Persian Cat Breed- Everything you need to know

The Persian cat breeds are adorable, fluffy little creatures that might just be the perfect pet for you. You may never have seen one of these beautiful animals before. So, here is all you need to know about Persian cats.

james bond cat persian

Wait, before getting started, do you like James Bond movies. If yes, you might have seen a villain sitting in an over-large swivel chair petting a white cat. The white cat’s name was never revealed, but it belongs to the Persian breed.  The cat is also famous as James bond’s cat.

History of Persian cat

The Persian cat is one of the oldest breeds of domesticated cats. It has a long and rich history that can be traced back to ancient Persia. The first documented reference to the Persian cat was in a book written by an Islamic scholar named Ibn Al-Nafis in 1258 AD. He described them as a longhaired cat that the royal family kept in Persia.

The Persian cat slowly spread to other parts of the world and became popular among aristocrats and wealthy people. In 1871, a British man named Harrison Weir organized the first cat show. He included a class for Persian cats. The breed quickly gained popularity and since then there have been different types of persian cat breeds. Subsequently, they has remained as one of the most popular breeds in the world.

Appearance

People prefer Persian cats mainly due to their appearance. However, there are several other reason why you should get a persian cats. They have a long, thick coat of fur that can be any color or pattern. They are known for their round face and large eyes, which give them a sweet expression. These cats have ears that sit close to their head, making them look almost like toys! Persian cats come in both short-haired and long-haired varieties.

Size and Weight

A fully grown adult Persian cat (male or female) can weigh up to 12 pounds. Males are generally larger than females and may be more outgoing and active than the latter. 

Coat and Color

The Persian cat breed comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The most common ones are white, black, brown tabby, silver tabby, chocolate tabby, and blue tabby. Some people also have Persians with different color coats, such as grey or red – but these colors are less common.

Tail

Most Persians have short tails that curl over their back in a sickle shape. In some rare cases, Persians may be born with long non-curling tails – this is considered to be a fault in the show ring because the tail should be no longer than 10% of the cat’s overall body length.

Personality and Behavior

Persian cats tend to be well-mannered and affectionate towards people. They can be lap cats and love spending time with their human friends. Many Persian owners find their pets highly entertaining because of their antics and funny behaviors.

These gentle feline require little exercise, so you do not need to go jogging or running with them. Persians are also popular among people with limited space in their homes because they are fairly inactive and spend most of the day sleeping.

Consider reading article cat breeds suitable for small living space or apartment.

Intelligence

Persian cats are very intelligent creatures that love to play. They may not be as good at solving difficult puzzles or playing hide-and-seek as some other cat breeds, but they are always up for a game of fetch!

Persians are also very curious and interested and can explore their surroundings and investigate any new objects in the house.

Independence

Persians depend on their owners for food and shelter – but they need a very little exercise. This makes them suitable pets for older people or those who live in apartments because they require less time and attention than other breeds. Persians also do not mind staying indoors most of the time, so many apartment dwellers like to keep these cats as pets.

Lifespan 

The average lifespan of a Persian cat is 13.5 years. However, there are records of these cats living more than 20 years.

Persian Cat Life Expectancy Factors

Their long and dense coats make them more susceptible to health issues such as skin infections and rashes, reducing their overall lifespan. This is why you must provide your pet with the extra care they need to live a happy and healthy life.

Cost

Persian cats are relatively expensive to purchase because of their long coat – but they are considered to be one of the most social breeds when it comes to grooming. 

You should budget at least $1000 for a Persian kitten, with an average price being around $100 to $3000 in the United States. As with most breeds, the price of Persians can vary depending on the breeder and whether or not you want a pure breed pet.

Breeding and kittens

The Persian cat breed is very popular among pet owners because of its affectionate nature. Breeders often go to great lengths to ensure that their cats pass down desirable traits without any genetic defects. The average number of kittens in a litter is four, with two to three being considered normal.

Diet

Persian cat breeders recommend that their cats be fed a high-quality diet, including food made specifically for cats. This is because the Persians tend to have many health problems that can be prevented by feeding them correctly. 

The most common types of food recommended are wet and dry. You should always make your cat eat from clean dishes. They should not be allowed to eat from other animals’ dishes. As with all cats, Persians should have access to water at all times.

A balanced diet for the Persian is dry food, wet food (preferably low in phosphorus), and raw meat (taurine supplement if fed raw).

Living Needs

Indoors/Outdoors:

Persian breed of cat does their best indoors. They might want to go outside, but they should never be allowed to do so unattended.

