Introducing the Persian Cat Breed

The credit for the Persian cat breed usually goes to Iran, Turkey and the surrounding countries, though references made in ancient hieroglyphs date this pansy-faced longhair clear back to Egypt in 1684 B.C. or, perhaps, even earlier.  How the Persian cat truly came to be, however, is likely to be one of those forever-shrouded mysteries.

Persian Cat and Kitten Central is pleased to offer this insightful Persian Cat Facts and Information article to assist you in learning about the Persian cat breed and deciding if a Persian cat or kitten is the right choice for your family. Enjoy!

Quick Persian Cat Facts

Country of Origin: Iran (formerly known as Persia)
Persian Cat Size: Medium to Large
Persian Cat Weight: 7-12 pounds
Persian Cat Colors:
Persian Cat Litter Size: 3-5
Persian Cat Life Expectancy: 15+ years
Persian Cat Grooming Needs: High
Persian Cat Energy Level: Low to Moderate
Good With Kids: Yes
Good With Other Animals: Yes  
Most Common Misspellings: Pershan, Perisan
Alternate Names:

Persian Cat FAQ

Do Persian Cats Shed ?

Yes, Persian cats do shed, and they need regular brushing to keep their thick, fluffy coat shiny and tangle free. See our grooming section for more details. 

Are Persian Cats Hypoallergenic (Allergy Free)?

No, but there really is no true "hypoallergenic" cat breed, despite what some might say. There are cat breeds that have less of a tendency to cause allergic reactions in those allergic to feline dander, but there are no guarantees. Depending on the severity of your cat allergy, you may be able to live with a Persian cat, provided that you bathe your cat frequently to reduce dander, and use a really good vacuum cleaner with a hepa filter every few days to ensure that cat hair and dander is kept to a minimum. It's also a good idea to keep kitty out of the bedroom.

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Persian Cat Breed Pictures

A picture is worth a thousand words, and our growing gallery of Persian cat pictures and kitten photos is well worth a peek! We showcase photos of Persian cats and kittens from reputable Persian breeders who are members of Cats and Kittens Central, as well as images sent to us by our visitors. Feel free to purr-uze our Persian pictures gallery by clicking here!

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Persian Cat History

While many are quick to say that the Persian cat originated in Persia, the country now known as Iran, it is actually believed by others, that the Persian may be a mutation that occurred in shorthaired cats that had come from Egypt.  Considering the colder climates that the cats were subjected to in both Iran and Turkey, these long-furred cats would be better-suited to their surroundings and more likely to survive in the cooler temperatures. Regardless of how they came to be, however, these unique cats definitely caught the attention of foreigners and were considered a valuable item of trade.  This, if nothing else, would help to preserve the breed in the ancient times.

It’s generally agreed that the first Persian cats to be introduced into Europe made their way to the continent during the Great Crusades, around 1300 A.D.  Other people, however, say that the credit should go to the Italian writer and traveler, Pietro della Valle (1586-1652).  Some claim that he was the one to introduce the Persian cat to Europe, mainly his home of Italy.  From there, the Persian cats were supposedly bred to the Angoras already popular to that area.  Unfortunately, with so many different historical references, the true origins and history of the Persian cat have been obscured by the sands of time.  Today, in the United Kingdom, the Persian cat is referred to as the Longhair and every color of cat is considered to be a separate breed.

The Persian that we know today is believed to have made his way to North America during the late 19th century.  Since his introduction, the Persian cat has become the most popular breed of cat in the United States with Persian kittens being bred across the country.   

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Persian Cat Appearance

The Persian cat is a well-balanced animal, rather heavy of bone and yet possessing a very sweet and endearing face with prominent round eyes.  Often referred to as “pansy-faced cats,” the Persian’s forehead, nose and chin should all appear to be aligned, giving him the desired flattened look that is trademark of the breed and his head should be both massive and round in shape.  The Persian is a study in both power and gracefulness.

In the UK, the Persian is called a Longhair and every color is shown as a separate breed though, in the United States, the colors are broken up into several divisions, which are as follows:  Solids (white, black, blue, cream, chocolate, red, and lilac), Silver and Goldens (chinchilla silver, shaded silver, chinchilla golden, shaded golden), Shaded and Smokes (shell cameo, shaded cameo, shell cream, shaded cream, shell tortoiseshell, shaded tortoiseshell, shell blue-cream, shaded blue-cream, black smoke, blue smoke, cream smoke, red smoke, tortoiseshell smoke, blue-cream smoke), Tabbies (these can be found in either classic tabby or mackerel tabby styles: silver tabby, silver patched tabby, blue-silver tabby, blue-silver patched tabby, red tabby, brown tabby, brown patched tabby, blue tabby, blue patched tabby, cream tabby, cameo tabby, cream silver tabby, chocolate tabby, chocolate patched tabby, lilac tabby, lilac patched tabby), Parti-colors (tortoiseshell, blue-cream, chocolate tortoiseshell, lilac cream), Calico and Bi-colors (calico, dilute calico, chocolate calico, lilac calico, calico smoke, dilute calico smoke, chocolate calico smoke, lilac calico smoke, bi-colors), and the Himalayans (chocolate point, seal point, lilac point, blue point, flame point, cream point, tortie point, blue-cream point, chocolate tortie point, lilac-cream point, and the tabby-marked lynx point).  In other words, there’s a Persian colored for everyone! 

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Persian Cat Personality Temperament

The Persian is a laid back and lovable loafer who enjoys nothing more than to be pampered and petted.  Known for their docile and laid back temperaments, they do very well with other cats and animals, and are very tolerant of children, provided they are old enough to know better than to poke at kitty’s big eyes or pull the long hair.  Generally a very lazy cat, the Persian is not much of a climber, nor one that is prone to getting into mischief. 

