Persian cat is one of the oldest cat breeds. It is also recognized as Persian Longhair due to its long-haired coat. It was also called as Long-haired Beauty by a well-known personality, Maggie Shutter. It is famous for its short nose and round and flat face. Since 19th century, export of this long-haired beauty was common from the Persia, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Let’s dive into the breed, characteristics, history, diet and nutrition, care, and grooming of this beautiful lovable Persian cat.
Traits and Characteristics of the Persian Cat
Persian cats, the long-haired beauties have long and thick-haired coats, round and flat faces, big eyes, short muzzles, wide heads, and short legs. The fully grown Persian cats weigh about 7 to 12 pounds and are 14 to 17 inches long. They come in variety of colors and have an entire range of coat patterns.
The Persian cat breed is grouped into four major coat color and pattern divisions by the International Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). Their color patterns are silver, solid, golden, shaded, smoke, tabby, calico, bi-color, Himalayan, and party-color which are combined with different base colors like black, cream, white, lilac, chocolate, blue, and red. They also have a wide range of eye colors like blue, hazel, green, blue-green, and odd-eyed like blue and copper.
Persian cats are sweet, pretty, and affectionate pets. They are also very social, friendly and like to play with pet owners and children. But they get annoyed if grasping or roughhousing by the children, so keep them with kindness and sweetness. They don’t like heavy exercises and trainings but enjoy in the company of calm and gentle people, and play little peaceful games with children and other cats and dogs. However, they are not friendly with unknown persons and take time to become familiar and responsive to them.
Persian cats are quiet cats and homebodies and prefer to stay at home rather than wandering and outdoor activities. They find different spots and places at home to spend their quality time. They also feel relaxed by sitting and sleeping with the people they love like their owners and guardians. As compared to other cats, Persian cats are more affectionate and closer to their pet owners and they also take more care of cleanliness.
History of Persian Cats
Persian cats are among the oldest cat breeds which were originated from Persia and also derived their name form their country of origin. The first renown appearance of Persian cat was in the famous cat show in London in 1871.
The Persian cats became more famous among royal families and British upper class after the Queen Victoria kept many of them as pets. In late 1800s, the Persian cats gained their popularity among United States people. They also won against America when compete with other cats in England.
In 1906, the Persian cats were recognized as one of the foundation breeds by the International Cat Association. This Association also recognized the Himalayan Persian cats, as a separate breed, the cats with light-colored bodies with dark patches over face, ears, legs, and tail.
Diet and Nutrition of Persian Cats
The diet and nutritional needs a of a Persian cat depends on its age, gender, lifestyle, and health conditions. Commercial cat foods which are balanced and complete diet for your pet cat should be included in their regular diet. Consult a veterinarian to identify the proper caloric needs of your Persian cat and feed according to those caloric requirements. As this Persian beauty is not very active and energetic, its caloric requirements are less and if over-fed, overweight could be the result.
How to Feed a Persian Cat?
As a Persian cat is an indoor cat, it requires less meals. Provide 2 to 3 small meals to your pet cat per day. Allowing your Persian cats to freely eat whenever they want will lead to overweight because they are not good at regulating their feeding.
Health Conditions of Persian Cats
Persian cats are prone to health conditions like skin and coat disorders, hydrocephalus, brachycephalic airway syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, dental disorders, progressive retinal atrophy.
Skin and Coat Diseases
Due to their long furry coats, Persian cats are more prone to skin infections like fungal and bacterial infections.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus, a congenital disease is also common in Persian cats and pass on to the kittens in genes resulting in cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in brain. Your kitten may show the symptoms like breathlessness, seizures, and even death if not treated.
Dental Diseases
Dental diseases are more common in Persian cats due to their flat faces and overcrowded teeth which are more susceptible to infections and dental diseases.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
It is also a congenital disease which can lead to cyst formation in your kitten’s kidney. Consult your vet if your kitten shows any symptoms or change in behavior.
Care and Grooming of Persian Cats
Persian kittens need less care and grooming as compared to other cats in case of exercise and training as they are sedate and gentle cats. Persian cats need more care and grooming of their skin because of their long-haired coats which are prone to matting. To avoid matting, regularly bath them also comb and brush their coats otherwise the matting can be painful and needs professional care.
Eye Care
The big eyes of Persian cats produce more tears that run through their face. Wipe their eyes regularly with small cotton pads.
Ear Care
The Persian cats have small slightly tilted ears which become dirty easily. Examine and mildly clean their ears to remove any dirt to prevent infections.
Exercise and Activities for Persian Cats
Persian cats are calm and nonviolent cats which need less exercises but they love to play with owners and family members and also involve in some gentle activities like
- Lounging in their favorite places
- Being fondled
- Relaxing games
- Basking
- Being groomed
Lifespan of a Persian Cat
A Persian cat has a lifespan of 12.5 years according to the pet insurance data from Sweden. If treated well and provided with some extra care, some Persian cats can live up-to 15 years.
Conclusion
A Persian cat is a sweet, beautiful, and long- haired cat which comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It is an indoor cat which likes to rest, sleep, and play gentle games. It is very friendly and social with the family members and other fellow gentle cats. However, they are also prone to some health conditions and needs timely treatment. They also need extra care because of their long hairs to prevent matting.