Your feline will return to the house when they are hungry or cold and can easily become lost or hurt on their way home.

Temperature

Although the Persians are winter cats, they should always be kept inside during winter when temperatures drop significantly below freezing.

If kept outside in the cold for an extended period, this breed could freeze through exposure. Whereas in summer you should turn on your fan and AC to keep your cat cool.

Exercise Needs

The Persian’s exercise needs are moderate to high depending on whether or not its owner takes it out daily. They are not particularly active when allowed to roam inside, but they will certainly enjoy playing in the yard with their human companion.

Health Needs

Persian cats are known for having respiratory problems, tear duct issues, allergies, digestive problems, obesity-related problems, dental problems (feline stomatitis), among other things. The best way to keep them from developing these illnesses is by properly feeding them correctly and giving them plenty of attention/exercise time outside of the house.

Friendliness to other pets and children

Persian cats and kittens tend to get along well with people and other pets in the home. They rarely show aggression towards other animals and enjoy playing games with their human companions.

Persians also adapt very well to young children because of their gentle nature. Young children may need to be taught to play safely with their new pet, but they generally get along very well.

Shedding 

Persian cat’s coat is long, dense, and double. You will find that your cat sheds his or her undercoat seasonally.

When the weather starts to warm up in the springtime, you can expect to have some extra cleaning to do around your home as your Persian takes care of seasonal changes by shedding profusely.

Health Issues

Persian cats are generally healthy, but some hereditary diseases are associated with this breed. 

The most common one is Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) which causes cysts to form on the kidneys. These cysts can lead to organ failure and death if not treated on time – early diagnosis is crucial.

Other health problems that Persians may be born with include Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Hip Dysplasia, malocclusion of the jaw, and tear duct problems.

Behavioral problems

Some of the most common behavioral problems Persians are susceptible to include obesity and compulsive behavior such as excessive grooming or licking.

These behaviors can lead to bald patches on the cat that requires medical treatment. It is important to monitor your pet’s weight and avoid feeding it too much or too little.

Grooming and care

Persian cats require frequent grooming to keep their coats in good condition. You should brush your pet’s coat at least once or twice a week to remove any loose hair and prevent matting.

Some Persians may need professional grooming regularly because they grow double coats. It is important to keep your cat’s nails trimmed, so they do not scratch you or other pets in the house.

Similarly, their eyes must also be cleaned regularly to avoid tear stains developing on the fur surrounding them.

Choosing a Persian Breeder

Before purchasing a Persian kitten, make sure you deal with a reputable breeder. It is best to buy from someone who specializes in this breed. Such breeders can provide better care and ensure their kittens are healthy (they will also advise you on the proper care that your furry friend needs).

persian kittens

Also, when buying a Persian kitten, make sure you check its parents to make sure they do not suffer from genetic diseases. Your breeder should be able to provide health certificates for your kittens’ parents as well as show you the results of HCM and PKD tests (if available).

In order to choose a reputable breeder, talk to other Persian owners or ask your vet for recommendations. Ensure the breeder you choose is registered with a local cat fancier club and adheres to ethical breeding practices.

How to get a Persian cat?

Purchase

Persians are rare and expensive cats, so you need to save up for one. You can find a Persian kitten from a breeder or buy an older cat from a Persian-friendly shelter (if you prefer rescuing an animal).

Adoption

If you cannot afford to buy a Persian kitten, take your time and look through all available cats in your area or try to find a Persian-friendly shelter. Persians are rare cats and usually, it is difficult to find them for adoption – you can also check if any local Persian breeders may have an older cat they want to rehome.

Shelters

Adopting from a shelter comes with no guarantees. You can adopt a Persian from a shelter, but you will likely end up with a mixed-breed cat who just looks like a Persian.

Breeds Similar to Persian

Sphynx and Himalayan

These cats share many similarities with Persians and are often mistaken for them. These breeds have very short, fine coats, making their skin visible and almost like a hairless cat. However, what you see on top of their coats is just fur – not skin as in Sphynxes or Siamese cats.

You can easily tell the difference by looking at the nose: neither Sphinxes nor Himalayans have a nose leather (Sphynx breed was created through genetic mutation while Himalayans have been around for centuries). Persians and Siamese cats have fleshy noses.

Siamese and Korat

These breeds also look very similar to Persians, but they are not as furry as the latter (the fur on their body is shorter). 

