Persian
The Persian is one of the most well-known and beloved long-haired cat breeds. With its luxurious appearance and regal temperament, it has captured the hearts of cat lovers for over 300 years. The breed's distinctive features are the result of carefully controlled breeding to achieve its iconic look. Persians rely heavily on human care and attention, both as a breed and on an individual level, requiring special daily care to thrive.
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Life expectancy |
The Persian has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years |
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Temperament |
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Adult size |
Female
Between 12 and 14 in
Male
Between 12 and 14 in
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Adult weight |
Female
Between 7 and 9 lb
Male
Between 7 and 11 lb
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Coat colour
No colour restrictions. All colours and patterns are possible. However, according to some feline associations, certain coat colours have their own names or are their own specific breed. |
Black
Brown
White
Red
Cream
Blue
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Type of coat
Long |
Long
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Eye colour
Depends on the colour of the coat. |
Blue
Green
Yellow
Brown
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Purchase price |
The Persian costs between £250 and £700 |
The Persian cat’s coat is a defining feature, with colours ranging from solid to tortoiseshell, tabby, and smoke. The Persian Colourpoint, which carries the Siamese gene, is known as the Himalayan in some regions. The "shell" coat, where colour is only at the tip of the hair, can be a "silver shell" or Chinchilla. Chinchilla Persians, with their emerald green eyes and less flat nose, are considered a breed in their own right, available in "silver" or "golden" varieties. Breeding Chinchillas together can result in a clearer coat. The Persian Cameo, with a "red silver shaded" coat, is recognised as a breed in the US.
More details about the Persian
Persian: Origins and history
The Persian cat's exact origins are unclear, but it's believed to have descended from Turkish Angoras, with roots in Iran or Turkey (ancient Persia). In the 17th century, long-haired cats from Persia were actually Angoras, not Persians. In the 19th century, British breeders crossed long-haired cats with British Shorthairs to create a more rounded cat with long fur, resulting in the Persian breed. Though breed standards have remained largely the same, selective breeding has intensified traits like a rounder head, smaller ears, and a flatter nose, particularly in the U.S. The "peke-face" variety, created in 1930, has led to more respiratory and ocular issues, sparking ongoing debate between English and American breeders.
Physical characteristics of the Persian
The Persian cat is easily recognised for its distinctive physique. Stocky and large, with strong bones and powerful musculature, its body forms a rounded square from the side. The legs are short, straight, and strong, while the tail is short and fluffy, in proportion to the body. Its coat is the longest of all long-haired cats, up to 8 inches, with a thick undercoat and a collar extending to the belly. The head is round and large, with a dome-shaped skull, strong cheekbones, jaw, and chin, and a flat nose. Persians come in two types: the traditional "doll-face" with a rounder profile, and the more recent "peke-face" with a flatter appearance.
Persian: Characteristics
Persians can happily spend hours lounging on their owner's lap, enjoying close companionship. While they appreciate affection, they tend to seek cuddles on their own terms, indulging in them when it suits their mood.
Persians enjoy playtime, but their unique physical structure can limit their hunting abilities. Their expressive faces only add to their charm, making them even more endearing when they’re engaged in play.
The Persian's calm temperament has been carefully selected by breeders since the breed's inception. This trait is further supported by their physical characteristics, which are not suited to intense exercise, making them naturally more relaxed and laid-back.
Highly intelligent and analytical, Persians can sometimes appear to judge their owners, who may not always fully understand them.
Their sometimes aloof attitude can give the impression that they fear strangers, but it's actually the change that unsettles them. With time to adjust at their own pace, they can become quite sociable and affectionate.
Although Persians rely on their owners for care and attention, they prefer their own routines and may not always want to join in family activities.
Persian: Behaviour
Persian cats are generally quiet, not very talkative cats, often communicating their feelings through their expressive faces rather than vocalising.
They require daily play sessions, but these should be short and gentle, avoiding anything too intense.
Persian cats don’t typically have a tendency to run away; they’re more suited to indoor living and prefer the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Persians can be quite food-oriented, so it's important to monitor their diet to prevent obesity, which should always be avoided for their health.
Training a Persian
While they are intelligent, Persians are often independent and can be a bit more stubborn compared to other breeds. If you want to train your Persian, focus on positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, and conduct short, gentle sessions. They can learn basic commands or litter box training, but be prepared for them to engage on their own terms!
Breed compatibility Persian
The presence of an unruly cat may unsettle them, but they can be surprisingly tolerant of a new companion, provided they are given the time and space to adapt at their own pace.
