by Carolyn Tytler

Created on: July 17, 2008

Origin

The true origin of the Persian cat is unknown, although there are felines resembling Persians in hieroglyphics on the pyramids, dating from as early as 1600 BC The first documented Persians were imported from Persia, now Iran, to Italy in 1620, and from Turkey to France about the same time. From France, they soon reached Britain, and today the Persian is the most popular breed of cat in the world.

Appearance

Persians have long, flowing coats, with a thick, soft, woolly undercoat and longer, coarser guard hairs on the outside. They have a chunky body which is often referred to as "cobby". Their legs are short, thick and stocky. The head is rounded, wide, with ears set far apart and large, expressive eyes. The muzzle is extremely foreshortened, giving the face a sweet, open, pansy-like appearance.

Persians come in many colour variations, but they have been divided into seven divisions for the purpose of competition: solid colour, silver and golden, shaded and smoke, tabby, particolor, bicolour, and Himalayan.

Personality

Persians have gentle personalities and are unlikely to scratch anyone. They are most at home in peaceful, serene environments. They thrive on love and security. These cats are usually quiet, but have pleasant, melodious voices, when they choose to communicate. Persians are playful, with loving dispositions. They will lap up as much stroking or patting as you can give.

Persian cats get along well with children who are not loud and boisterous. They don't do much jumping or climbing, but they do enjoy an unevenly- textured scratching post. Persians love to pose, and will often arrange themselves artfully in a favourite chair or near a window.

Persians, given a lot of love and reassurance, can adapt to most surroundings, and tend to be tolerant of other animals in the family.

Grooming

Persian cats are high-maintenance pets. Because of their long, dense fur, they need to be combed daily with a metal comb. Persians moult heavily twice a year, and shed some hair all year around. They are not suitable for people who are allergic to cats.

Early in life, Persians should begin a routine of monthly baths, after which they should be dried gently and carefully, then brushed. This should avoid tangles, matting and hair balls. You'll also need to clip the nails often, being careful not to cut into the quick.

Because of the large eyes, a certain amount of tearing will occur. A daily face wash for the cat is desirable.

These animals should always be kept indoors to avoid diseases, parasites and other perils of urban life. Also, their coats will stay clean, beautiful and tangle-free longer if they are exclusively household pets.

Health

Some of the more extreme-faced cats, where forehead, nose and chin follow a vertical line, may have sinus and/or respiratory problems, and some Persians are subject to a genetic ailment called poly cystic kidney disease. However, cats can now have DNA tests for PKD, and responsible breeders are gradually removing this gene from the Persian gene pool. In addition, conscientious breeders minimize the respiratory problems by careful choice of stock with more moderate head types.

With an annual visit to a veterinarian and good nutrition, Persian cats may live from 12 to 20 years, or longer. A well-bred Persian is a healthy and happy cat, no more prone to illness or respiratory infections than other breeds.

Kittens are usually ready for adoption between twelve to sixteen weeks of age. If you choose a Persian for a pet, you are unlikely to regret your choice. These cats are very responsive and become a constant source of joy and delight to their owners. It is little wonder that the Persian has become the most popular feline pet in the world.

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