In Siamese and Korat cat breeds, the fur tends to be longer around the neck area, creating a fluffy ‘ruff’ that makes them different from Persians.

FAQs

Are Persian cats smart?

Cats are quite intelligent animals – they can learn simple tricks and they can easily find their way home.

Yet, Persian cats are very independent by nature, which means you may need time to teach them simple tasks that require human help (they only seem smart because they quickly figure out what humans want from them).

What does the phrase “Persian” in cat breed refer to?

The “Persian” in a Persian cat breed refers to the country of origin. The word “Persia” is a Latinized form of the term “Pars” or “Fars”, which is used by someone from Iran.

Even though that country was not called Persia at the time the cats originated there. In modern times, the term has come to be almost exclusively associated with the country Iran.

What do Persian cats look like?

Persians are popular pets worldwide, which means they are not rare or exotic – that being said, Persians are very beautiful cats. These felines have thick coats with a long mane around their heads, round eyes and small pointed ears which makes them look like teddy bears come to life.

Do Persian cats have big ears?

Persians have small ears which are usually pointy at the ends. These cats can hear a lot of things so they will usually get startled when your phone starts singing or when someone knocks on your door. In these cases, you should calm down your cat to avoid any aggressive behavior.

Do Persian cats have tails?

Yes, Persians have tails that are usually long and thick. However, the tail of your Persian is less likely to make him stand out in a crowd because his coat tends to hide it away (and some Persians don’t even have tails).

Do Persian cats get along with other pets?

Persian cats are known for being very docile and typically get along well with other pets in the home. They will often follow around other animals, playing or just observing quietly.

However, it is always important to supervise any interactions between Persian cats and other animals to ensure that everyone remains safe and happy.

Do Persian cats get along with children?

Persians are very affectionate by nature and love spending time with their owners (especially when they get lots of attention and love). Make sure your kids know how to behave around a cat before you decide to adopt one (children should never poke or hit the cat).

Are Persian cats friendly to strangers?

Persians are very friendly, which means they will lick you, rub against your legs, and purr whenever a stranger comes to visit. However, it’s always best to watch these felines around small children and babies because Persian cats can get grumpy when they don’t feel safe (and may bite or scratch you if they feel threatened).

Are Persian cats hypoallergenic?

The short answer is no. Although Persians do not shed much (in fact, they shed very little), they still produce allergens that may affect humans prone to allergies.

The best way to make sure your Persian does not trigger your allergies is to try and spend some time with the cat before you decide to adopt or buy him.

Are Persians good family pets?

Yes, Persians are good family pets. They are generally very affectionate with their owners and enjoy having lots of attention.

The majority of Persians will also get along well with other cats and dogs in the home – providing they have been properly introduced to these animals when they are young. However, Persians can be very sensitive to change, so introducing new animals to the home should be done slowly and carefully.

How much exercise do Persians need?

Persians tend to be more passive than some other breeds of cats, requiring less exercise. Like all cats, however, Persians still require some level of exercise. 

They will enjoy time outside of the house. If they are allowed out in the garden, they will love to chase any birds or insects they find. 

Can I take Persian out with me?

Persians are generally very calm, relaxed cats, especially if raised indoors. If you want to take your cat outside with you, another option is to purchase a pet stroller or pet carrier, which can be attached to the front of bikes or buggies, allowing your cat to explore the great outdoors while remaining safe and secure.

Do Persian cats follow you around?

Yes, Persians are fascinated with their owners, which means they will follow you around if you leave your cat by himself at home. These cats need constant attention and can’t live without it – this is why Persian kitties get depressed when they stay alone for too long (and may start meowing or scratching at the door).

Are Persian cats friendly?

Persian cats are considered one of the friendliest breeds in the world. It is believed that because they were bred to be human companions, rather than independent hunters like other cats, Persian cats can be socialized easily to love people and not just the person who takes care of them. They are loving toward anyone in their family or outside their family, including strangers.

Do Persian cats shed a lot?

Persians shed a lot during the springtime or when they are stressed. To prevent your Persian from shedding too much, you should brush him once a day and keep his coat healthy – this way it will be easier for you to remove all those loose hairs.

How long do Persian cats live?

Persians are healthy, happy children of nature who can live up to 13.5 years (on average). Some Persians have been recorded to live longer than 20 years. If you take proper care of them (provide them with regular checkups, feed them high-quality food and keep their weight under control) they might live longer.

Do Persian cats have a good memory?

