by Natalie Heath

Created on: November 13, 2008   Last Updated: February 18, 2009

The Persian cat originates from the country we know today as Iran. They first appeared in Italy at the beginning of the 17th century, and were developed through breeding with Angora cats during the 1800's.

Persian cats are inquisitive, playful and very loving, making them an excellent addition to the family. They enjoy being admired and pampered, are easy going, extremely loyal, devoted to their owners and each has its own unique personality.

Persians have often been nicknamed the 'dog cat' as they will follow their owner around the house and will usually want to investigate the shopping bags when you get home from a trip to the supermarket! They dislike being alone, which is why it's a good idea to get two cats to provide company for each other when no one is home.

Persians generally have a medium to large body with short, sturdy legs. The front paws have five toes each and the hind ones have just four. They have a large, round shaped head, small ears which are lower set than other feline breeds and big round eyes.

There are over 80 colour and pattern variations of the breed, with white being one of the most popular. Other varieties include brown, blue, black, silver, ginger, tabby, speckled and tortoiseshell. Colourpoint Persians are known as Himalayan, and this variety is identified by the solid colour on the face, ears, paws and tail, usually with the rest of the body being a light creamy colour. All colours and patterns are generally accepted, with some being more sought after for pets and others for shows. The most distinctive characteristic of the Persian besides their beautiful thick coat has to be the shortened muzzle, which is what leads people to say they have 'squashed' faces. They are definitely the marmite of the cat world - either loved or hated!

Persian cats should always be kept inside the house in order to protect their coat. If they play outside, their thick luscious coat will easily become matted and tangled. If this happens, the matted fur will pull painfully on the skin, causing skin infection, and it will mean a trip to the vet to get the offending fur shaved off under anesthetic. This results in a less than perfect looking kitty, and is not a pleasant experience for the cat.

Persians need regular grooming. Ten minutes every day with a suitable brush or comb will ensure a healthy, happy and beautiful cat.

Indoor cats do require a little more planning and investment. Because they don't get the exercise and stimulation of the outside world it

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