Breed Review: Persian cats and kittens
Famous for its beautiful long fur and gentle nature, the Persian cat originates from modern-day Iran which was formerly known as Persia.
The breed attracted the attention of European travellers who brought Persians back to Europe in the 17th century, increasing in popularity through to the end of the 19th century.
Breeding over the centuries has resulted in the Persian cat we are familiar with today. The original breed was light grey but the modern cats come in a kaleidoscope of colours.
The over-riding characteristic of a Persian cat is its docility. It loves peace and quiet.
Beautiful appearance
Breeders have carefully developed Persian cats over the centuries so that they have the appearance that we are all familiar with today. A Persian cat has a round head, plump cheeks, a small face, big eyes and rounded ears. Its body is sturdy although you probably wouldn’t know that with all its flowing hair!
Fur is ruffled around the neck with a frill between its front legs and attractive tufts between its toes.
Persian cats are bred in an array of colours which are very special for a cat. Fur colours include typical hues like black, brown and grey but also blue, lilac and red. There are also smoky, calico and bi-colour Persians where a mix of colours is found in one coat.
Eye colour is related to the hue of the coat. Depending on the colour of the fur, a Persian can have blue, copper or green eyes – or even a mix of them all. Its legs are short, sturdy and fluffy and its tail is short but in proportion to the length of the body.
Character
A Persian cat has a sweet, docile nature. They crave love and are very affectionate to those who deserve it. Peace and an unchanging environment suit this cat perfectly so if there are children at home, they need to respect this need.
A Persian cat will likely find a patch and ensconce itself all day from where it will happily give and receive affection! A lovely feature of a Persian cat is its sweet and gentle meow.
Care
With such long hair covering all of its body, one of the chief elements of care a Persian cat needs is daily grooming. This will keep it clean and free from tangles. Bathing on a monthly basis is also recommended.
An important point to note is the fact that Persian cats are not really suited to roam outdoors. Apart from the fact that you might never see it again if someone takes a shine to your beautiful pet, it isn’t a fighter and would not fare well against other cats and dogs.
Additionally, dead leaves and dirt get mangled up in its fur when it ventures outside meaning more grooming for you.
Vital Statistics
A Persian cat is medium-sized and typically weights 7 to 12 pounds depending on its gender.
Its life expectancy is 10 to 15 years.
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