The Persian cat is one of the most well-known cat breeds in the USA. It is also popular in the United Kingdom and in many parts of the world.
This cat is readily recognized of all companion breeds and appears in a wide variety of patterns and colors.
A Brief History of the Persian Cat :
The Persian breed as it is recognized nowadays is the outcome of more than 155 years of accurate work by cat lovers and enthusiasts to breed a companion pet that is charming and friendly as well.
Like all cat breeds, it is hard to definitely know the origin of The Persian.
however, there are many testimonies that some diplomats returning to Europe in the 1800s having long-haired cats from various eastern countries.
Most of these cats were named according to the countries they came from, therefore, Persians from Persia (Iran nowadays).
However, there are also records of long-haired cats that came to Europe in the 1300s with the crusaders, and references to similar cats in Italy in the 1600s, especially those owned by the famous traveler Pietro Della Valle.
In “Voyages de Pietro Della Valle”, the author mentioned gray cats with glossy, long fur that were found in the Khorasan province of Persia. He said that they were brought from India by Portuguese sailors.
The European Shorthair (an ancestor of the British Shorthair of today) was the dominant cat in Europe, but the Persian cats with their flowing, long coats became instantly honored.
Many became the pampered animals of loyalty, appearing at the court of France and in Buckingham Palace.
Queen Victoria of England kept company with two cute blue Persian cats.
It was in England, actually,that cat lovers started intentional breeding programs to cultivate the Persian cat into a refined and popular breed.
The early Persians were noticeably exhibited at the first modern cat show in 1871, organized at the Crystal Palace in London.
Since the 1800s, cat fanciers have tried to integrate the most prized physical traits into the Persian cat gene pool including small ears with round heads and short noses, cobby bodies, big eyes, and heavy boning.
Persian cats were brought to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century with the silver and blue colors. However, more color variations were developed which make the Persian cat the most loved of all breeds, not only for its cute look; but also for its easygoing and adaptable character.
It is a Registered Pedigree
First, let me explain what does it mean for a cat to have a registered pedigree, before proceeding our talk about the Persian.
Catteries list themselves with one or more of the major cat registries as further proof of the legitimacy of their breed claims.
Many cat registries exist, however, the famous ones are the Cat Francier’Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA).
It is necessary for a pedigreed cat to be registered with one of the beforehand mentioned groups in order to be exhibited in a show.
Not all kittens born to such catteries are show quality, but, pet quality kittens are made available to potential buyers. While this is not the only way to get a Persian cat. Pets with registered pedigree are still the best examples of the breed.
Physical Characteristics
Persian cats are heavily boned and medium-sized if you compare them with the true feline giants such as the Maine Coon.
Most Persians fall into a weight range of 8-12 pounds (3,62-5.44 kg).
The coat is thick and long, falling charmingly over a cobby body and forming a ruff at the neck.
The straight short tail is heavily plumed. Their hair is silky but dense and smooth when groomed well.
The eyes are large and round, the nose is small and the ears are round and small, generally with excessive hair at the base.
Usually, the ears tilt forward, however, they may also tend to lie flatter against the head.
There are various facial types known for the breed which are :
Traditional or Doll Face Persians: have short noses, but there is also a clear muzzle present.
Peke-Face or Ultra-Typed Persians: result from mutation and have overtly accentuated flattened facial features.
Their legs are short, and it is usual for the belly hair to touch the ground. That is why most breeders have their Persian’s undercarriage shaved on a regular basis.
Giving Birth
Persians can throw large litters of kittens, with as many as 13 possible. On average, however, the number of babies will be 3-6, all of them looking as attractive little powder puffs.
The Persian cat looks like the Angoras
By origin, Persians were to some extent identical to long-haired Angoras, but with careful breeding, The Persian appeared as a fatter cat with small rounded ears whereas the Angora stayed a long-bodied, slimmer breed with tall ears.
Persians have a lifespan of 9-18 years, but most living approximately 15 years.
Generally speaking, they are solid cats, but they are liable to develop certain health problems mostly related to flattened facial features.
Persian Personality and Temperament
Persian cats are tender and calm. They enjoy quiet environments and breeders who treat them with affection and care. Although cats are known to be active and athletic, Persians are an exception. They like to lounge on a sofa for a long time.
Persian Cats and kids
They also get on well with kids as long as they care about them properly. If you have little children, you have to teach them the best ways to handle your beautiful cat.
Persian cats are known to greet their humans with a calm meow, however,most of the time your cat will rely on body language especially the eyes to communicate with you.
They do not mind staying alone for a long time, but make sure your presence will surely make them so satisfied and happy.
If you enjoy going out for trips, your cat will enjoy going with you, but it is better to have a pet sitter to guarantee your pet’safety.
Health Issues :
cats are prone to develop certain genetic health problems, just as people may inherit a disease. Although Persian cats are sweet and amazing, they have a higher potential to get a number of illnesses, most of them are because of the structure of their flattened face.
Here are the most common diseases for the Persian cat :
- Dental malocclusions, meaning the teeth don’t mesh well together.
- Eye conditions like entropion and cherry eye.
- Breathing difficulty or noisy breathing caused by constricted nostrils.
- Excessive tearing.
- Seborrhea oleosa, a skin condition that causes itchiness, redness, and hair loss.
- Predisposition to ringworm, a fungal infection.
- Polycystic kidney disease, for which a genetic test is available.
The Persian as a Family Cat
The Persians are not contentious and they will get on well with well-behaved kids. If the cat doesn’t enjoy a person, he naturally moves away.
However, children should be instructed to handle all pets respectfully and gently.
Although Persians are calm and sweet, they react roughly whenever they are exposed to mistreatment.
It is simply the animal’s nature.
Extra care should be given to young children (below 5 years) since they may not be aware that certain behaviors may cause damage and anxiety to the pet.
Children like to lift up the kittens but they must be taught how to do so properly so as not to harm the little kitten.
Finding a Persian Breeder
It is not hard to adopt a cat. You can easily find hundreds of thousands of homeless animals that need care and love.
Many people advocate rescue adoption but, it doesn’t mean those cat owners should not look for a pedigreed animal.
Pedigreed cats differ in having a verifiable family tree that goes back to 4-6 generations. Those pets are mostly registered with cat associations.
They are qualified as exemplars of a certain breed since most can “breed true”, which means that if you mate Persian female with a Persian male, the kittens will resemble their parents.
These factors are taken into account whenever a cat is judged if he represents a designated breed including, pattern, color, texture, and length of the coat and body type.
Choosing Between Adult Cats and Kittens
While choosing a cat, you will have to decide between an adult or a kitten. So, kittens are small, cute, and very playful.
But they can also be curious in terms of scratching your furniture. They are like a baby who needs more socialization and care.
Adult cats are already socialized and adjusted to deal with your home environment.
But, they may have already developed some bad habits that are hard if not impossible to change at this age.
In short, The Persians cats are wonderful pets that will surely make your life full of happiness, love and affection.
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