If your ideal cat is one that will curl up in your lap and purr contentedly as you stroke them, then you’ll love a Persian cat. These long-haired beauties are lovely inside and out. Low-key and not known for being super energetic, a Persian is the ideal cat companion for every home. Sure, they’re high maintenance when it comes to grooming (they need brushing, every day) but they’re so sweet and loving you won’t mind all that quality time spent together.
Persian Facts
The history of the Persian cat is unknown, but we do know that in the 1600s these beautiful cats were brought to Europe from modern day Iran (then Persia). By the 1800s, they were in Britain where Queen Victoria fell in love with them and had many of them during her life.
- Breed: Persian
- Length: 25-38 cm
- Weight: 3-6 kg
- Life Span: 10-15 years
- Coat: Long
- Colour: Various including orange, grey and cream
What Does a Persian Look Like?
Imagine a flower, but furry - that’s what a Persian cat’s face looks like. Not sure what we mean? Think about a pansy and its open, flat appearance. That doesn’t really do a Persian cat justice though. Their faces are very cute and smooshy.
Other than their distinctive face, a Persian cat is known for their thick, fluffy fur coat, large eyes and stocky bodies. Medium sized, an adult Persian can be up to 38cm tall and weigh up to 6kg. Their fluffy coats can make them look even bigger.
A Persian cat’s coat is long and is completed by an equally long, bushy tail. Their coats can come in a range of colours including white, black, red / orange, blue / grey, cream or brown. They might be solid or patterned. Whatever coat colour they’ve got, their eyes are usually bright copper, green, hazel or blue.
Persian
Persian Temperament: Snuggly Sweetheart
Anyone who’s looking for a cuddly cat will love the Persian. These sweet-tempered felines are low-key, social and affectionate. Their favourite thing to do is snuggle next to you as you pet, stroke and cuddle them. Quiet and elegant, a Persian exists to adore you and be adored.
Although Persians are known for being happy and curious, they’re not the type of mischievous cat that’s going to tear through your home, finding stuff to knock over. Because they’re solidly built, you probably won’t find a Persian trying to climb the curtains. In fact, their low-keyness means you’re more likely to find them cuddled up and snoozing on the comfiest cushion.
This kind of adaptable, friendly personality means that Persians get along with everyone, including dogs (provided they’ve been socialised as kittens). Not total couch potatoes, Persians will happily play with cat toys and games but they don’t need constant entertainment. Most Persians can cope with being left at home alone while you’re at work (stock up on some toys and scratchers), but this love bug shouldn't be left alone for extended periods of time.
Keeping Persian Cats Healthy: 3 Issues to Watch Out For
Persian cats have a long expected life span of 10-15 years but international research suggests that almost two thirds of Persian cats suffer from at least 1 health condition. You can help ensure your Persian lives a long, happy life through preventative care, like regular vet check ups and flea and worm treatment.
Tip: Signing up for pet insurance while your cat is young and without pre-existing conditions could help you save on future vet bills.
Eye Problems
A common health issue with Persian cats is PRA - progressive retinal atrophy. PRA causes the cells of the retina to deteriorate over time, which eventually leads to blindness. There’s no cure or treatment but most cats adapt well to blindness. PRA is an inherited condition which responsible breeders should screen for.
Kidney Disease
Persian cats are also at risk of polycystic kidney disease, or PKD - they have the highest incidence of PKD of all cat breeds. PKD causes small, liquid-filled pockets to grow in your cat’s kidneys. These grow larger over time and eventually cause kidney failure. Sadly, PKD is usually fatal as there’s no cure for it currently. There are a range of treatments to manage their symptoms and keep them comfortable. Again, PKD is an inherited condition and cats with it should never be used as breeders.
Dental Issues
Dental disease is a big problem for Persian cats, thanks to their flat faces and short jaws. Brush your Persian’s teeth every day and ensure they eat dry cat food, which can help remove plaque and tartar from their teeth. Adding a dental supplement and treats to their diet can also aid in improving their dental hygiene. Schedule in regular vet checks who can professionally clean your cat’s teeth, as needed. Left unchecked, dental disease can lead to a range of health problems which can affect their major organs.
Caring for Your Persian Cat
Persian cats are a high maintenance breed. They need brushing every single day. But if you’re up for that daily commitment, this snuggly cat will always show you their gratitude and love.
Grooming
Persian cats have a beautiful long, fluffy coat and tail. To keep their coat looking its best, you need to brush or comb them every day. This will help prevent tangles and mats and will also remove any dirt, dead hair and bits of cat litter that have got stuck in their coat.
Persian cats need regular baths to help keep their coat and skin healthy. It’s best to start bathing a Persian when they’re a kitten so being in the water becomes second nature. If your Persian refuses the bath, you can spot clean them with a warm, damp cloth, wet wipes or dry shampoo.
Because Persians have big beautiful eyes and a flat face, tear staining can be an issue. Clean their eyes every day to prevent staining. Like other cat breeds, brush your Persian’s teeth and trim their claws.
Finally, keep their litter box spotless. Picky Persians might refuse to use it if it doesn’t meet their high standards.
Nutrition
Persian cats don’t have any special dietary needs. They’ll happily chomp down on quality commercial cat food that’s suited to their life stage: kitten, adult or senior. A mix of wet and dry food ensures a balanced diet. Plus dry biscuits / kibble can help remove tartar build-up on their teeth.
You can also feed a Persian Breed Specific food such as Royal Canin Persian Cat Food.
Use the feeding chart on the bag as a guide, or ask the PetDirect Customer Care Team how much to feed your particular cat.
Exercise & Play time with your Persian
Laidback and cuddly, Persians aren’t known for being particularly athletic or energetic. But like all cats they do have a playful side, especially when they’re kittens. Cat toys that your Persian can bat around and scratchers that they can enjoy a good stretch on will keep them happily occupied.
Some Persians enjoy a cat tree to climb on, others not so much - they’d rather keep all 4 paws on your lap. But when they’re not cuddled up by your side, Persians love a warm, sunny spot. A wall-mounted hammock near the window where they can bird watch and chitter is ideal for a Persian.
Litter training your Persian:
You can help to care for your Persian cat by paying attention to the cleanliness of their litter tray. Like many long-haired cat breeds, the most likely time for their coat to be soiled is when they use their litter tray. Removing the waste immediately after they have produced it will reduce the chances of it catching in their coat. If your Persian cat does get any mess in their fur, use a wipe to gently remove it.
It is usually easy to train them to use a litter tray as they will respond best to positive reinforcement. Read our blog: Cat litter tips from our cat fanatic for tips and advice on litter and litter training.
Use a quality litter and keep your Persian’s litter tray spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene, and a clean litter tray will help to keep the coat clean as well.