Persian
They might have a grumpy looking face, but make no mistake, the Persian cat is as sweet and easy going as it can get. The fancy felines are loving and charming creatures that would get along with the entire family if introduced to them as kittens. But beauty is not always effortless, so Persian cats do require extra attention – find out more about them.
Persian Cat Appearance
Medium sized and stockily built, the Persian cat characteristics include a round, broad head, somewhat large in proportion to the body, with large round eyes and short muzzle that gives them a distinctive and somewhat grumpy expression. The ears are small and set wide which further accentuates the size and roundness of the face. The body is compact, with short sturdy legs, large round paws, and a short, bushy tail. The coat is long, extremely thick and luxuriant, with a soft, dense undercoat.
Persian Cat Personality
Sweet and gentle, the Persian Longhair appreciates a peaceful home where they can feel relaxed and secure. They are a quiet cat, with a pleasant and melodious voice rather than a mawkish or yowling cry. Their large eyes make them expressive, able to convey their bafflement at our human stupidity with a tilt of the head and a knowing stare, or their happiness with a beam of pleasure and a rumbling purr. They are not inclined to climb and jump, but are a rather decorative cat, enjoying sunny spots and draping themselves artfully across furniture.
History and Origins
Supposedly exported from Persia in the 17th Century, the Persian cat claims to be one of the oldest cat breeds in existence. Hieroglyphic references from as early as 1684 B.C. are said to show Persian cats, however it should be understood that these cats were not the classic flat faced extreme coated breed we see today, but a more moderate version with a prominent muzzle and shorter hair.
Although Persian cats have been around a long time, the breed has been altered in a variety of ways (coat type, muzzle length, colour) by different groups of breed afficionados over the decades and several types of Persian cats exist today, including the Persian Longhair, Chinchilla, Doll Face, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and probably more!
Outdoors or Indoors
This is absolutely an indoor cat as beyond short strolls close to the house, the outside world is not a place the Persian Longhair belongs in as they are too easy going, not nearly athletic enough and potentially likely to get bullied by other neighbourhood felines. An indoor home, perhaps with a small sheltered outdoor run for sunbathing and world-watching is what the Persian cat desires. Somewhere with comfortable furniture to drape across and plenty of sunny patches, and an admiring human to gaze upon them. Glamorous and quietly regal, this is truly a pampered kitty.
Enrichment and Specific Needs
The Persian Longhair require companionship and admiration more than engaging play, climbing or fast paced games other breeds enjoy. However, they do enjoy short, gentle games with their owner and these help to try to keep them active and prevent weight gain. Their coats do need special attention to keep them clean, topping and tailing after meals and toilet trips may be necessary, and some very flat faced examples may need special bowls or even hand feeding.
Nutrition and Feeding
Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in their diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.
Grooming Persian Cats
The Persian Longhair requires daily grooming, sometimes multiple times per day. Their long thick coat combined with their short stocky body and flat face means they are unable to groom themselves effectively. Pay special attention to cleaning around the face and eyes daily, and under the tail after each trip to the litter box. It may be sensible to trim the fur under the tail and around the genital area if your cat is regularly getting dirty in this area.
As with all cats, regular vaccination and parasite control is recommended.
Suitability for Family Life
Persian cats are best suited to a quiet and peaceful home which may rule out homes with very young children or lots of noisy boisterous activity. Although happy enough to be left alone whilst owners work, the Persian Longhair does require a fair bit of maintenance daily and so owners must be prepared for that commitment.