It is probably the most famous and most domesticated breed of all that exists. One of the oldest and only long-haired breeds. The modern Persian cat is the result of a long selection process and now looks like a very expensive, incredibly charming and soft living stuffed animal.
Persian cat photos
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Physical characteristics
The physical appearance of the Persian cat is elegant and glamorous. They are distinguished by their dense, long and fluffy fur, and for an alert and intelligent expression that few have, in addition to the well-known shape of their face.
It is of medium height, which can also be tall and of strong muscular structure. It is one of the breeds that has changed the most over the years, and that is because the original Persian cat was rather elongated, light and stylized, which contrasts with the large and robust cats of today. today. They also show an enlarged belly, one of the keys to the breed which forms due to the fatty tissue attached to the belly.
The weight of the male Persian cat is always greater than the weight of the female. A male usually weighs between 5 and 7 kg and a female between 4 and 6 kg.
The height does not exceed 30 cm.
Distinctive features
- The head is massive, round in proportion.
- The ears are small, set well apart and set low on the skull. The tips of the ears are slightly rounded and slightly fluffy (tufts of hair).
- The eyes are round, wide open, as if the cat is surprised all the time.
- The jaws are strong and wide.
- The neck is strong, of medium (or short) length, but rather strong, it is a reliable support for a large head.
- The body is tall, stocky, on low legs. The chest and shoulders are muscular and rather broad.
- The coat is long (can reach a length of up to 12 centimeters), silky and very thick. A very fluffy collar should be present on the cat’s neck. The tufts of hair should be visible between the toes.
- The tail is medium in length with a slightly rounded tip, very fluffy.
- The muzzle is flattened, with a convex forehead, a strong chin, full cheeks and a short, wide nose (with well-opened nostrils).
- The color can be different, both monophonic, two-color and three-color.
Character and behavior
The Persian is calm and affectionate. It is mild and not as active as some breeds. In general, he doesn’t mind living alone and is very happy to be a unique cat. He is happy to sit quietly and look good.
The Persian cat is a familiar and calm cat that we will find many times relaxing on the sofa because it spends long hours of the day resting. It is an extremely domestic cat which shows no attitude typical of its wild parents. We will also observe that the Persian cat is very conceited and ostentatious, knows that it is a beautiful animal and will not hesitate to strut around several times in front of us to get petting and attention.
He likes to feel accompanied by people, dogs and other animals. He also behaves wonderfully with children if they do not pull his hairs and do not behave properly with him. It should be added that the Persian is a very greedy cat that it will easily convince you to have all kinds of treats.
Health
The Persian cat is a breed that has different health issues. Since the shape of the head has been reduced and the face has been crushed, there may be jaw deformities that cause dental disease and possible feeding difficulties. Small nostrils and an overly long soft palate can also cause serious breathing problems.
That said, these cats can suffer from several hereditary health issues that are worth being aware of if you’re considering getting a kitten:
- Toxoplasmosis
- Abortions in blue cats
- Malformations in blue cats
- Malocclusion
- Chediak-Higashi syndrome
- Congenital ankyloblapharon
- Entopion
- Congenital epiphora
- Primary glaucoma
- Skin fold dermatitis
- Urinary tract stones
- Patellar dislocation
- Hip dysplasia
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Persian cat varies from 12 to 20 years.
Care
The Persian cat needs daily grooming (including brushing and combing) and bathing to avoid tangles and bad odors.
Your cat’s eyes should be cleaned regularly to prevent scabs and remove tear stains. Also pay attention to the ears and clean them if necessary.
Additionally, Persians need to be fed quality foods that meet all of their nutritional needs throughout their lives, which is especially important for kittens and senior cats.
Fun facts
- The Persian cat is an exclusively domestic animal in the literal sense of this definition. Representatives of this breed have lost the ability to hunt, they cannot run fast and make high jumps. Your pet will not need walks on the street.
- Persians love to lie down for a long time. This lack of mobility is typical for all representatives of the breed and is not a sign of any physical ailment.
- Persian cats are very calm and do not need large spaces. They will never bother you with their activity and get underfoot. For the same reason, you will not have to get upset with torn curtains and damaged upholstery of upholstered furniture.
- Persians are very affectionate and do not like being alone. They will even prefer to sleep in bed with you and it is difficult to wean them from this.
- The kind, docile nature of the animal allows even the smallest children to be safely left alone with him.
- Persian cat owners note their high intelligence. They are well trained, carry out simple commands, quickly get used to the tray.
- A Persian will rarely meow attention to his problems. In most cases, he will simply come to the owner and begin to stare at him, as if trying to mentally convey to you the essence of his request.
- Due to the balance of character, these “sofa” cats easily find a common language with other domestic animals and peacefully share their living space with them.
- The Persian cat will treat all household members peacefully and calmly, some alertness may appear only when a stranger appears, but this will not last long.
- The disposable appearance of the animal makes most people want to take the cat in their arms. If she resists, never insist on your own. Persian does not like violence and can harbor resentment for a long time.
- Persian cats are prone to excessive food consumption. They often beg in an effort to get a tidbit from the owner. If you do not accustom your pet to a certain diet and indulge its gastronomic desires, then health problems due to obesity will not keep you waiting.
History of the breed
The first documented ancestors of the Persian cat were imported in the 17th century from Iran in Italy and from Angora (today Ankara, in Turkey) in France. Persian cats had gray fur, while Angora’s were white. Finally, the descendants of these long-haired cats arrived in Britain in the 19th century.
These early Persian cats were quite different from the cats who win prizes today: they had longer faced, larger ears and more lanky shapes. Over the years, selective breeding has created the stocky body and the flat face we know today. The coat is not only long, but it has a very thick lower coat which requires a huge commitment in terms of care: the Persian cat cannot be entangled.