Persian cats are one of the hundred different cat breeds that exist around the world. Although they had originated in modern-day Iran, pet lovers almost in every country keep them in their homes as a loveable member of their families.
Did you know that Persian Cats are also called Persian Longhairs, Iranian Cats, and Shirazi Cats? Those are their popular names. Most of us may not recognize Persian cats with those names, but we sure recognize them from their gentle character and cute fluffy appearance.
The earliest longhaired Persian cats were brought to Europe by the Roman traveler named Pietro Della Valle in the early XVI century from Persia.
Pietro Della Valle spent six years in Persia. He returned to Rome somewhere around 1620 and brought four pairs of Persian cats to Europe. He loved the appearance of these cats. In his letters to Rome, he described the Persian cats as beautiful creatures.
Persian cats are one of the oldest breeds that have remained popular throughout history.
They owe their world fame and universal recognition to their loveable nature and luxurious appearance. Of course, many other cat breeds can compete with them in a beauty race, but as far as unique features are concerned, they can’t be compared to other breeds.
Persian cats appeared accidentally because of a spontaneous mutation of longhair cats.
Although this is one of the versions about their origin. No one exactly knows how and when Persian cats came into existence.
However, one mythical legend claims that the first Persian cat was created by a magician as a gift to Persian hero Rustum. According to the legend, Rustum saved the magician’s life and the magician created a grey-colored kitten by knitting the flame and smoke with two of the brightest stars. Then, give the kitten to Rustum as a token of gratitude for saving his life.
The Persian cat is a medium-sized but heavy breed.
Their body weight is between 9-13 lbs (4-6kg). Their body size is somewhere between 15.5 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm) in length and 12 inches (30 cm) in height.
Persian cats have a large head, small round ears, strong bone structure, large expressive eyes, short tail, and long fur which gives them an overall larger appearance.
Persian cats are quiet and calm. They sleep a lot, which is why they are also called sofa tigers.
They can be playful if encouraged. Due to their somewhat lazy behavior, most feline experts suggest owners encourage them to play and be active and feed them with lighter food so they won’t develop health consequences from weight gain.
They need the love of their owners.
They like to be praised. Persian cats are almost ideal for keeping at home. More importantly, they like the attention of their owners. Simple petting makes them comfortable and relaxed.
Persian cats are best known for their long hair and unique face.
I do not know about you, but I find their face so attractive. The length of their fur can reach up to 6 inches (15 centimeters), while its structure is light and thin.
Persian cats have seven different types.
Persian cat types are categorized based on their colors and their associations with other cats. The following are the types of Persian cats: Himalayan, Shady and Smoke, Tabby, Bicolor, Silver and Golden, Particolor, and Solid. You may read about each type on this page.
Fans of the Persian breed are attracted not only by the fluffy fur of the animal but also by the funny face with a flattened nose.
Nevertheless, this was not always like this. Initially, cats came from Persia with almost an ordinary nose, but in the course of the mutation, flat-nosed Persian cats appeared.
Persian cats were very popular among the French aristocracy.
They were treated as a luxury item in France and other parts of Europe. Having them in the household meant a higher status.
In general, Persian cats were the favorites of celebrities around the world. For example, Florence Nightingale, a founder of the nursing profession, owned a dotted Persian cat named Mr. Bismark. A famous American actress Merilyn Monroe also owned a white Persian cat called Mitsou.
Persian cats are endowed with a soft and pleasant voice, but they do not use them often.
The most vocal cat breed is considered Siamese Cats. Compared to them and Bengali cats, Persian cats are somewhat quiet. They won’t make meowing sounds unless they need to go outside, wanting to get attention and food. They can be vocal due to the illness as well. It is the responsibility of the owners to interpret their meow. If they are vocal, then there is a reason for it.
Persian cats are one of the most difficult breeds to care for.
You may have probably guessed why. Their long fur needs daily and careful care; otherwise, the undercoat falls off and forms a tangle. Other than that, there won’t be any issue in caring for them.
Persian cats and Turkish Angora cats may have shared the same ancestors.
This conclusion was made when scientists studied the body structures and external traits of these cats. Interestingly, there was evidence indicating that both Turkish Angora Cats and Persian cats may have evolved from the same ancestors.
Due to the constant self-grooming, hairballs develop in the stomach of Persian cats.
It is necessary to take into account that longhaired cats lick themselves, because of that, fur constantly accumulates in their stomach. Therefore, when selecting the nutrition for an adult Persian cat, it is recommended to add components that stimulate the intestinal tract to remove lumps of hair from the stomach.
Persian kittens grow up well when they are fed correctly.
For a kitten to develop properly and grow well, its nutrition should consist of animal and plant proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
The record for the longest fur— 23 centimeters belongs to an American Himalayan–Persian crossbreed cat named Colonel Meow in 2014.
Unfortunately, not long after reaching its fame, Colonel Meow died on January 30, 2014, from heart problems. However, Colonel Meow’s fame sparked a movement in which organizations donate a great deal of money for the cause of animals.
Persian cats are movie stars.
They play a variety of roles: from sophisticated villains to intellectual assistants of good geniuses. For example, in the movie “Cats and dogs”, the white Persian cat called Mr. Tinkles is a treacherous conqueror of the world. But Hermione Granger’s pet is a Crookshanks-on the contrary, full of self-respect and a very smart Persian cat.
Persian cats are called the Royal breed and there is a reason for this.
The English Queen Victoria was the happy owner of blue Persian cats that lived a luxurious life in a Buckingham palace even after the death of the Queen.
The most famous owner of Persian cats was Florence Nightingale.
She simply idolized the Persian cats. Nightingale had more than 60 felines during her lifetime and most of them were Persian Cats. The most popular among Nightingale’s cats were a Persian cat called Mr. Bismark who went with her on journeys.
The hairiest Persian cat in the world named Atchoum lives in Canada.
The cat has a congenital disease called hypertrichosis, which led to the growth of hair wildly throughout the body. Atchoum needs eye washing and brushing several times a day and there is a need to brush his teeth periodically. Because, with this disease, teeth quickly become dirty and are prone to caries.
Today, the Persian cat is one of the popular cat breeds registered by the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
The association is the largest organization in the world that registers pedigreed cats. In North America, the CFA is the most prestigious pedigreed cat registering organization.
The average life expectancy of a Persian cat is over 15 years.
Their lifespan depends on their environment and the care they get. We all know that the better extend the life of any cat. However, we still have to be extra careful about the hereditary illness of Persian Cats, which can cut their life short.
The most common health issue of Persian cats is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and some breathing issues. However, breeders can eliminate those health issues by using breeding tactics.
Persian cats live longer indoors.
When Persian cats are kept outdoors, their life expectancy drops significantly due to many dangers such as predators, fights, diet, and unbalanced temperature.
Persian cats are known to be a healthy breed of cats but they can develop breathing problems.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome is common among Persian cats. The syndrome develops when the cat’s external nasal opening becomes too narrow to absorb an adequate amount of oxygen into the lungs.
Unfortunately, sometimes breathing problems can become severe. According to experts, it is the flat structure of their noses that leads them to develop breathing issues.
People who keep cats have a 30-35% reduced chance of heart attack or stroke.
Well, this is not a fact about only Persian cats. Every cat owner has good reason to love their cat. Cats can help people to relax and be in a better mood.
There is even a type of cat treatment called feline therapy or treatment through the interaction of an animal and a person. Cats can treat with their purring, heat, and magnetic field.
