Persian cat: photo and description of the breed

Video

* We invite you to watch a video about the Persian cat . In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given cat breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what a Persian cat looks like.

Rate the material!

[Total votes: 1 Average: 5]

The Persian cat is an ancient and complex breed with the face and habits of a languid, moon-faced beauty of the East. She makes the most mediocre sofa look chic while she sits on it. And after leaving, he leaves a pile of fur and regret for having such a beast. But the Persian can always correct the impression with just one glance and calm him down with affection and a measured hum.

Behavior and character of the Persians

The Persian breed is famous for its soft, calm and docile character. These animals are devoid of aggression. They are friendly and playful, love to have fun even as adults, and will never harm a child. Most often, they choose one owner, whom they will follow everywhere. They distinguish him from other family members and become especially attached to him. Persian cats are very loving and affectionate. They just need to give their love to someone. Therefore, it is impossible to leave them alone for a long time or not to pay attention to them. They will be happy just to be near their owner.

Persians rarely express their displeasure, they do not meow often, and if they need something, they simply come up and look into the eyes, making it clear that they need attention.

Persian cats are well-mannered, intelligent and unforgiving. They get used to the litter tray very easily and will never “walk by” out of spite or spoil furniture or interior items. The rules established by the owner are a law for them that they will never break. They are non-conflicting and get along well with other cats and even dogs. Therefore, if there is already a pet in the house, the Persian will definitely make friends with it.

Video: features of Persian cats

History of the origin of Persian cats

The history of this ancient breed is dark and unclear, since none of the historians bothered to record the initial stages of its formation. It is not even known whether the African wild cat, the ancestor of the domestic subspecies of cats, was in her family tree. In any case, African women do not have long hair.

The first documented evidence of the ancestors of Persians (Iranian cats, also known as Shiraz cats) reports that gray cats were brought to Italy in 1620 by Pietro della Valle from Khorasan (Iran), and white cats by Nicolas-Claude Fabry de Peyresse around the same time from Angora (Ankara, Turkey) to France. From France they came to England. Genetic studies prove that it was these imported individuals that became the founders of the breed, which has lost its direct connection with Persia.

After World War II, English and American breeders became the main breeders of modern Persians. The selection came from the variety of colors and shapes of the muzzle, which they tried to make as flat as possible. This led to the emergence of health problems and the spread of polycystic kidney disease - the main hereditary disease of Persians, especially in American peke-faced lines. In England they preferred to stick to the classic type of breed.

Interesting fact: Felinological organizations adhere to their own standards and different points of view on this breed. Some (FIFe, CFA, TICA) include the Himalayan and/or Exotic Shorthair breeds under the Persian variety, others separate them from the Persian (ACFA/CAA).

In 2015, Persians were recognized as the second most popular breed in the United States according to CFA felinologists. In recent years, they have become less in demand, but in the nominations of various societies for “best cat of the year,” their representatives remain consistently among the top 25. In Russia, the Persians also do not take prizes, but they are in the top ten. Extreme sports are especially popular.

Persian cat - description of the breed

The model Persian cat is dense, big-boned, and has a pleasant rounded outline. A fluffy fur coat that wraps a cat makes it even more round, warm and affectionate. Big eyes make her attractive and pretty. Height up to 30 cm, weight: up to 7 kg (males) and up to 5 kg (females).

Most standards accept the following parameters:

• The head is massive, with a wide skull, sitting on a short neck. The muzzle is round, flattened, with thick cheeks and a round chin;
• The nose is wide and short, with a dent - a stop between the eyes;
• The small ears are rounded at the ends and set wide apart;
• The eyes are round, bright, large, widely spaced, and have a friendly expression;
• The body is massive, smooth along its entire length, like a roller, muscular;
• The legs are thick and short, but strong;
• The feet are round and large, like mittens, with five toes on the front feet and four on the hind feet;
• The tail is relatively short, the cat does not curl it, but carries it in flight, slightly lowered;
• The coat has a dense undercoat, protruding, very long and thick, thin. It forms a lush frill on the shoulders that goes down to the chest. The tail is especially fluffy, and there are tufts of fur on the ears and fingers.

Faults in a cat that lead to disqualification are:

• Medallion, that is, a white spot on the chest or neck, in the groin, under the armpits, if white is not characteristic of the general color type;
• Deformations of the back, skull, tail;
• Weakness of the hind legs;
• Strabismus.

