Persian Cat Breed Information

Group

Exotic, Long Haired, Natural, Oriental

Weight

4-6 kg

Length

25-38 cm

Lifespan

12-17 years

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About the Persian Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Calm, elegant, and dignified, the Persian is the royalty of the cat world. If you’re considering adding this friendly and cuddly fluffball to your family, you’re in the right place. This Persian cats breed guide has everything you need to know about this breed.

From their living needs and origins to grooming and feeding advice, you’ll find it all right here. To find out more about this true “glamour puss”, read on for some helpful tips and advice!

What Is the History & Origin of the Persian Cat?

The Persian is a very old breed and to fans of this cat, it will be no surprise to know that these longhaired cats originate from Persia, which is now what we know as modern-day Iran.

The Persian’s longhaired coat was probably caused by a natural mutation. Its impressive appearance caught the eye of a 17th-century Italian world traveller and nobleman called Pietro Della Valle, who brought longhaired cats to Europe for the first time in 1626.

In that year, Persian cats had silky grey fur but because of selective breeding, the Persians we know today have a range of colours including bi-colours, which is typically white plus another colour.

At the 1871 Crystal Palace cat show, Persian-type cats were one of the exhibited breeds. They became very popular pets and even had a special status because Queen Victoria was so fond of the breed.

What Is a Persian Cat Breed?

Although Persians have always been bred specifically to have a short stubby doll face, squishy cheeks, and a short stocky body, over time those features have been exaggerated. This means that there are now two types of Persian cats – traditional and show.

Traditional types don’t have faces that are as short as show Persians and they look more similar to the earlier Persians. However, they both have very sweet temperaments. These days, Persians are one of the most popular cat breeds registered with the Cat Fanciers Association.

Who Is a Persian Cat Best For?

If you’re looking for a calm and gentle pet, the Persian is perfect for you. You’ll very rarely find a Persian cat practising its climbing skills up curtains or shelving units. They much prefer curling up on a comfy couch or your lap.

Persian cats prefer calm and quiet environments so if you have a very noisy household, it’s probably not the right breed for you. However, if your house is quiet or you live alone, a Persian would make a wonderful companion.

What Does a Persian Cat Look Like?

There’s no doubt about it, the traditional Persian cat is instantly recognizable! These famous felines are known for their big eyes, stocky builds, and luxuriously thick coats. But the one most recognizable characteristic is their adorable face!

Coat

This longhaired cat boasts a coat length of between 4 and 6 inches! As you can imagine, this long coat requires a lot of maintenance. Take a look at the next section on how to groom your Persian and keep their coat in tip-top condition.

Colours

Their long, luxurious coats come in many colours including cream, grey, and white with their eyes usually being blue, hazel, or copper. Silver and golden Persians are particularly striking!

Patterns

Persians come in a variety of patterns including:

Solid
Tabby
Bi-colour
Colourpoint
Calico

Silver Persians are considered the most beautiful, with Solid and Tabby varieties also being very popular with fans of the breed.

Persian Cat Grooming & Shedding

There’s no way around it, a Persian cat’s coat is high maintenance. It will need brushing every day with a stainless steel comb to get rid of tangles, mats, and loose hair.

Mats and tangles can cause discomfort to the Persian and loose cat hair can get everywhere, including your furniture and clothes, even down to your socks! So you can probably see the benefit in regular grooming.

How Do Persian Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

Persians are quiet and affectionate cats who like peaceful environments and those who treat them with kindness. Unlike other cat breeds that are more athletic, the Persian much prefers lounging around than scaling a bookcase or kitchen countertops.

Children will be accepted by a Persian as long as they’ve been taught to gently pet the cat and not drag it around or be rough.

Living Needs

They may be glamourous but Persians don’t need fancy accommodation. Your Persian is a cat that likes comfort, so a comfortable couch or pet bed will definitely be appreciated.

As long as you provide a healthy diet, regular grooming and plenty of comfortable snoozing spots, including your lap, you Persian will be very happy.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Persian Cats?

Habits

Persians are quite uncomplicated cats and they don’t tend to have many habits. Their biggest habit is finding the comfiest spot for their afternoon cat nap!

