Persian Cat

Persian cat: Cat Breed Information

Few cats are as famous as the graceful, elegant Persian. Their fluffy coats, chubby cheeks and flat noses are renowned in the cat community. Though they look smug and aloof, these kitties are sweet and love to sit on your lap.

If you’re thinking about adding a cat to your family, a Persian is a great option. They make wonderful companions for any cat lover.

Before you adopt a Persian, you need to know more about their habits and needs to determine if you can be a good parent for them. We’re here to help.

Spot Pet Insurance provides educational resources so that you can learn more about keeping your pet happy and healthy.

So what do you need to know about the Persian cat? Read on to find out.

Persian cats: An introduction to the breed

Persian cats are beautiful, delicate creatures. They are graceful and sweet-tempered and would rather bat at a feather than sneak up on something to pounce. These pedigree cats are also known for their loud vocalizations.

A Persian cat is a delightful companion. Their favorite pastime is sitting on laps or draping themselves on furniture. They will get along well with children, as long as the children treat them with respect and kindness.

The Persian cats you see at cat shows tend to have more exaggerated ruffs and flat faces, though you may still find those traits in standard Persian cats from breeders. They also feature a round head and a small nose. Eye color ranges widely, including blue eyes, copper eyes, and green eyes.

What are the types of Persian cat?

There are quite a few types of Persian cats, including the following:

Purebred Persian cats are largely distinguished by color. They are as follows:

What are the origins of the Persian cat?

As you’ve probably guessed by their name, Persian cats are thought to originate in Persia, one of the major kingdoms of the ancient world. Persia was in about the same area as modern-day Iran.

It is also thought that they were bred with long-haired cats from China, Burma/Myanmar and Russia. Persian cats came to England from Iran in the 1300s.

Persians became especially popular during the Victorian era. Queen Victoria herself owned two blue Persian cats. Their elegant ways fit in well with the aura of Victorian nobility.

The breed came to America in the 1800s. It was accepted as a formal breed by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) when it began keeping an official record in 1871 after a show at the Crystal Palace in London.

What is the personality of a Persian cat like?

Most people think of cats as aloof, but some can be very loving. Persians are one of those loving breeds. Despite their dignified looks, they are true lap cats.

Even though Persians love to drape themselves over you and your furniture, they can also be very playful. They aren’t fans of rough and tumble cat play but do enjoy playing with a feather or toy on a string.

A Persian would do well in a home with a single person, a child-free couple or a couple with older children. However, they will show affection to their family.

Do Persian cats get along with children?

Persians are very gentle, but they expect the same treatment in return. They are not fond of children pulling their fur or dragging them around, so if you have small kids, you should teach them to pet their new cat gently.

Do Persian cats get along with other pets?

Persians prefer quiet houses, and they don’t like adapting to new situations. They prefer routines to chaos. They dislike dogs, so a Persian probably isn’t the best fit for your home if you have a canine companion.

How to care for Persian cats

Many other factors go into caring for this popular cat. You need to know what their diet should look like and how to handle their exercise. You should always consult a vet, but we’ve gathered a few basic facts for you.

What is the Persian cat’s coat like?

You’ve probably already guessed that taking care of a Persian involves a lot of grooming. Their world-famous long coats need quite a bit of tender, loving care to keep them picture perfect.

Persians require daily combing. Otherwise, their fur can become matted and tangled. This can make your cat uncomfortable; they’ll probably need a haircut.

This popular breed should be bathed frequently, at least once or twice a month. More frequent bathing can irritate your cat’s skin. It’s important to dry your Persian’s coat completely.

Persians should get regular nail trimmings and teeth brushings. They also tend to get tear stains, so you need to wipe their faces at least once a day, especially around the eyes.

Persian cat colors

Persians have a wide range of coat colors. Their luxurious coats can be:

There are more than 80 different colors, so we can’t name all of them, but the ones listed here tend to be the most well-known.

Are Persian cats hypoallergenic?

Persian cats aren’t considered hypoallergenic.

How to be the best parent for a Persian cat?

Wondering how to keep your Persian cat happy and healthy? Read below for tips about exercise, diet, and everyday care.

Basic training and behavior etiquette for your Persian cat

Because Persians aren’t as energetic as animals like dogs, they don’t need much exercise. They are quite content with a daily playtime. The rest of the time, they prefer to sleep or find comfortable pieces of furniture to lay on.

Like dogs, cats can be trained to behave better when they’re acting out. Aim to begin training once you adopt or purchase your Persian kitten. If your Persian is behaving in undesirable ways, try to prioritize training in the following areas:

What foods should a Persian cat never eat?

As you’ve probably heard from your vet, some human foods aren’t safe for your cat. Avoid giving your Persian any of the following foods:

Diet tips to keep your Persian cat fit and healthy

Persian cats are carnivores. That means they eat meat, so a well-rounded cat food will be primarily some form of beef, chicken or fish.

Other potential health conditions for a Persian cat

Persian cat life stages

Persian cats typically live for about 14 years.

Junior: 7 months – 2 years

Prime: 3 to 6 years

Mature: 7 to 10 years old

Senior: 11 to 14 years old