The Majestic Persian Cat: Breeds, Care Tips, and History

Persian cat or Iranian cat is one of the most attractive pets and the most crowded cat in the world, which are famous for their laziness . They are also one of the cultural symbols of Iran among the world. In terms of popularity of Persian cats, their white color is more popular among French and European aristocratic families than others and is considered as a category of aristocratic cats.

History of Persian cats

Persian cat is one of the oldest breeds of cats. According to historical writings , at the beginning of the 16th century, these cats first entered Europe and were welcomed by most Europeans. In 1620, the first Persian cats were sent from Iran to Italy and then to France, and after France, these cats originated in England. The cat was officially registered as a cat in 1871 by the newly established CAF. In 2015, this cat became the second most popular cat in the world after Exitic shorthair. Persian cats, known for their long, luxurious coats and distinctive flat faces, have a long and storied history that dates back centuries. Here’s an overview of the history of Persian cats:

1. Ancient Origins: Persian cats are believed to have originated in the Middle East, specifically in the region that is now modern-day Iran. Their history can be traced back as far as the 1600s, making them one of the oldest recognized cat breeds.
2. Initial Recognition: The Persian cat was initially introduced to Europe in the 1600s. They quickly gained popularity among European nobility and aristocrats due to their elegant appearance and gentle demeanor.
3. Breeding and Development: In the 19th century, breeders in Europe began refining the Persian breed through selective breeding. They aimed to create the distinct features that are now associated with Persian cats, including their round faces and long, flowing coats.
4. Popularity in the United States: Persian cats were imported to the United States in the late 1800s and gained popularity there as well. They became a favored breed among American cat enthusiasts.
5. Recognition and Standards: The Persian cat breed was officially recognized and standardized by various cat breed registries, including the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). These standards outline the specific characteristics and appearance of the breed for cat shows and breeding purposes.
6. Varieties: Over time, Persian cats have been bred in various color variations and patterns, resulting in a wide range of coat colors and appearances. Some popular Persian color variations include Himalayan (color-pointed), chinchilla, and more.
7. Modern Day: Today, Persian cats continue to be beloved pets and show cats worldwide. They are known for their sweet and gentle personalities, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. Their long, luxurious coats require regular grooming to keep them healthy and free from mats.

While Persian cats are cherished for their beauty and affectionate nature, they are also known for some health issues, including respiratory and dental problems due to their flat faces. Responsible breeding and proper care are essential to ensure the well-being of Persian cats and preserve their unique characteristics.

َAppearance of Persian cats

They usually have round head, big eyes, small nose and large body with long hair. Persian cats are known for their distinctive and luxurious appearance, characterized by several key features:

1. Coat: The most prominent feature of Persian cats is their long, silky coat. The fur is dense, soft, and flows gracefully over their body. Persian cats come in a wide range of coat colors and patterns, including solid colors, bi-color, and even color-pointed varieties.
2. Face: Persian cats have a distinctive flat or brachycephalic face with a short nose and round, full cheeks. Their wide-set eyes are large and expressive, typically with a sweet and gentle expression. The nose is often small and upturned.
3. Ears: Persian cats have small, rounded ears that sit low on their head, contributing to their charming appearance.
4. Body: Persian cats have a medium-sized, sturdy body with a short, thick neck and a rounded, well-muscled torso. They have short legs and a bushy, plume-like tail that complements their overall appearance.
5. Eyes: Persian cats usually have large, round eyes that come in various colors, depending on their coat color. The eye color can range from blue, green, or gold.
6. Paws: Their paws are small and rounded, covered in tufts of fur, which adds to their endearing appearance.
7. Overall Elegance: Persian cats have an elegant and regal appearance. Their calm demeanor and graceful movements make them appear dignified and charming.

It’s important to note that the Persian breed comes in different variations and patterns, which can affect their overall appearance. These variations include the Himalayan Persian, which has color-pointed fur like a Siamese cat, and the chinchilla Persian, which has a distinctive silver-tipped coat. Due to their long coats, Persian cats require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep their fur in optimal condition. Many Persian cat owners dedicate time to daily brushing and may also opt for professional grooming services. Proper grooming is essential for their well-being and to maintain their stunning appearance.

Size:

Persian male cats are usually considered as large cats due to their weight, which is about 5 kg, and female cats, which are between 3.5 to 5 kg, are considered as medium category.

Body:

Persian cats have a rounder body and with shorter and wider legs, they have large bones and muscles with good elasticity. Their tails are short but fit with their bodies.

Body color:

The body color of this type of Persian is without penumbra. White, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate or purple are the colors that make aristocratic cats or simple ones .

White cat

In terms of popularity, color and characteristics, white cats are very popular. The eyes of simple white cats can be copper color or blue. And even a blue eye and a copper eye can be seen in this type.