Some systems recognize three types of rock.

This division is supported by many Persian lovers in our country:

1. Classic (old-fashioned, doll, traditional longhair) has a relatively large and not very upturned nose, the distance between the lower eyelid and the upper edge of the nose is 5-6 mm;
2. Modern - the nose is shorter and upturned, the lower eyelid is at the same level with the edge of the nose or 1-2 mm below it;
3. Extreme (peke-faced - with the face of a Pekingese) - eyes at the same level as the nose.

Breed characteristics

The Persian cat breed has the following appearance standards. The average size of the animal is 3.5-7 kg. There are other characteristics:

• Head. Large in size with a round skull. Cheekbones should be defined, with thick, round cheeks. Persian cats belonging to the "Pekingese" type have a small nose, pressed inward. The chin is weak, with well-developed jaws.
• Eyes. Large, round in shape. The color matches the coat color. A special table has been developed for this purpose.
• Ears. Their sizes are small, widely spaced from each other. The ends should be rounded. There is a lot of fluff inside the shell.
• Neck. Short, with developed strong muscles.
• Body. The cat's body is massive with strong bones and a deep, wide chest. The back is wide, but short.
• Legs. Powerful and short, straight in shape.
• Paws. Round in shape with long hair between the toes.
• Tail. Short, but proportional to the size of the body, should be lowered down.
• Wool. The length of the hairs is up to 10 cm on the body. On the collar - up to 20 cm, with thick undercoat.

Disadvantages include a long muzzle, a narrow head, close-set ears, and slanted or small eyes. A Persian cat can be disqualified for incorrect tail structure, jaw defects, or the presence of hair of a different color on the chest in the form of a medallion. The main breed standards are presented in the table below:

Table of standards for the Persian cat breed.

There are several varieties of Persian cats. The classic cat has the same nose as a regular cat. This type is considered obsolete. Representatives of the extreme Persian breed have a nose located at the same level as the eyes. Another name for such animals is the American Persian cat. There are hybrids between the classical and extreme type - short-nosed.

Persian breed cat.

Distinctive features of appearance

Their main difference is the special shape of the nose - small and flattened. It can be different in shape - from very small, or it can be like a Pekingese dog. The classic nose of medium length is more common in Europe. Medium-sized individuals are gaining popularity. Another highlight is the wool. It is thick, long, and can feel like silk to the touch.

Standard and rare colors

The Persian breed has a wide range of colors. Moreover, they are all recognized. They can be divided into five types:

• one-color color;
• smoky tabbies;
• shaded;
• partially painted;
• points.

The most common are solid colors, without stripes or patterns. International felinological organizations recognize the following types of colors:

• Black. Such cats have an even color along their entire length. A design or pattern is a fault. A gray undercoat may be allowed. The eyes of such a cat should have an orange iris.
• Color point. Any color of this type. The eyes are blue.
• White Persian cat. The fur of such an animal is snow-white. Eyes blue or orange.
• Blue. The coat tone has blue shades. The main requirement is uniformity of coloring. The eyes of such animals are yellow and orange.
• Cream. The pet has a pale cream or honey color. Individuals interspersed with other tones are not allowed. The eyes are copper in color.
• Red. Such wool has a rich orange color, turning into red, but always uniform.
• Bluish-cream. The coat has colors of both types, the eyes of such cats are copper.
• Chinchilla Persian The hairs are snow-white, silver-smoky, apricot. The eyes are green with a black rim. This type includes chocolate chinchilla, lilac, blue.
• Cameo. Such cats can be cream, tortoiseshell, yellow.
• Smoky. May be purple or cream.
• Persian tortoiseshell. It is a collection of spots of cream, black, red colors. They are located evenly over the surface of the animal. The eyes have a copper color.

Smoky Persian kitten.

Colorpoint.

Popular colors of Persian cats

The Persian breed leads in the number of colors, of which there are about 100. Even taking into account that not all felinological systems recognize white color and color point. The classification of colors depends on the system: each has its own.

