Persian CatsLonghair, Persian Longhair

Common Name(s)     Persian, Longhair, Persian Longhair.

Background     The exact origins of this highly popular breed are disputed. Theories of its origin include stories of various wild cats, Russian Longhair cats, and Turkish Angoras. Some also believe that the Persian was an indigenous breed from Persia. However, this breed most likely originated from a thick-coated cat in the north and was brought down to present day Iran. No matter its genetic or geographic origins, this breed was first discovered in the early 1600's by Pietro della Valle, an Italian traveler. He brought two Persians to Italy. By the 1800's, the breed was imported to France. Shortly after arriving in Britain in the late 1800's, it gained great popularity, becoming even more prized than the previously popular Angora. Today, the Persian is the most popular breed at cat shows. It is known as "the aristocrat of the cat family", and contributes nearly 80% of the cat registrations in America. In Britain, the breed is valued to the point of classifying each different Persian color form as a separate breed.

Description     This breed has a well-muscled, round, short body. It is medium to large in size. The legs and tail are short. The head is round and broad. The nose is short, the eyes are large and round, and the ears are small, wide-set, and round-tipped. The Persian face is naturally flat in relation to most other breeds, but has become even flatter through selective breeding. The extreme of this trend is known as the Peke-Faced. Persians weigh approximately 8-15 pounds.
Persians are known for their luxuriant, long, thick coat. The outer coat is loosely fit and the undercoat is dense and wooly. Persians are accepted in just about every color form. The different categories and examples include: Self (White), Smoke (Lilac Smoke), Chinchilla (Golden Persian), Cameo (Red Shell Cameo), Pewter (Pewter), Tabby (Silver Tabby), Tortie Tabby (Blue Tortie Tabby), Tortie (Lilac-Cream), Tortie and White (Blue Tortie and White), Bi-Color Solid (Black and White Bi-Color), Bi-Color Tabby (Brown Tabby and White), Van Bi-Color (Red and White Van), Van Tricolor (Tortie and White Van). Persians with a colorpoint form (markings like the Siamese) are known as Himalayans.

Care and Feeding     Persians have no special dietary needs, but benefit from a balanced diet. If overfed, they run the risk of developing cardiac problems.

Housing Your Cat     Persians are great apartment or house cats. Their placid nature suits them well for life indoors. However, some Persians enjoy some time to roam or hunt outside.

Maintenance     Like most longhair breeds, the Persian requires extensive grooming. Daily combing and brushing is advised to reduce knotting and prevent intestinal and respiratory problems due to swallowing fur.

Social Behaviors     Persians enjoy being around humans and other animals. They are good family cats, as long as they are kept from the sticky fingers of young children.

Activities     Persians should be provided with a scratching post if kept indoors. However, adult Persians are not very active or destructive.

Breeding/Reproduction     Persian litters contain approximately 3 to 5 kittens. Birthing is often difficult for Persians.

Common Health Problems     Most Persians are healthy cats. However, Persians have several health risks. Due to their large, protruding eyes, they are susceptible to eye infections, injuries, and irritations. Due to the flat nature of their faces, they sometimes have breathing problems or problems with clogged tear ducts. Deafness is common with white Persians, especially those with blue eyes.

Availability     Since the Persian is an extremely popular breed, they are readily available on the internet and from local breeders. Prices range from approximately $200 to $1000.

Author: Ruth Bratcher