The Persian Cat: Cat Breed Profile

A cute couch potato is what comes to everyone’s mind when hearing about the Persian breed of cats. But everyone knows very little about this furball. Persian cats are much more than what everyone perceives them to be. 

In my opinion, Persian cats are one of the most intelligent and graceful cats ever found (slightly biased opinion because I think Persian cats are super cute).

You can find so many different types of Persian cats because of the selective breeding carried out by the breeders. This selective breeding has many advantages but it also has many disadvantages. This process has caused certain Persian cats to become flat-faced. The changes in the head structures can cause several health problems.

A Brief History of Persian Cats

So, one of the biggest questions when it comes to Persian cats’ history is where did this cat breed come from? It is not clear to anyone how Persian cats came into existence but the first documented Persian cat was imported from Iran to Italy by Pietro Della Valle in 1620. 

Iran’s former name was Persia, so now we know why this breed is known as Persian breed. Moreover, around the same time, these cats were also imported from Ankara and Turkey to France.

The cats imported from Iran had a beautiful grey coat, while the ones from Ankara had a pure white coat. After some time, Persian cats were then brought to Britain from France. Although history tells us that these cats are from Iran, recent research shows that these cats are not related to cats from the near east but they are related to cats from Western Europe.

Characteristics and Attitude of Persian Cats

Just as they look like pure royalty, they act like pure royalty as well! Persian cats are the best option if you want a lap cat to snuggle with. Persian cats are generally quiet and they don’t require a lot of attention from their human parents. But this doesn’t mean that they don’t get annoyed! You have to take care of their comfort as they don’t like noisy places.

Persian Cat Breed Care

Persian cats are one of the highest maintenance cats in a sense of grooming. If you are planning to adopt a Persian kitten then you must remember that daily grooming is essential for this breed. 

Their long and beautiful fur will not stay clean on its own. You must invest a specific time of your day to make sure that your fur baby’s coat is clean and tangle-free. Combing the fur daily is very important along with regular bathing.

Another thing that you must take care of is the litter box of your fur buddy. Litter easily becomes lodged in the paws and coat of a Persian cat. If the litter box and your fur buddy are not kept clean then it is most likely that your cat will stop using the box and you'll find yourself asking, 'why does my cat poop on the floor?'!

Tearing is another problem that is widely seen in this breed. You must wipe the corners of your cat’s eyes daily to keep them tidy and to prevent excessive tearing. No matter what breed of cat you have, oral health is very important. Clean the teeth of your Persian cat daily to prevent periodontal disease.

It is better to keep your Persian cat as an indoor cat. Persians are not very social with other animals. Moreover, they usually cannot defend themselves against other cats, dogs, or any other animal. 

Another reason that you must keep your Persian cat inside is that its fur is not meant to have dirt or leaves stuck on it.  With this, if you let your Persian stroll outside then you will have to invest more time in grooming.

Persian Cat Breed Common Health Issues

Persians are highly prone to several health issues that are usually related to their facial structure. As discussed before, selective breeding by the breeders has caused flat-faced Persian cats. The most common health problems are:

Recommended diets for Persian Cats

Persian cats are not so picky about what they want to eat in general. These cats can eat several types of homemade cat meals. They usually eat turkey, chicken, fish, and other seafood happily. So, you don’t have to worry about making special meals for your Persian cat as they love eating protein.

With this, you must keep a balanced diet for your Persian cat. Just as other cat breeds, Persians are also prone to obesity. So, you must consult a good vet to get an opinion about the meal portions that you give to your Persian cat each day.

Some Helpful Facts

Every Persian cat is not the same, but all of them are calm and quiet. They are considered a couch potato that will stay in your lap for hours. Here are some interesting facts about Persian cats that you must know:

Final Thoughts on the Persian Cat Breed

Persian cats are one of the most beautiful creatures on this planet, but they require a lot of grooming as well. A Persian cat can easily lose its charm if you don’t groom it well. But the fact that these cats don’t require a lot of attention makes it easier for human parents to manage their grooming routines.

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