For example, the CFA distinguishes:

• Plain (solid) - fur coats are painted in one color: from snow-white to coal-black. There are colors of lilac, chocolate, cream, red (red). White cats may have blue, copper, or different eyes;
• Chinchilla has very delicate, almost iridescent colors, due to the fact that each hair has a dark tip. There are silver and golden chinchillas, as well as combinations of these colors;
• Smoky and shaded – the undercoat and lower part of the guard hair are light, the upper part of the guard hair is dark. They can be black, blue, cream, cameo (light cream), red, blue-cream. The color looks good when the cat smoothly flows from place to place;
• Tabby - the coat has patterns in the form of dark patterns (marble), stripes or spots. Colors are brown, silver-black, blue, cream and others that are only found among Persians. Spotted tabbies are distinguished from tortoises by their small, mixed and often indistinct spots and can be called "pied";
• Calico (tri-color) combines white with red and black or cream and blue;
• Tortoiseshell - a combination of two contrasting colors (black and red, blue and cream, brown and cream, etc.) often in combination with white;
• Himalayan color, or color point - cats have a dark face, ears, limbs, tail, and a light body. There are numerous varieties of color depending on the color of the painted areas: seal point, red point, blue point, etc. And also depending on the pattern on the body, which can combine spots of one or two colors. Blue eyes.

Color

There are many varieties of colors. Wool comes in black, white, blue, lilac, cream, red, red and other various shades. Eyes, depending on color, are dark orange, copper, green or blue. Single-color cats do not have any spots or inclusions, otherwise they belong to a separate species - color point. The breed standard allows for a variety of coat colors, and how much the animal costs depends on them.

• Price in Russia – from 2000 to 30,000 rubles;
• Price in Ukraine – 500 to 10,000 hryvnia.

It is better to buy a kitten in a professional nursery, where its health is checked and there are good breed data and documents. Famous nurseries.

1. "LumiCat" Moscow.
2. "Snow Dream" Moscow.
3. "Iz Boyar" St. Petersburg.

Character and habits of Persian cats

The most valuable feature of a cat of this breed is its charming appearance, combining the luxury of an outfit and an innocent childish look. The calm, even nature of the Persian is another attractive feature. Considering how much you have to comb them, it becomes doubly valuable. Cats are affectionate and their comforting warmth, even purring and habit of cuddling up to their owner have a calming effect, which is sometimes so necessary for the sick and those in need of peace.

Persians are relatively peaceful, which stems from their phlegmatic temperament. They tolerate being pestered by children and dogs and would rather walk away than fight back. But they cannot stand loneliness, preferring to sit quietly on the couch and watch those around them rather than participate in active games. They love to play, but only when they are entertained individually.

Persians prefer a calm and familiar environment in which they feel comfortable. They adapt to new housing without problems, and can endure the noise and fuss if they have their own quiet corner where they are not disturbed.

On a 5-point scale, the character of a Persian can be assessed as follows:

• Adaptability to a new place, attachment – ​​5;
• Need for society – 4;
• Intelligence – 3;
• Attitude towards children, dogs and guests – 2;
• Energy – 1.

Persian cats are not loud unless you step on them. They ask to eat delicately and meowing quietly. Their voice matches their angelic appearance. Not during the hunting season, of course. They are clean, easily master the litter box, and if they spread litter crumbs around the apartment, it’s because of the same wool.

Tattered curtains or wallpaper hanging in shreds are not typical for the apartment where the Persian lives. These cats are not prone to scandals and fights, wild games and jumping through cupboards and breaking dishes. You can safely leave them in the house without fear of pogrom.

The character of the Persian cat, who is it suitable for?

Read part 1. Persian cat, origin of the breed and grooming

Cloud with eyes. Instead of a preface

Once in my youth I worked in a bookstore. The New Year was approaching, and therefore a lot of calendars, calendar cards and calendar cards with birch trees, flowers, tanned nymphs in swimsuits and, of course, cats in bows, which are in great demand before the holidays, went on sale. Among other things, there was a calendar with the face of a snow-white Persian, which was bought almost more often than others, this fantastic beast looked at the buyers with a painfully touching look. “Mom, mom, look! Cloud with eyes! – a small child once shouted, poking his mittened hand right into the Persian face. This comparison was so vivid and imaginative that in the evening I myself left the required amount at the cash register and took home a thick pack of these calendars (“until they sold out”), and then, during the Christmas holidays, I “made happy” a dozen of my friends and acquaintances with a cloud with eyes – and the gift turned out to be extremely successful. If you think about it, this is exactly what the Persian is: an airy, “cloudy”, sweet and piercingly affectionate and gentle animal. Kittens for sale Cat nurseries Cat food Atlas of cat breeds