Activity Level

Many Persian cats always choose sleeping over being active! For this reason, you may have to coax your feline friend off the couch for playtime and exercise. However, be careful not to tire them out too much as their short noses can make breathing a bit harder, which probably explains why they’re not very active cats.

Vocalness

Persian cats are known for being rather quiet. They may greet you with a small meow but that’s really the extent of their vocalness. Their big expressive eyes usually do the talking for them. This is ideal if you live in an apartment and don’t want your neighbours disturbed by constant meowing and yowling!

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Persian Cat?

Height

Persians usually measure between 25-38 cm. This is a breed that’s slow to mature and aren’t usually considered full grown until they’re 2 years old.

Weight

A female adult Persian will usually weigh around 3-5 kg whilst males are larger, typically weighing around 4-6 kg. A healthy balanced diet will ensure your cat doesn’t become overweight.

Size

The Persian breed is a medium-sized cat with a sturdy build and solid legs, which explains why they’re not known to be good at jumping. They prefer keeping four paws on the ground or lounging on a comfy couch while they snooze.

Are Persian Cats Easy to Train?

This popular cat breed is easy to litter train. However, any litter boxes must be kept clean otherwise the cat may simply refuse to use them! The litter box should also be big enough for the cat to fit into comfortably.

As well as this, Persian cats can be trained not to scratch the furniture, which can be achieved by providing them with a scratching post.

Does the Persian Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Sadly, Persians can be prone to a few health issues, typically caused by the shape of their faces. Some of these health problems may include:

Polycystic Kidney Disease: Persians are prone to polycystic kidney disease, a genetic condition affecting kidney function.
Heat Sensitivity: Due to their thick coats and flat faces, Persians can be sensitive to heat and may struggle in warm environments.
Eye Problems: Their eye structure makes them susceptible to issues like entropion and cherry eye, requiring regular eye care.
Dental Malocclusions: Persians often suffer from dental malocclusions, meaning their teeth may not align properly, affecting their ability to eat.

What Is the Lifespan of a Persian Cat?

Persians typically have a lifespan of 12-17 years. You can help ensure your cat lives a long, healthy life by providing a well-balanced diet and regular vet checks so preventable illnesses and conditions are dealt with. A Persian cat should also be kept indoors, which can also contribute to a long, healthy life.

How Much Does a Persian Cat Need to Be Fed?

Your cat will need a balanced diet that ideally consists of both wet and dry food. This should be split into two feeds per day and always be sure to keep an eye on their food intake, to avoid your pet becoming too chubby!

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Persian Cat in Australia?

If you’ve decided that you want to give a home to a Persian kitten, know that these cute balls of fluff come with not so cute prices! Expect to pay anywhere between $500-$1500. Never buy kittens from breeders that offer their cats at super low prices, as they could be the product of irresponsible breeding.

Learn more about: Persian Prices In Australia – How Much Do Persians Cost?

Persian Cat FAQs

How often should you bathe a Persian cat?

Because your Persian will likely be an indoor cat, it won’t usually get very dirty. Although regular grooming is essential, you’ll only need to bathe your cat once every 2 to 3 months.

Are Persian cats hypoallergenic?

No cat is truly hypoallergenic, but Persians aren’t. This is because of their excessive shedding, so if you have allergies, unfortunately, a Persian won’t be a suitable cat for you.

Do Persian cats suffer from separation anxiety?

Unlike dogs, cats are much more independent and don’t tend to suffer from severe separation anxiety. However, Persians do bond with their owners and shouldn’t be left on their own for long periods. If you’re not at home much during the day, a Persian probably isn’t right for you.

Is it safe to give Persian cats milk and dairy products?

No, Persians are lactose-intolerant so they should never be given any dairy products. Milk doesn’t form part of a cat’s necessary nutrition and many will suffer from an upset stomach if they’re given it. If you’d like to give your cat an occasional treat, there are lactose-free milk products available, made especially for cats.

Do Persian cats get along well with other household pets?

Yes, generally Persians can mix well with household animals. But, this breed does best in a quiet, peaceful environment so bouncy, overexcited dogs or other pets may upset your cat. They do however mix well with other cats and their gentle natures mean they’re unlikely to start any fights.