The Persian cat is a medium-to-large cat breed that makes an ideal house cat. It has a distinct and recognizable physical appearance, making it a fine-looking cat.
Interestingly, Persian cats are the most popular breed in the world. So, if you own one, you’re in good company! A Persian cat is not overly dependent, enjoying occasional petting and cuddling.
Here is a detailed analysis that I came up with to tell you what makes the Persian cat a popular choice for any indoor cat lover.
Persian Cat Personality
Persian cats are laid-back, sweet, and gorgeous indoor companions. A Persian cat will adore and sit next to you whenever she needs warmth and affection. They are also known as low-key social and friendly cats.
You will occasionally find a Persian cat gently basking in the sun on a warm day, and she will, at times, enjoy roaming around and rolling on the floor in a playful nature.
As the pet parent, you need to place several soft paddings or pillows around the living room to give your Persian cat enough spots to sleep or relax.
The Persian Cat Breed Overview
- Origin: Persia/Iran
- Length: 14-18 inches.
- Weight: Mature females can weigh 8-12 pounds, while mature Males can weigh 12-13 pounds.
- Coat color: Almost every color and pattern is available, including solid shades. But here are the most common to find Beige, black, blue, blue-cream, brown, calico, cameo, chocolate, cinnamon, cream, ebony, fawn, golden, grey, lavender, lilac, orange, red, sable, seal, silver, smoke, tabby, tan, tortoiseshell, and white.
- Coat pattern: The most common pattern includes Bi-colour, shaded, smoke, solid color, tabby, tortoiseshell, tricolor/calico, or points.
- Life span: 10- 20 years.
Physical Appearance
Persian cats are chubby with round heads, ears, and big eyes. Their body is short, and their legs are thick. Also, the neck and tail are short.
Body
The body is chunky, and the shoulders are sharp. Its chest is broad, and the belly forms a pouch. Its entire body is medium-sized but not even.
Coat
A Persian cat’s coat can be profusely long or short, with long hairs reaching 5cm. The coat can also be semi-dense and soft. Short hair can be soft and resilient.
Ears
The ears are wide and broad at the base. They also tilt forward and are medium in size.
Eyes
The eyes are big & round. Also, there is a wider gap between the two eyes. The eye color depends on the coat color. However, you will notice blue, blue-green, copper, green, hazel, and odd-eyed.
Head and Face
The head is round with a concave forehead. They have flat faces with large round eyes. The muzzle is very short, and the whiskers are long & point downwards for most common breeds.
The nose is round and convex. It forms a ridge or concave shape from the nose to the eyes and ears.
Legs and Paws
The legs are short but muscular.
Tail
The tail can be kinky, curved, or articulate.
Characteristics of the Persian Cat Breed
| Attribute | Level |
| Attention needs | High |
| Shedding | High |
| Activity | Low |
| Adaptability | High |
| Affectionate | High |
| Vocality | Low |
| Playfulness | Low |
| Grooming & Maintenance | High |
| Friendliness to other pets and kids | High |
| Independence | Medium |
| Docility | High |
It is a myth that Persian cats should live in expensive houses. These quiet cat breeds can live comfortably anywhere, even in tiny apartments. As long as you feed, groom, and look after them correctly.
Persian cats will get attached to all family members and not you alone, particularly when they need affection. Your Persian cat will sit close to you, on your lap, or on the bed to get warmth or cuddle.
During the day (when left alone), your Persian cat will sleep and become inactive. But she will be lively and happy when you arrive in the evening.
Persian cats are ground dwellers and love to spend most of their time on the ground. Refrain from placing tall cat trees, opting for small to medium-sized trees instead.
Interesting Facts About Persian Cats
The Persian cat originated from Persia in the 1500s (as its name suggests). It is no surprise that the cat is classy as it originated during civilization in Mesopotamia (now Persia).
History shows Persian cats came to place in the mountainous areas of Persia. After years of mutation, the cats’ population increased, and a new breed was born, with long hairs to protect them from the cold weather in Persia.
An explorer, Pietro Della Valle took one Persian cat to Italy in the 17th century for a breeding program, and in 1629, the Persian cat breed entered Europe.
Later in 1871 (at a cat show in London), Queen Victoria fell in love with the breed. She adopted several Persian cats, which led to the popularization of this particular breed.
Persian cats were introduced to the United States in the late 1800s, leading to a spike in popularization for the breed.
In 1906, the CFA officially recognized the breed that it is today.
Persian Cat Fun Facts
- Persian cats are the most popular cat breed in the US. They regularly appear in advertisements, art, photography, and paintings.
- The largest art painting of a cat was the Persian cat named My Wife’s Lovers.
- Queen Victoria, Elizabeth Taylor, Martha Stewart, Freddie Mercury, and Giorgio Armani have owned Persian cats.
- The most famous cat breed was Mr. Tinkle, who appeared in the movie Cat & Dogs in 2001.
Why Persian Cats Make the Best Indoor Companions
Persian cats are not athletic or interested in the outside environment compared to the other cat breeds. They also like basking close to the window, anywhere the sun hits, and playing with toys inside the house.
