The Persian cat is a glamorous breed and is beloved by everyone. These calm and sweet cats love lazing around and are typical lap cats. It is an absolute pleasure to have them by your side.
History
Persian cats are among one of the oldest breeds. They originated in the 17th century in Mesopotamia, which later became Persia and is now Iran. European explorers smuggled them to Europe in the 17th century. Throughout the years, this breed became people soon bred famous and Persian cats all over the world. Persian cats were Queen Victoria’s favorite breed.
Size and appearance
Persian cats are medium-sized. They are usually 10-15 inches tall and weigh 7-12 pounds.
Persian cats are beautiful. They have long, flowy and silky coats. They only had soft and smooth gray fur back in the days, but with selective breeding, they now have hairs in different colors over the years.
They have a round head, a small nose, short ears, large gentle eyes, plump cheeks, and a fluffy tail. They also have short stubby legs with rounded paws. The traditional Persian cats have more sharp features. There are many different variations of Persian cats due to selective breeding.
Nature and Characteristics
Persian cats are very adorable and quiet. Along with their majestic looks, they also have splendid personalities. They love being pampered and enjoy the attention. It is unlikely that a Persian cat will climb curtains, run around the house frantically and jump up on top of furniture. Instead, they will mostly sleep and hang out around the house. However, they do purr a lot. They prefer a calm and quiet environment. Regular meals, a little playtime, and lots of love are all they want. They are affectionate lap cats who love to cuddle.
They are not the best fit for a household of noisy and naughty children.
Health
This exquisite breed is likely to develop many health issues, primarily due to its facial structure. So, it is essential to take them to the vet regularly for checkups. They are also likely to have hereditary health concerns such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Genetic tests are available to detect these two issues. Some common health problems are:
- Difficulty in breathing caused by narrow nostrils
- Eye conditions such as cherry eye and entropion
- Dental malocclusions (the teeth don’t mesh well together)
- Excessive tearing
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Pancreatitis
- Growth/Cancer
They live for 15 to 20 years.
Diet and Exercise
Persian cats love to relax, but you should not let them eat and sleep all day. They also need a healthy diet and little exercise to prevent them from gaining too much weight.
Care and Grooming
Persian cats require a lot of care and grooming. Their long, silky coat needs to be brushed daily to avoid knots. Bathing them once a month is a must since the long hair will collect dirt over time. We should clean the corners of their eyes daily since excessive tearing is an issue for Persian cats. Regular brushing of the teeth is also necessary. They should be kept indoors.
Persian cats make great pets. If you can handle the challenges of caring for one, they will bring you joy.
