The Persian Cat: Photos and Breed Information

The Persian cat was one of the most popular cat breeds around the world during the 20th century. It is still, by far, the most popular breed in North America, and the second most popular breed in Britain.

ORIGIN

Longhaired cats were first brought to Europe from Persia and the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. They were called different names, most commonly Longhair. In the late 19th century, cat fanciers in Britain begain to develop the breed calling them Persian, making it one of the first recognized breeds in Britain. By 1900 it was accepted in all breed registries. Photographic records show that until the 1960s, Persians were not as flat-faced as today.

APPEARANCE

All Persians have a round, broad head with full cheeks and a broad muzzle. They have a short, stubby nose and small tufted ears with large eyes.

The body is long and low, with a deep chest and short, sturdy and muscly legs. The tail should be short and thick with a tuft of long hair at the tip.



Persians have an extremely long thick coat with any color or markings including pointed, tortoiseshell, blue and tabby. The tipped varieties are known as Chinchilla. Point varieties are called Himalayan in the USA and Colorpoint Persian in Europe.

The coat is too long for the cat to groom itself, so choosing a persian for a pet means lots of brushing and grooming.

PERSONALITY

Persians are known to be indoor cats who are quiet and not particularly active. They are gentle and affectionate, enjoying the company of their carers and other pets. Because they are quiet, Persians don't do well around noise and boisterous children.

You might also like to view our gallery of



persian kittens. Very cute.