Persian cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Persian

The Persian is one of the oldest and best-known pedigree cats. Long-haired cats were brought to Europe from Persia and neighbouring regions from the seventeenth century on, and the name reflects that. Persians were shown at the first organised cat show in London in 1871, and a breed standard came in 1889. Modern Persians are genetically closest to Western European breeds, so most of the development took place there. The CFA has registered Persians since it began in 1906.

A Persian has a broad, round head, small ears, large round eyes, a short nose and a sturdy body on short legs. The coat is long, thick and fine, with a big ruff and a full tail. Almost every colour and pattern is accepted. Since the 1950s some lines have been bred with an extremely short face, sometimes called peke-face, and registries differ on how short the face should be. The short-haired version is the Exotic Shorthair, and the colourpoint is the Himalayan.

Temperament and living with one

Persians are quiet, placid and affectionate. They like a lap, a soft bed and a calm routine, and most are not fond of loud noise or rough handling. They play in short bursts and are not great climbers. Voices are soft.

They generally do well with considerate children and with other pets, and they adapt to flat life. They are easy to train for simple routines, but they do not like change. A Persian needs company, so a home where someone is around suits it. Offer a few toys and a low perch, and a clean, easy litter tray.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat is the main task. It needs combing every day with a steel comb to prevent mats, and a regular bath is often needed. Many owners use a professional groomer, and some choose a clipped coat. Wipe the eyes with a soft damp cloth as needed, since tear staining is common, and clean the face folds.

Feed a complete adult diet in measured meals, since a calm cat gains weight easily. Provide a wide, low-sided litter tray and keep nails trimmed. Short play sessions with a feather toy help keep the cat fit.

Health

The flat face and long coat bring problems. Polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition in which cysts form in the kidneys, has been common in the breed, and a DNA test lets breeders screen for it. Shortened faces can cause breathing difficulty, eye and tear-duct problems, skin-fold infections, dental crowding and trouble giving birth. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy also occurs. Critics argue that extreme faces cause suffering, and Germany restricts breeding of very short-nosed cats, while some standards now call for open nostrils. Ask your vet, and choose a breeder who tests and favours a moderate face.

Is it right for you?

Choose a Persian if you want a gentle indoor companion and will comb it daily and budget for vet care. It suits a calm household. It is a poor match for anyone who wants an active cat or cannot groom. For similar looks with less coat, see the Exotic Shorthair; for a longhair with a longer nose, see the Ragdoll or the Birman.