Cats have a very good memory, and they remember everything that happens around them. Persians, in particular, are quite smart and curious, which means you should not be surprised if your furry friend remembers where the cupboard with its food is and how to open it.

Persians also like to sneak away into hiding places and then suddenly resurface when they think it is a good time to get some attention from their owners.

How do you get a Persian cat to trust you?

Persians are friendly and require a lot of attention. If you want your cat to trust you spend time with them figure out what they like to do. You can also treat them whenever they do something wonderful. Notice every small thing about them alternately your bond will get stronger.

How much do Persian kittens grow?

Persians can grow up to 10-15 inches tall and weighs up to 7-10 pounds. This depends on their gender.

Do Persian cats purr?

Yes, Persians are very vocal, and they will let you know when they feel happy by purring loudly. You may also hear your Persian gently making chirping noises while playing with his toys or eating something delicious.

Also, they have been caught licking their lips after gorging on their favorite foods.

Are Persian cats loyal to their owners?

Yes, Persians are very loyal, which means they will follow you around the house and stay by your side whenever you want to cuddle with them. These cats also have a funny habit of sitting on books or important pieces of paper, so it’s always best to keep your documents out of their reach.

What do Persian cats eat?

Persians are carnivores, so they need to be fed with meat-based products – ideally, you should feed your Persian high-quality dry food that is low in carbohydrates. If you want to treat your cat with something tasty, give him some canned food or freeze-dried treats.

How much do Persian cats eat?

Persians are not picky eaters, so they will usually eat as much as you give them. In the wild, these cats tend to hunt small animals, so they have a high metabolic rate which means they need to eat often.

What do Persian kittens eat?

Kittens should be fed high-quality food, especially with high protein content. The different brand has created various Dry Food focusing on Persian kittens. Kitten food includes all the nutrients a kitten needs to grow up healthy. You can even mix some wet kitten food with your kitten’s dry food to make it taste better.

If you don’t want to give your commercial cat products, you can always prepare some homemade treats for him – just make sure the ingredients are healthy!

How much do Persian kittens eat?

Kittens in general, tend to eat a lot of food because they are in the growth phase. If you feed your Persian kitten high-quality dry food, he will not seem hungry all the time.

Do Persian cats eat chicken?

Yes, Persians can eat chicken – just make sure the pieces are small enough for your cat to chew on. You should also avoid giving your Persian any bones that are too big. They might swallow whole and choke on.

Do Persian cats eat raw meat?

Persians can eat raw meat as long as it is high quality and free from large bones. However, a word of caution: too much raw meat may lead to health problems, so you should always watch how much your cat eats. If possible give him a cooked meal once in a while.

Do Persian cats eat fish?

Yes, Persians can eat fish, but it is not recommended. Fish contains too much oil, less vitamin K, the bone might chock them, and overall less protein and nutrients are required for them. Also, fish results in indigestion in cats

Do Persian cats eat rats?

There are no official reports of Persian cats eating rats. However, in the wild, these cats hunt down rats and other small animals to feed on. So don’t get worried if your cat tries and hunt rats.

Do Persian cats drink milk?

Persians are lactose intolerant, just like many other cat breeds, which means you should not feed them regular cow’s milk – if your cat does drink milk, make sure it is the special feline variety sold in pet stores.

Can Persian cats eat fruit?

Yes, Persians can eat most kinds of fruit (including apples and bananas). However, too much fruit may lead to diarrhea or stomach upsets. What’s more, many types of fruit are very sugary, which should be given in small doses (and only as treats).

Do Persian cats like water?

No, Persians don’t like water (and they will try their best to stay away from any liquid source). If you want to bathe your cat, make sure you do it only when he is very calm and tired. You may even need to feed him or give him a treat before and after the bath.

Can Persian cats swim?

Yes, Persians can swim. However, like other cat breeds, they prefer not to get wet and won’t appreciate a dip in the pool or a walk in the rain.

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Esme Watson
Esme Watson

Esme Watson, the founder of Cat Queries, is a passionate cat lover driven by a deep love for felines. Inspired by her own furry companions, Minnie and Mickey, Esme created a platform dedicated to empowering cat owners with comprehensive and reliable information on feline health and behavior.

Cat Queries combines Esme's personal experiences with expert insights, offering a valuable resource that caters to all aspects of cat care. This inclusive approach fosters a welcoming community for cat lovers, making Cat Queries a trusted source for information, support, and guidance. Ultimately, Esme's mission is to enrich the lives of both cats and their human companions through knowledge and understanding.

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