The unique character of the Persian cat

To make a good description of any breed, it is necessary to include in the text all the best, the most outstanding that distinguishes this animal from hundreds of others, like a precious stone among rhinestones, like a snow-white rose in a thicket of wild rose hips. Doing this with a Persian cat is both simple and difficult at the same time. Simply - because the Persians are unique with only their appearance and temperament. But it’s difficult - due to the fact that neither beautiful words, nor bright photographs, nor videos convey the essence of the Persian cat. You need to look into the eyes of the Persian, you need to touch the magical silk of his incredible fur coat, and most importantly, be alone with him and see how this cat knows how to communicate, how to maintain self-esteem, and, of course, how to love. And the Persians love selflessly and devotedly. They love like no one else, they love in such a way that it is impossible not to love them in return. All this feeding, cleaning, grooming and affectionate scratching behind the ear is nothing compared to the colossal “return” that a small but faithful heart will give you, albeit hidden under luxurious fur, but this does not cease to be ardent and faithful to its owner .

Like most animals, Persian cats perceive a family as a pack, where they will certainly find a dominant, a leader, a chief “boss”, to whom they will obey until the very end. A priori, a cat cannot play a lower role in the hierarchy, but it will never be able to become a leader in a human “pack.” Therefore, she will choose a Master (or Mistress) for herself, and will treat the rest of the household affectionately, loyally and condescendingly, as equals or inferior individuals. Alas, we will have to come to terms with this. There is an opinion that most often cats choose women as their owners, and cats prefer to give the warmth of their hearts to a man, the head of the family. For the Persians, this statement is also true, but, as you know, there are exceptions to all rules. However, the choice - who to listen to, on whose lap to purr most often, on whose heels to follow and in whose bed to sleep at night - always remains with the cat, and you will never be able to influence it. So that your beloved Persian does not prefer his grandmother, brother-in-law or sister, ignoring all your good intentions and attempts to get closer, you need to deal with the kitten from the very first days of his appearance in the house and spend as much time with him as possible. It is by capturing your image from childhood that the cat will remain devoted to you forever. So we have come to a point that can be considered both a “plus” and a “minus” of the Persian breed, namely: this cat requires a lot of attention. Moreover, this feature is associated with all aspects - with the rather complex care of the coat, with the behavior, and with the upbringing of the Persian. Let's explain in order. Firstly, even if you have enough money for a good grooming salon, you cannot avoid daily brushing and other hygiene procedures with your Persian. And caring for the hair of a Persian cat is a whole science! In the last issue we already mentioned this, but touched upon grooming issues only slightly. Here, alas, the reader is in for an unpleasant surprise: tangles cannot be avoided even in the most well-groomed Persian. Despite seasonal shedding, small amounts of dead hair fall out all year round on any animal. The Persian cat has such long and silky hair that some hairs that should fall out cannot simply come off and fall to the floor - they twist among themselves, become entangled with the “living” hair and form a tangle that is easy to detect and “disassemble” with your hands, and then comb the area and throw away any loose or tangled hairs. Do not cut the mat with scissors under any circumstances!
Persian cats have very thin, delicate and elastic skin that stretches behind the hair, so when cutting a mat, you risk injuring the animal by cutting off a small piece of skin.
It is better to try to do this in a different way or contact a professional groomer. Finding a good master or grooming salon is very difficult. Most companies are focused on dog grooming; few specialize in cats and know how to handle such a complex breed as the Persian. A Persian cat also needs to be bathed - once every 1-2 months. Selecting shampoo for long-haired cats is also a “science”; you will have to consult with breeders and try products from different companies in order to achieve a good washing effect. Summarizing all of the above, one can guess that a Persian should be accustomed to such manipulations from a very early age. A good breeder will start brushing and bathing the kitten at 3-4 weeks! Otherwise, if the animal came into your home as an adult or is not accustomed to hygiene procedures, at first it will receive extreme stress. To console readers, I will say only one thing: if you fall in love with a Persian cat, then daily inspection and combing of the animal will not be a heavy burden for you. Many owners even enjoy the process of grooming, and if you do it