Persian Cat Breed

The docile Persian is a quiet feline who enjoys a calm and relaxing environment. Although she enjoys sitting in her humans’ laps and being pet, she’s just as happy to sit and observe everyone’s comings and goings from afar. Persians are independent and selective in who they show affection to.

Temperament 

They enjoy playful activities but are also content to drape themselves over an armchair rather than attempting to climb atop a bookcase. Persian kitties do well with mild-mannered children and laid-back dogs.

Characteristics

The Persian kitty has some distinct features, including a round head with a short face and snub nose. She also has chubby cheeks, big, round eyes and small, rounded ears. Persians have short, strong legs to support their sturdy bodies.

Lifespan

15 to 20 years

Colors

The original Persian Cat had shiny, gray fur. Due to selective breeding, however, they now boast an array of different colors. In fact, there are 7 different coat color divisions total for competition purposes.

These range from silver and gold to white, smoky and solid-colored. Their eye color corresponds to their coat color. For example, white Persians tend to have deep blue or copper eyes, whereas silver or golden Persians have green eyes and solid-colored cats have copper eyes.

Shedding

Although they can shed a lot, proper grooming will prevent your Persian kitty from leaving hair all over your home. Comb her hair daily to prevent tangles and matting and to remove loose hair. Bathing once per month (after a thorough combing) will keep her coat and skin healthy and dirt free.

Health

The Persian’s facial structure can predispose her to a number of potential health complications, including:

• Respiratory difficulties
• Misaligned teeth
• Eye conditions like excessive watering and entropion
• Heat sensitivity

Persians are also more susceptible to ringworm (because of their long coats), skin conditions that cause itching, redness and hair loss and polycystic kidney disease. Responsible breeders dedicate themselves to breeding healthy Persian Cats who are no more prone to illness and disease than other breeds, however.

Choosing the Best Food for Persian Cats

The flat face and short jaw of your Persian kitty may make it more difficult for her to eat dry kibble and drink enough water. Consider giving her a dry cat food like Purina ONE Hairball Formula or Pro Plan Specialized Hairball Management Chicken & Rice Formula and supplementing with a wet cat food such as Pro Plan Specialized Indoor Salmon & Rice Formula.  

This will help ensure your Persian is getting all the nutrients she needs, while helping control hairballs caused by her long and luscious coat. When it comes to selecting a feeding bowl, opt for a wide, shallow dish or saucer with low sides.

To explore other products for your Persian, see our Product Selector.

Choosing the Best Food for Persian Kittens

You’ll want to keep those chewing problems in mind when selecting a kitten food. In addition to being easy to eat and supporting hydration, it should also include essential nutrients your Persian kitty will need for her growth and development throughout her first year of life. A kitten food such as Pro Plan Kitten Salmon & Ocean Fish Entrée Ground, Pro Plan Kitten Whitefish & Tuna Entrée Flaked and Pro Plan Kitten Chicken & Rice Formula will provide complete and balanced nutrition for your growing Persian kitty.

History

Persian Cats originated in Mesopotamia, which later became Persia and is now modern-day Iran. Their soft features and docile personality attracted the attention of Pietro Della Valle, an Italian nobleman who is credited with bringing these felines to Europe in the 17^th century. The Persian kitty was a favorite of Queen Victoria and the breed was imported to the U.S. in the late 19^th century.

Facts

• Modern Persian Cats are available in over 80 different color combinations.
• The Persian participated in the first modern cat show, which took place in London in 1871.
• There was a push in the U.S. to make the Silver Persian its own breed called “Sterling”. This was rejected, however, and silver and goldens are considered within the Persian category at cat shows.