Persian Cat
Cat Facts

The Persian cat is a longhaired cat breed and certainly not a cat for cat lovers who have no time for grooming. This cat needs lots of pampering and they are well worth it. This magnificent cat is still one of the most popular breeds in the world.

When we think Persian kitties, we think of long flowing fur, large round eyes, adorable flattened faces, chubby cheeks and a distinctive snub nose on a large well proportioned head.

The fur is soft, silky thick, luxurious and usually stands away from the body. Naturally, a dense coat will require grooming, so do visit our comprehensive pages for tips on grooming your cat.

Now, if you're a 'color-junky' then this cat aims to please! This long haired cat breed comes in a wide range of colors and patterns from pitch-black cats to snow-white Persians and all those colors in between. Solid or self-colored, Tortoiseshells, Bi-colors, Silver and Golden Chinchillas, Color Points, Tabby coats and Shaded and Smoke - take your pick.

The eyes are a sight to behold! Large, round eyes set wide apart with colors to match their magnificent coats. Eye-color varies dependent on coat color, but colors you can expect to see are clear deep blue, emerald or blue-green, orange to copper and hazel and then of course the highly sought after odd-eye of one copper and one blue eye.

It is interesting to note that the breed standard for the nose varies. CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) / TICA (The International Cat Association) calls for a short, snub and broad nose with the 'break' that is centered between the eyes. The nose, forehead and chin should be in vertical alignment. The GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) breed standard requires a 'short, broad nose with stop'. In both cases the nostrils need to be open and not constricted.

The Persian's ears are small, with rounded tips and set wide apart. The ears are low on the head and fit into the contour of the head.

Oh, and that body! Described by many as a medium-to-large cat, sturdy and strong with a toned muscular body that is well proportioned. The word cobby comes to mind! The torso is set low on its legs, the latter being short, but well developed and strong. That glorious furry tail is straight and generally shorter than the body and always carried low to the ground.

Personality and Temperament

They've got purrsonality! Yup it's in the genes. Breeding has a lot to do with the character of your beautiful cat.

These stunning cats are renowned for their even temperaments. The owners we spoke to described them as adorable and placid and most of all laid back and calm. They are loving and sociable, calm and affectionate. They can be playful, but prefer gentle play. They can be playful and love games as much as any other cat, but they are not highly active cats.

Persian kitties are quiet and undemanding of your attention. Persians make an ideal pet for families, couples and singles as they are equally happy being part of a family as they are with their own company. They generally take time to warm to strangers (who doesn't) - but they are generally very sociable and love to be the center of attention. With their owners they tend to be talkative, but never overly vocal. When you've bonded with your Persian cat, their eyes will often communicate more than words (or should I say meows) ever would.

Persian Cat Information

Would they suit a home with Children and other Pets?

They make wonderful pets, but these cats prefer gentle children and need to be pampered. This cat is probably more suited to a more mature family. They do enjoy the company of docile and relaxed cat-friendly dogs.

Indoor or Outdoor Cats

These cats do adapt well to apartment living and tolerate solitude provide it's not for extended periods. The pampered Persian prefers a tranquil environment.

It is recommended that Persian cats be kept indoors because of their coat maintenance (and for safety reasons). Like all cats, they do love the freedom of an enclosed, escape-proof and safe garden.

Cat Grooming and Cat Care

This is a high maintenance cat breed. If you do not have the time for daily brushing and daily eye care, we do suggest an alternative cat breed. Daily grooming takes about 15 minutes, but these stunning cats are well worth the effort! Neglect of the coat and eyes can lead to problems.

Cat hair care - great tips and advice for grooming your longhaired cat

Cat eye care - valuable information about cleaning your cat's eyes

Cat dental care - cleaning your cat's teeth and checking their nose is important

Cat Health Concerns

Generally the Persian cat is a healthy cat breed, but some cats are prone to:

• PKD (polycystic kidney disease)
• Peritoneopericardial defect
• Photophobia
• Cataracts
• Lysosomal accumulation neuropathy
• Cats with very flat faces may have breathing problems and kinked tear ducts

Naturally, your Persian cat will need to be vaccinated against all the common infectious feline diseases.

Do consider medical cat insurance for your cat - it is a great investment and may save your cat's life.

Cat Diet and Nutrition

No special diet is required, but they do need to be fed a well balanced diet that contains the correct amount of nutrients. There are a number of cat food types - you can choose between dry (kibbles), semi-moist (pouched) or canned. Raw cat food should only be prepared by experts but is a healthy alternative if the proper nutritional guidelines are followed. Fresh water, not milk should be available at all times.

Some commercial cat food manufacturers produce kibbles specifically designed and formulated for Persian cats. The shape of the kibbles is apparently easier for your cat to pick up and it also contains ingredients with assists with the reduction of hairballs.

The Average Weight

This domestic cat is no featherweight. Their average weight varies from 3 - 7 kg (6 - 15 lbs), but this is largely dependent on bone structure and of course a good healthy diet!

Life Expectancy

You'll have a pal to fuss-over and admire for many years. Whilst the average life expectancy is 15 years, some cats have lived to a ripe old age of 20 yrs - that's equivalent to about 96 human-years. That's pawsitively awesome!

Related Cat Pages:

History of Persian Cats - the origin and development of the breed

Persian Colors - a review of all the cat colors with pictures to match

Pictures of Persians - some of the most beautiful photos of this longhaired cat

Pictures of Persian cats courtesy of:

© Theresa Fouche Photography

Top: Cracker Cotton Eye Joe, Owner: Rene van Wyk, Bred by: A Visser and P Williams

Center: Sp Ch L'Exquisite Palmetto's Victor (imp), black smoke - Owned by: Brenda Neukircher

Bottom: Tres Jolie Bellisimo Black Bi-colour Persian male, Owned and Bred by: Charmaine Danziger and Daniel Viviers