calmly, slowly, affectionately and in a good mood, the pleasure from this daily “meditation” will be mutual - for both the person and the cat. We talked about grooming, but that's not all! The lion's share of your time will be spent raising and communicating with a Persian cat. The fact is that Persians are very smart, intelligent cats. Many people, seeing the Persian’s “doll-like” cat face (baby face, as foreign felinologists call it) and his unhurried, slow movements, compare him with a simple-minded phlegmatic lump or a living “toy,” but this is fundamentally wrong! Indeed, most Persian cats are phlegmatic, but few remember the basics of psychology and understand the types of temperament. Unlike melancholic people, phlegmatic people, although they tend to be introverted, are a strong, stable type. They are slow, thoughtful, unhurried, but not hysterical and have hidden leadership abilities; they often say about such a person: “he is on his own.” The same is true of animals, including Persian cats. Many of them are very playful and remain so until old age. However, after talking with your pet, admiring his habits and looking into his wisest “owl” eyes, you will understand that running after a ball for a Persian is baby talk, banal exercise, and he himself needs more intellectual pastime. And there can be only one way out: communication, communication and more communication! On the website of the FeeryaVita nursery there is an aphorism that explains the essence of the Persian breed and its intelligence in one capacious and beautiful phrase: “There is a little secret: you need to communicate with a kitten as with an adult cat, and with a cat as with an intelligent being. And then the Persian cat will not be inferior in intelligence to the German shepherd. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself!” All Persian lovers have the impression that their cats understand the meaning of every human word literally. For example, if you want to go to the country for a few days (and separation is a huge stress for a Persian cat), no amount of treats, no amount of “kiss-kitty”, flirting and lisping will help. But if you talk to the cat (we deliberately use this verb without quotation marks!), tell her that she is loved, that she is being left for a while, that everything will be fine, and so on - she will understand and take your departure for granted. Lively speech, gentle intonations, constant light chatter are more valuable and desirable for a pet than any treat! The cat understands that they are addressing her, that she is needed, that they are paying attention to her. This is interesting!
Many people, especially people of older generations, have the wrong opinion that the Persian is an unsociable and rather aggressive breed. To understand where this wrong attitude comes from, it is necessary to touch upon the history of the Persian cat in Russia. As with other cats and dogs, a rather sad story happened to Persians. Perestroika began, then the dashing gangster nineties. The “Iron Curtain” was destroyed, and not only “God’s chosen ones,” but also “mere mortals” were able to go abroad and see distant overseas countries. Of course, cynologists and felinologists were delighted - so many new breeds, so many new opportunities! And it was during these years that everyone, or almost everyone, wanted to have a Persian cat. Every second Russian, who has not seen anyone except striped leopards and murkas, dreamed of getting a fluffy beauty with witchcraft eyes into his home, and demand, as we know, gives rise to supply. Unfortunately, taking advantage of the illiteracy of the Russian people and their complete ignorance of the world animal market, many dishonest foreign breeders offered animals for sale on the principle “on you, God, what is of no use to us,” but our enthusiasts were happy with these grains of the most valuable breeding material. All more or less “pedigreed” cats brought from other countries were used for breeding; there were practically no cullings based on temperament back then. Not only did the Persian cats of that time often not meet breed standards, but among them there were also aggressive and unbalanced individuals that gave birth to their own kind. Today the situation has changed radically. In just 10-15 years, Russian felinology has made an unprecedented, colossal leap - from the “wild”, dense Soviet Union to the world level! Many animals of St. Petersburg residents, Muscovites and other Russians successfully participate in international exhibitions and take prizes there. Many cats of various colors have been imported, business ties are being established between different states, clubs and collective nurseries are being created, and world-famous experts come to judge our animals. The Persian cat should not be aggressive or nervous; such animals are not allowed to participate in exhibitions and are under no circumstances used for breeding. Now it is more difficult to meet an aggressive Persian than a green Martian, and very soon the myth about the “evil” character of the Persian cat will remain forever buried on the dusty shelves of history.

Who is the Persian cat suitable for?

