One of the most recognized and adored felines, who enjoy a calm and relaxing environment; it is hard to resist the charm of a Persian Cat! They are the happiest when at home and will greet you at the door when you come home after a long day. They are neither needy nor aloof but a mixture of quiet affection and calm independence. Their sweet voice is a feast for the ears. Always ready to be stroked and fussed over on a moment’s notice, a Persian Cat is one of the most loving companions to have! Let’s prepare ourselves as well to be their loving companions by knowing them better…
Physical Attributes
The Persian Cat is an extreme-looking breed with short muscular legs, a short back, a cobby sturdy body, and a deep chest. Their distinct features like a flat face with full cheeks, medium-sized ears, large round eyes, a short muzzle, a short snub-nose, round cheeks, a firm chin, and a round head make them immediately recognizable. They have a thick long flowy hair coat that looks lustrous and glossy with a dense undercoat that provides a lot of volume. To our amazement, this beautiful kitty comes in variety colours and patterns.
Personality Traits
The Persian is a placid cat that gets along well with all family members (including fellow furry ones) when introduced as kittens. This breed is known to be low-key, social, and affectionate and loves to be next to their person, petted, and cuddled. They are as sweet as stylish! They have a very sweet, gentle, and calm disposition and would rather be stroked and admired than engage in strenuous activities. Persians are energetic enough to enjoy cat toys and games, but don’t need constant entertainment to keep them happy.
Historical Background
Like any other ancient cat breed, they also have a bit clouded history, though we can trace back their origin in Mesopotamia, which later became Persia and is now modern-day Iran. The credit to bring these felines to Europe in the 17th century goes to an Italian nobleman, named Pietro Della Valle. By the 1800s, they were introduced into Britain, where early versions were exhibited at the Crystal Palace cat show. This Persian kitty was a favourite of Queen Victoria who owned several during her lifetime, including one she named White Heather, who remained in Buckingham Palace after the Queen herself had died. Persians made their way to the U.S. in the late 19th century and in 1906, they became the first breed to be registered in the newly formed Cat Fanciers’ Association.
PERSIAN AT A GLANCE
WEIGHT RANGE:
Male: large: >12 lbs.
Female: medium: 8-12 lbs.
EYE COLOUR: Blue, Copper, Green, Hazel, Odd-eyed
LONGEVITY RANGE: 8–11 yrs.
SOCIAL/ATTENTION NEEDS: Moderate
TENDENCY TO SHED: High
COAT: Long, Silky
COLOUR: White, Red, Cream, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Silver, Golden, Cameo, Tortoiseshell, Blue-cream, Brown, Calico, Seal
PATTERN: Solid Colour, Tortoiseshell, Bicolour, Tricolour/Calico, Tabby, Smoke, Shaded, Points
LESS ALLERGENIC: No
OVERALL GROOMING NEEDS: High
CLUB RECOGNITION:
Cat Association Recognition: CFA, ACFA , FIFe, TICA
Prevalence: Common