While not necessarily incompatible with dogs, a Persian's calm temperament may not align well with the more exuberant nature of many dogs. Careful introductions and thoughtful selection of a compatible dog are essential for a harmonious relationship.
As long as children respect the cat's need for rest and play gently, Persians will enjoy their company and form a positive bond.
The Persian is ideal for a calm individual, but it's important to remember that their daily grooming and care can be quite time-consuming. Regardless of the adopter, they must have the time and commitment to meet the needs of this demanding breed.
Persian: Purchase price
A Persian cat can cost between £250 and £700, depending on factors such as sex, age at adoption, parentage, and adherence to breed standards. Generally, females are slightly more expensive than males. Monthly upkeep is typically around £45, though it can be higher. The main costs are grooming, followed by high-quality food and veterinary fees, which together make up a significant portion of the budget.
Persian: Shedding
Heavy !
With their thick, luxurious coat, Persian cats do shed, and it's inevitable that you'll find fur on your furniture. Regular grooming helps manage shedding, but some stray hairs will still make their way onto your sofa.
Persian: Grooming
The Persian's grooming routine is quite demanding. Their fine fur and thick undercoat tangle easily, and mats can form if not properly maintained. Daily brushing helps prevent these issues. Occasionally, a shampoo followed by drying with a hairdryer may be needed to remove dead hair, restore volume, and maintain a glossy coat. Trimming their fur can also help, either to enhance their round shape, simplify maintenance, or address specific hair concerns.
In addition to their coat, Persians require special care for their eyes and ears. Their large eyes tend to tear more than normal, so they should be wiped daily to prevent infections or irritation in the folds of skin around the eyes and nose. Their small ears also accumulate wax, so cleaning with a dry cloth or ear cleaning solution can help prevent infections. A vet can advise on the appropriate frequency for these tasks.
Persian: Health
The lifespan of Persian cats can vary significantly due to their delicate nature, but on average, they live between 12 and 15 years. With proper care, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, some Persians can even live longer. It's important to manage their health proactively, as they may be prone to certain hereditary conditions that can impact their longevity.
Persian cats are sensitive to extreme weather conditions, preferring neither cold, wet, nor hot environments. Their thick coat easily tangles or retains heat, and their short nose struggles with both cold air and the smog of intense heat. Their large eyes are also prone to irritation from wind and dryness. For their comfort and health, Persians are best suited to an indoor environment with a controlled climate.
Due to their physique, genetics, and more sedentary nature, Persians are prone to obesity. It’s important to carefully monitor their diet to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
Persian cats, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues. It’s important to be aware of the following conditions:
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): genetic disorder affecting the kidneys, often leading to kidney failure around 7 years of age. Screening tests are available, and some breeders are working to eliminate this from their lines
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: heart condition that can lead to heart failure
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): hereditary eye disease that causes rapid vision loss, often starting early in life. Ongoing research aims to develop a genetic test
- Corneal Sequestra: condition affecting the cornea, common in Persians
- Respiratory Problems: due to their brachycephalic (flat) facial structure, Persians may experience breathing difficulties
- Bladder Issues: conditions like cystitis and bladder stones are common in the breed
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and a proper grooming routine can help maintain your Persian’s health. Always consult with your vet for advice on managing breed-specific conditions.
Biologically, female Persians often experience their first estrus (heat) later than females of other breeds. They also tend to have smaller litters, and births can be more complicated due to the larger size of the kittens' skulls. As a result, there is a higher likelihood of requiring a Caesarean section, and the breed has a higher rate of perinatal mortality. Authorised crosses for breeding are with the Exotic Shorthair, a short-haired variation of the Persian.
Do you want a Persian cat ?
Is the Persian right for you?
take the testFrequently asked questions
What is the personality of a Persian cat?
The Persian cat is very affectionate and enjoys a playtime session, but because of their physical characteristics, they can't exercise intensively. Some might find the Persian cat to be a little bit distant, but it's just a cat breed which needs time to adapt to change. This cat breed doesn't particularly like dogs or cat but gets on well with other children.
Do Persian cats like to cuddle?
Persian cats are known for being very affectionate and gentle, so yes they do love cuddles. This cat breed loves to be close to its owner and curl into a ball onto its owner's laps.
Can Persian cats be left alone?
Persian cats are laid back and probably won't be bothered if their owner leaves them on their own for a few hours. But like any other cats, make sure you don't leave your cat for too long.
How long does a Persian cat live?
The life expectancy of a Persian cat is between 12 to 15 years.
How much does a Persian cat cost?
A Persian cat costs between £250 and £700 but this price depends on the sex, age, parents' pedigree, compliance with breed standards, etc.
