personality

Sweet and gentle, the Persian Longhair appreciates a peaceful home where they can feel relaxed and secure. They are a quiet cat, with a pleasant and melodious voice rather than a mawkish or yowling cry. Their large eyes make them expressive, able to convey their bafflement at our human stupidity with a tilt of the head and a knowing stare, or their happiness with a beam of pleasure and a rumbling purr. They are not inclined to climb and jump, but are a rather decorative cat, enjoying sunny spots and draping themselves artfully across furniture. 

Vet Rating

Family-friendly:	3/5
Playfulness:	2/5
Intelligence:	3/5
Tendency to Vocalise:	3/5
Likes Other Pets:	2/5
Grooming needs:	5/5
Shedding:	5/5

History and Origins

Supposedly exported from Persia in the 17th Century, the Persian cat claims to be one of the oldest cat breeds in existence. Hieroglyphic references from as early as 1684 B.C. are said to show Persian cats, however it should be understood that these cats were not the classic flat faced extreme coated breed we see today, but a more moderate version with a prominent muzzle and shorter hair. 

Although Persian cats have been around a long time, the breed has been altered in a variety of ways (coat type, muzzle length, colour) by different groups of breed afficionados over the decades and several types of Persian cats exist today, including the Persian Longhair, Chinchilla, Doll Face, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and probably more! 

Outdoors or Indoors

This is absolutely an indoor cat as beyond short strolls close to the house, the outside world is not a place the Persian Longhair belongs in as they are too easy going, not nearly athletic enough and potentially likely to get bullied by other neighbourhood felines. An indoor home, perhaps with a small sheltered outdoor run for sunbathing and world-watching is what the Persian cat desires. Somewhere with comfortable furniture to drape across and plenty of sunny patches, and an admiring human to gaze upon them. Glamorous and quietly regal, this is truly a pampered kitty. 

Enrichment and Specific Needs

The Persian Longhair require companionship and admiration more than engaging play, climbing or fast paced games other breeds enjoy. However, they do enjoy short, gentle games with their owner and these help to try to keep them active and prevent weight gain. Their coats do need special attention to keep them clean, topping and tailing after meals and toilet trips may be necessary, and some very flat faced examples may need special bowls or even hand feeding. 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in their diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes. 

Grooming Persian Cats

The Persian Longhair requires daily grooming, sometimes multiple times per day. Their long thick coat combined with their short stocky body and flat face means they are unable to groom themselves effectively. Pay special attention to cleaning around the face and eyes daily, and under the tail after each trip to the litter box. It may be sensible to trim the fur under the tail and around the genital area if your cat is regularly getting dirty in this area. 

As with all cats, regular vaccination and parasite control is recommended. 

Suitability for Family Life

Persian cats are best suited to a quiet and peaceful home which may rule out homes with very young children or lots of noisy boisterous activity. Although happy enough to be left alone whilst owners work, the Persian Longhair does require a fair bit of maintenance daily and so owners must be prepared for that commitment. 

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Persian Cat Fun Facts

Persian cats have always been popular with celebrities and royalty alike. Some of the most famous Persian cat owners include Marilyn Monroe, Freddy Mercury, Florence Nightingale, and Martha Stewart. In fact, Florence Nightingale is said to have owned over 60 of them throughout her life.
A Persian cat played the role of Mr. Tinkles, a ruthless and evil genius, in the 2001 movie Cats & Dogs.
The internet may be filled with cats nowadays, but the furry pets were ruling over the world with their cuteness long before it. In 1871, Persian cats, along with other breeds, were showcased in the world’s first cat show, attracting more than 20,000 visitors. Want to guess what breed went ahead and won the show? Indeed, it was the Persian cat.

FAQs

Are Persian cats hard to take care of?

The Persian cat personality is sweet and sociable, so having them around will be an absolute joy. However, as they are prone to health issues, caring for them will entail more work than for other breeds.

Can Persian cats be left alone at night?

Depending on age, needs, and behaviour, Persian cats can be left alone at night or during the day.

Do Persian cats need special care?

Yes, Persian cats are definitely high maintenance as they need help with grooming on a daily basis and sometimes even multiple times a day. Given their thick coats, they have to be brushed more frequently so their fur doesn’t get matted.

Can we give milk to a Persian cat?

No, Persian cats are actually lactose intolerant so feeding them cow’s milk might upset their stomach and make them ill.