These cats are pet- and child-friendly – you will find them relaxed around kids and other pets you might have. However, supervise your kids when they are interacting with the cat. Most young kids will either scare or pull the cat’s tail. So, ensure your young children understand how to handle your Persian cat at home.
Persian cats enjoy being petted and carried around. So, make time every day to spend with your cat and play with her. You can even play chase ball games or use a cat teaser to exercise your cat.
Persian cats do not have a strong hunting instinct, making them an excellent choice if you keep other pets, such as hamsters or birds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Persian Cats
Are Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?
Persian cats are one of the least hypoallergenic cat breeds. They have long thick coats that shed, which can increase symptoms in allergy sufferers.
Do Persian Cats Shed?
Persian cats shed their entire coat twice a year, as well as frequently shedding throughout the year. They require regular brushing and are one of the higher maintenance cats.
Are Persian Cats Smart?
Persian cats are not considered the smartest of cats. They lack natural prey and hunting instincts, are docile and love to be around their owners. Teaching a Persian cat new commands can take some time and patience.
Persian Cat Care and Feeding
Persian cats are quiet cat breeds. It can be hard to tell if they are hungry and want food or attention. Persian cats are not particularly vocal; their meows are low and soft.
Persian cats can be obese if overfed. Feeding Persian kittens three times per day and adult Persian cats twice daily would be best.
Also, check your cat’s health before deciding what to feed her. A vet will advise you on what to feed your cat if she has any underlying health condition.
Advantages of proper diet and nutrition
- Hairball control
- High protein intake
- Improved growth
- Teeth development
- Weight control
Persian cats need enough proteins, calcium, and fats to improve bone development and health. Here are the best products in the market recommended for Persian cats.
- Smalls Fresh Raw Cow Cat Food
- Solid Gold Chicken Protein Cat Food
- Purina ONE True Instinct Cat Food
- Wellness CORE Canned Cat Food
- GO! Solutions skin + Coat Cat Food
Grooming a Persian Cat
Persian cats require enough time from your busy schedule to meet their grooming needs. Here is how to properly groom your Persian cat.
Fur Brushing
Spare anywhere between 10 to 15 minutes to groom your pet. Persian cats have long coats that require daily brushing and non-stop maintenance.
Use a metal slicker brush to comb the fur. This comb has narrow teeth that remove excess hair, tangles, and matting.
Pat the coat while combing to make it loose while brushing. Also, brush the hair from the head to the tail. But do it gently and ensure your cat is comfortable.
Afterward, change the brush and use a soft bristle to get the silky look.
Nose Cleaning
Cleaning your cat’s nose will help avoid any respiratory difficulties. Your cat’s nose can easily block, making it difficult to breathe. Use a clean wet cloth to wipe around the nose. Then use cotton wool to clean the nose. Do this gently so as not to spook your cat. Finish by dabbing around the nose with a dry clean cloth.
Eye Hygiene
Long Persian cat fur can irritate or cause tears around the eyes. Hence, always clean the eyes using a clean cloth dipped in warm water or any other recommended eye-cleaning solution.
Clean your cat’s face and around the eyes twice a day to stop the tears from staining your cat’s eye.
Ear Cleaning
Use cotton balls to clean your Persian cat’s ears. Always check your cat’s ears and ensure that wax is not present to avoid infection.
Vaccinations
Persian cats are prone to hereditary diseases and other illnesses. Thus, vaccination is necessary to boost their immunity against diseases. Furthermore, take your cat for regular checkups to the vet.
Persian Cat Health Issues
Persian cats are prone to several illnesses and diseases related to their facial structure, congenital heart disease, eye problems, kidney disease, and respiratory issues, given their flat faces.
Here are a few illnesses and diseases that affect Persian cats.
- Respiratory conditions – Breathing difficulties from blocked nostrils
- Seborrhea oleos – Leads to hair loss, itchiness, and redness of the skin
- Eye problems – Cherry eyes or entropion (eyelashes point inward)
- Fungal infection – Ringworms on the cat’s skin
- Dental malocclusions – Causes the teeth not to mesh properly
Other common health conditions include cancer, heat sensitivity, lack of appetite, lameness, pancreatitis, polycystic kidney disease, tummy problems, respiratory infection, vomiting, and weight loss.
Always take your Persian cat to the vet if you notice a lack of appetite or a sudden change in its lifestyle.
Enjoy Your Persian Cat or Kitten
Persian Cats are affectionate and calm indoor pets. They are also pet and child-friendly. These cat breeds easily get attached to strangers or anyone who gives them attention. Reduce theft risk by keeping your Persian cat as a house cat.
A Persian cat will enjoy being carried, sitting on your lap, and spending time with you. Quiet and sweet, you do not have to worry about loud cat calls or crying. If you are going to work, always leave your cat with enough food and water. Persian cats will feed and happily bask in the sun, napping until you get home.
Lastly, feed your cat the recommended diet and nutrition, groom him, and meet all your cat’s needs.
I’m an indoor cat convert and created My Indoor Cat to help other indoor cat owners make the best choices for their cats and kittens.
