Persians are well known for their looks and sweet personality. They have a long thick hair that requires some attention but you will enjoy their sweet and quiet company.
Persians originated in Mesopotamia (later known as Persia and Irak nowadays). The long hair was probably the result of a mutation. A Italian nobleman (Pietro della Valle) is credited for bringing the first Persian cat to Europe in 1626. Until the end of the 19th century long haired cats from Persia, Turkey or Afghanistan were known as "Asiatic" cats. In 1871 Persian type cats were exhibited at the Crystal Palace cat show, in Hyde Park, London. They had become popular at the time because Queen Victoria loved the breed.
The present day appearance was achieved through selective breeding. Persians have a round head, short face, chubby cheeks. small ears, big eyes and short legs. Their hair is longer than other long haired breeds like Angora.
Persian cats were first imported in the United States in the late 19th century. They have become widely popular. Persians have appeared in many Hollywood films. One of the funniest ones is as the companion of Blofeld, the supervillain in the James Bond series. He is recognizable for always having a Persian cat with him.
Persians love routine and calm environments (even more than other cat breeds). They will adorn your chair, sofa or bed until you have time to admire her and provide the attention she deserves. This cat will not climb your curtains or countertops nor perch on top of the refrigerator. Their domain is the floor and low surfaces where she can groom and rest. They are however selective, they will reserve their attention to family members and those few friends or guests whom they trust.
Persians have many health incidences. There is a number of potential health problems you should be careful about:
Persians originated in Mesopotamia (later known as Persia and Irak nowadays). The long hair was probably the result of a mutation. A Italian nobleman (Pietro della Valle) is credited for bringing the first Persian cat to Europe in 1626. Until the end of the 19th century long haired cats from Persia, Turkey or Afghanistan were known as "Asiatic" cats. In 1871 Persian type cats were exhibited at the Crystal Palace cat show, in Hyde Park, London. They had become popular at the time because Queen Victoria loved the breed.
The present day appearance was achieved through selective breeding. Persians have a round head, short face, chubby cheeks. small ears, big eyes and short legs. Their hair is longer than other long haired breeds like Angora.
Persian cats were first imported in the United States in the late 19th century. They have become widely popular. Persians have appeared in many Hollywood films. One of the funniest ones is as the companion of Blofeld, the supervillain in the James Bond series. He is recognizable for always having a Persian cat with him.
Persians love routine and calm environments (even more than other cat breeds). They will adorn your chair, sofa or bed until you have time to admire her and provide the attention she deserves. This cat will not climb your curtains or countertops nor perch on top of the refrigerator. Their domain is the floor and low surfaces where she can groom and rest. They are however selective, they will reserve their attention to family members and those few friends or guests whom they trust.
Persians have many health incidences. There is a number of potential health problems you should be careful about:
- Constricted nostrils - this may cause difficulty breathing (or noisy)
- Dental malocclusions (the teeth won't mesh well together)
- Eye conditions - excessive eye discharge or entropion (an inward rolling of the eyelid edges)
- Higher sensitivity to heat
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Predisposition to fungal infections
- Seborrhea oleosa, a skin condition that causes itchiness and hairloss
You should also be careful with their use of the litter box. Litter or feces may become attached to their coat. Persians are more likely than most cats to stop using the litter box.
Excessive tearing requires wiping the corners of the eyes daily to prevent infections and eye stains.
Persians are exclusively indoor cats. Letting your Persian out will increase the time you spend grooming. A Persian coat is not made for shedding dirt or leaves. Persian cats who are let outside run many risks (being stolen, she won't be able to fight against other cats or dogs).
After reviewing the list of health issues and daily care required, why would anyone want a Persian? Persians are one of the most beloved cat breeds because of their beauty and calm personality. The beauty of their coat is a joy to admire and to touch. Long, thick, shinny and with a fine texture. Persians come in many colors and patterns. Almost all colors and combinations are accepted (white, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate and lilac—and then there are the shaded, smoke, tabby, calico, particolor and bicolor divisions). Eye color is related to coat color. White Persians have blue or copper eyes; other solid-colored Persians have copper eyes; silver and golden Persians have green or blue-green eyes. Persians are strikingly beautiful!
Persian cats are easy to live with, they are calm and quiet. You should think carefully if this is the breed for you. Unless you are prepared to become a part-time cat groomer or keep the coat clipped short, you may want to choose a less demanding breed.
Kitty in NY has some Persian clients. New Yorkers love their elegant beauty! Our caregivers will brush your Persian cat to keep it in top shape while you're away. Contact us to book your next in-home cat boarding service. We'll be glad to help you.
Excessive tearing requires wiping the corners of the eyes daily to prevent infections and eye stains.
Persians are exclusively indoor cats. Letting your Persian out will increase the time you spend grooming. A Persian coat is not made for shedding dirt or leaves. Persian cats who are let outside run many risks (being stolen, she won't be able to fight against other cats or dogs).
After reviewing the list of health issues and daily care required, why would anyone want a Persian? Persians are one of the most beloved cat breeds because of their beauty and calm personality. The beauty of their coat is a joy to admire and to touch. Long, thick, shinny and with a fine texture. Persians come in many colors and patterns. Almost all colors and combinations are accepted (white, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate and lilac—and then there are the shaded, smoke, tabby, calico, particolor and bicolor divisions). Eye color is related to coat color. White Persians have blue or copper eyes; other solid-colored Persians have copper eyes; silver and golden Persians have green or blue-green eyes. Persians are strikingly beautiful!
Persian cats are easy to live with, they are calm and quiet. You should think carefully if this is the breed for you. Unless you are prepared to become a part-time cat groomer or keep the coat clipped short, you may want to choose a less demanding breed.
Kitty in NY has some Persian clients. New Yorkers love their elegant beauty! Our caregivers will brush your Persian cat to keep it in top shape while you're away. Contact us to book your next in-home cat boarding service. We'll be glad to help you.
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