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Persian Cat Health

The Persian is generally a very robust and healthy breed of cat.  Like many purebreds, however, they are still prone to a few genetic problems.  Some of the health concerns of the Persian cat include:

• Prone to feline urological syndrome 

• Polycystic kidney disease

• Corneal sequestrum

• Stenotic nares

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Persian Cat Grooming

The Persian is the supermodel of the cat world and, as such, requires a lot of primping and pampering to look her best.  If you’re interested in one of these cats, be forewarned that they are high-maintenance - there is no other way to describe caring for the Persian cat.  Daily combing must be done, in order to prevent matting of the long and beautiful fur and the occasional bath should be given, in order to prevent an over-abundance of oil in the coat.

Bathing the Persian cat should only be done after the cat’s toenails have been clipped and the coat has been thoroughly combed through to ensure that all mats and snarls have been removed.  Failing to remove the tangles first will only make them worse and result in a vicious rat’s nest that you simply can’t loosen and comb out.  Always comb them first.

Another thing to remember, when bathing your Persian cat, is to dilute your soap, prior to use.  Not only is undiluted shampoo hard to work into your cat’s coat, but it’s equally difficult to rinse out again.  For best results, dilute a small amount of shampoo into water and use a bottle to distribute it through your cat’s coat, doing a small section at a time.   After you’ve worked it through the coat, you need to rinse it well - usually done by rinsing the coat for at least 5 minutes or by filling the tub numerous times until the rinse water remains free of any soap residue.

The use of conditioner is also very important when one has a Persian cat.  Like humans, you will need to choose your shampoo and conditioner based on the quality of your cat’s coat.  A little show trick?  Add a small amount of fabric softener to your cat’s bath water and then rinse thoroughly once again.  This will make the coat very soft and help to prevent tangles - just be sure to keep it out of kitty’s eyes, nose, and mouth as many chemicals can make your Persian kitten ill.

When blow drying your Persian cat, you should always use the low setting and always ensure that the temperature is set on cool.  While it’s tempting to use warm settings, realize that this can not only burn your kitten’s skin, but can just generally make the kitten uncomfortable and turn bath time into something that she is afraid of.  To keep your Persian kitten cooperative, start at a young age and always make bathing a pleasurable experience, filled with lots of love and praise. 

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Is the Persian Cat or Kitten the Right Choice for You?

There are few cats who are as laid back or loveable as the Persian.  Loving the opportunity to sit beside you in the chair or drape across your lap, most love to be pampered and petted, and are content to soak up the attention for hours.  However, owning a Persian cat is no picnic for the inexperienced and uncommitted.  Caring for a Persian cat takes a great deal of time and effort.  If you tend to be somewhat lackadaisical, are always on the go, or don’t like to spend a lot of time combing cats, chances are that a Persian is not the cat for you.  Make your choice wisely.

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Persian Cat Breeders & Persian Cats Kittens For Sale

Responsible Persian cat breeders offer healthy, home-raised Persian kittens for sale to approved buyers. If you have your heart set on a purebred Persian kitten, a responsible breeder is usually the best source. Reputable Persian catteries focus on producing kittens that are healthy and free from common cat diseases and hereditary (congenital) health problems that can affect the Persian cat breed. In addition, responsible Persian breeders try their best to produce kittens that are as beautiful to behold as they are affectionate and sound in personality and temperament.

Persian Cat Kitten Prices

Persian cat prices vary according the the breeder, and the kitten you are considering. Usually pet quality Persian kittens cost between $500 and $1000 to purchase, while show quality Persian kittens can be considerably more expensive. Keep in mind that the price involved in purchasing a kitten from a reputable breeder generally includes health screening, vaccinations, de-worming, early socialization (so the kitten grows up to be of sound temperament and affectionate nature), ongoing advice and support - and - most importantly - a reasonable health guarantee.

Persian Cats and Kittens Central is proud to showcase a number of reputable Persian cat breeders on our Persian cat breeders directory. To view information, contact details and photos of available Persian kittens for sale, please click here to view our Persian cattery list.

Persian Rescue Organizations

Persian cat rescue organizations specialize in placing purebred Persian cats and kittens, as well as mixed Persian cats and kittens with loving owners. Persian cats and kittens can end up in shelters and rescues for a variety of reasons, and there are many purrfectly nice Persian or Persian mix cats and kittens waiting to be adopted into loving homes.

Persian Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Persian cat rescues to help you locate one near you. To view information, contact details and photos of available Persian cats and kittens, please click here to view our Persian cat rescue guide.

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Persian Cat Clubs

Persian cat breed clubs can be an excellent resource for learning more about the Persian cat breed, finding a reputable Persian cat breeder, locating Persian rescues, viewing Persian pictures and more. You'll often find a schedule for cat shows, in case you want to attend a show near you, and meet Persian breeders and their cats in person.

Persian Cats and Kittens Central is pleased to provide a directory of Persian cat clubs to help you locate one near you. Please click here to view our Persian cat clubs guide.

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1000 Cat Names
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Persian Cat Kitten Names

Finding a suitable name for your new Persian cat or kitten can be a daunting task and not something to be taken lightly. Your Persian will be saddled with the name you give it for many years to come, so it's a good idea to give plenty of thought and consideration to the name you choose. 

If you would like some unique Persian cat kitten names suggestions to help you get started, our Cat Names guide is an excellent resource. Click here to view our Persian cat names guide.

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