Black cat

Black cats have shiny black hair and bright orange eyes. Most of them are larger than the average Persian cats and have long hair. They look ominous which reduce their appeal . Still these black cats with shiny eyes are attractive.

Black Persian cat

Eye color:

Their eye color is different according to their hair color, which includes blue, green, copper, and hazelnut colors.

Average life span of Persian cats

The average lifespan of a Persian cat typically ranges from 12 to 16 years, although some can live even longer with proper care. Persian cats are known for their longevity when well cared for. However, like all cat breeds, their lifespan can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, diet, environment, and healthcare.

To help ensure your Persian cat lives a long and healthy life, it’s important to provide:

1. Regular Veterinary Care: Schedule routine check-ups with a veterinarian to monitor your cat’s health and address any potential issues early.
2. Proper Nutrition: Feed your Persian cat a balanced and appropriate diet. Consult with your veterinarian for guidance on the best food choices for their specific needs.
3. Grooming: Persian cats have long, luxurious coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and skin issues. Daily brushing and occasional baths are often necessary.
4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Engage your cat in play and provide toys and activities to keep them mentally and physically active.
5. Indoor Environment: Protect your Persian cat from outdoor dangers by keeping them indoors or in a safe, enclosed outdoor area.
6. Dental Care: Pay attention to your cat’s dental health and consider dental cleanings or dental care products recommended by your veterinarian.
7. Spaying or Neutering: Consider spaying or neutering your Persian cat to prevent certain health issues and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

By providing these elements of care, you can enhance the lifespan and overall well-being of your Persian cat. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will help catch and address any health concerns early, which can further contribute to a longer and healthier life for your feline companion.

Price of Persian cats

Persian cat has a variable price in the Iranian market and this price difference depends on the type of Persian and the frequency or rarity of that type of Persian. For example, Persian flat and Super flat cats have a much higher price. The price of Persian cats can vary widely depending on several factors, including the cat’s lineage, pedigree, age, color, and where you purchase it. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more for a Persian cat.

Here are some factors that influence the price of Persian cats:

1. Breed Quality: Show-quality Persian cats with excellent lineage and conforming to breed standards tend to be more expensive than pet-quality cats.
2. Pedigree: Cats with strong pedigrees, champion bloodlines, or those from renowned breeders may have higher price tags.
3. Color and Coat Pattern: Persian cats come in a variety of colors and coat patterns. Some rare or unique color patterns can command higher prices.
4. Age: Kittens are typically more expensive than adult cats.
5. Health and Vaccinations: Cats that come with a clean bill of health and up-to-date vaccinations may have higher prices.
6. Breeder Reputation: Established and reputable breeders often charge more for their cats due to the quality of care and breeding standards they uphold.
7. Location: Prices can vary by region, with cats in urban areas typically being more expensive than in rural areas.

It’s important to remember that while purchasing a Persian cat, you should consider not just the initial cost but also ongoing expenses like grooming, veterinary care, and food. Additionally, consider adopting from shelters or rescue organizations as an alternative to purchasing from breeders, as this can be a more cost-effective and humane option.

Types of Persian cats

Classic cat or Doll face cat

One of the most famous Persian cats is the classic Persian cat, which is known in North America and Europe as the Doll face cat. In the types of Persian cats, the classic cat is very different from today’s generation in terms of the type of covering and the snout and nose. The face shape of domestic cats such as the classic Persian is more appropriate than the types of modern Persian and their snout is located in front of their eyes.

Persian Flat cat

Among the types of cats, Persian flat or flat face is known for being quiet and sweet for this reason, it prefers to live in a quiet house. They were created in 1950 by a sudden genetic mutation and Also known as peke-face. In general, this cat is  known to be lazy, and this type of Persian is no exception; Due to this feature, they only get up from their warm and soft place when they want to eat or play.

Super Flat cat

The nose of the Persian Super flat is almost in line with their eyes and gives them a cute and lovely appearance. While the nose in classic cats is below the eyes. Persian flat and super flat cats are usually more expensive than classic cats.

Himalayan cat

Himalayan cat , which is considered as a type of Persian cat, is derived from the mating of breeds such as Siamese and Persian. The presence of colored spots on the body of this breed, which is very similar to the spots on the body of Himalayan rabbits, is the reason for naming this cat.

Chinchilla cat

Chinchilla cats are considered as the most beautiful white cat due to its long silky hair and is one of the aristocratic cat breeds, but it is also available in black, silver and gold colors. It has emerald green eyes and a shadowy border around his nose.

Teacup Persian cat

This breed, which is one of the types of Persian cats, has smaller dimensions and appearance and softer hair than ordinary Persians. These cats are much more expensive than ordinary Persian cats. They do not struggle much and prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground during the activity to jump up and down.

Persian cat is one of the long-hair breeds of cats that has a round, flat face and a short snout. Another thing about this breed is that compared to a breed like Siamese, they rarely make noise and are very quiet pets. They also have different types, each with its own characteristics.