As you already understand, the Persian is not suitable for every person.
If some other cats strive for independence and get used to the house rather than the owner, then Persians will wither away without a daily dose of affection and conversation. Constant stress, a feeling of abandonment and “lostness” can even lead to serious illnesses for the animal. Therefore, the owner of a Persian should be, if not a homebody, then at least a person who returns to his home every evening and spares no time and effort in communicating with his pet. Let's try to draw a psychological “portrait” of a lover of the Persian breed. Temperamental, active, active, fussy people are usually irritated by slow phlegmatic people found among their work colleagues, friends or household members. The same thing awaits you with a cat if you are in constant motion, rushing around all the time, inventing household chores for yourself (even if the apartment is sparkling clean), talking loudly, gesticulating, twirling something in your hands. And what kind of furry creature is this, staggering around underfoot with nothing to do, when everything around is boiling, bubbling, seething, emotions are going through the roof, there is no time for anything, why is it needed and what is it even doing here? Even if you don’t get annoyed with the animal, you still won’t understand and appreciate the true essence of the Persian, you won’t be able to speak the same language with him and you won’t provide this cat with comfortable conditions for existence. The cat will restrainedly tolerate the noisy antics of its choleric owner, but it will never become happy. Better buy a kitten of some other breed! The Persian is not suitable for business people, prominent leaders, businessmen and public figures. Such strong personalities are not interested in squeezing a “sofa” beauty; they are more interested in taming a small wayward tiger! True, under the mask of a pragmatist and an assertive person, a naive and vulnerable soul often hides. And sometimes the most “unbreakable”, tough and seemingly down-to-earth person looks for an outlet in some hobby, or gets an animal, which he looks after with almost parental tenderness, but never makes his feelings public. Perhaps, somewhere in such houses, behind kilometers of barbed wire, entangled in alarm wires and surrounded by concrete fences, lives a meek, silky creature with angelic eyes and an almost human intellect and heart... You should also not think that having a Persian cat is the lot of the lonely “ bluestocking", "loser" and loser. The owner of a Persian must be not only a good-natured romantic, but also an artistic person, not devoid of a vivid imagination. You can take a lifetime to learn to understand and comprehend the complex nature of even one cat. So who is he, the happy owner of a Persian? It doesn’t matter what gender, age, marital or social status he is. The main thing is that he must love beauty, appreciate affection, and be able to sacrifice small egoistic joys for the sake of his beloved being. And most importantly, such a person must be a sensitive observer who not only takes good care of those around him, but also catches their glances, senses the slightest shades of their changeable mood and will never regret a kind word for a pet, which, as the old proverb says, is pleasant even for a cat . Especially for a Persian cat! Thus, such a person should look for a pet not in contrast to his own tastes and preferences, but one similar to himself. Is a Persian cat suitable for a family with children? Of course, it will do if your child is adequate and capable of taking responsibility for his actions. From the very beginning, you should explain to the little man that appearances are deceptive, and behind the “toy” face of the Persian lies an ordinary cat with its advantages and disadvantages, independent and calm, affectionate and gentle, but not tolerating any violence against itself. Most likely, the Persian will shy away from violent affection and noisy children's games, but if the child is not too “motor” and is able to show sensitivity to the pet, the cat will become his best friend. The Persian cat is a good way to express yourself. If you don’t know how to paint oil paintings, sing in opera, conquer Everest or jump with a parachute, raise a healthy Persian and raise him correctly! In everything connected with the Persian cat, from combing fur to intimate conversations on long winter evenings, there is some kind of meditative, contemplative, creative, constructive principle. The Persian cat is like clay from which you can fashion a beautiful vessel, only you have to constantly take into account the opinion of this “clay”, but this makes the vessel even more valuable... Summary: the Persian cat requires not only complex care, but also thoughtful, respectful and sensitive care relationship to your person. She is perfect as a pet, both for a single person and for a young couple or a large family. Due to complex coat care and delicate mental organization, the Persian will feel good both in a city apartment and in a country house, but in no case will it be suitable as a “street” cat or a mousecatcher. The Persian's purpose is to reign in the homes and hearts of people! Anna Kurtz

We express our gratitude to the veterinarian, breeder, and owner of the FeeryaVita nursery, Natalya Golubeva, for the consultation, interesting story about the breed and the photographs provided.

Cats

How to properly keep your cat

The character of the Persian cat, who is it suitable for?

Interesting facts about Persian cats

Let's see what interesting facts there are about Persian cats:

1. Animal rights activists oppose the breeding of breeds that have health problems due to their exterior characteristics. Fighters for cat health demand that only those characteristics that do not harm animals be included in the standards and that the reproduction of extreme forms be prohibited. Persians are considered one of the most affected breeds. In Germany, animal welfare law already prohibits the breeding of cats with the end of the nose located above the lower eyelids. And the TICA and FIFe standards include a requirement that the nostrils must provide easy passage of air;
2. The first Persian cat was presented at a cat show in 1871 in England. The first breed standard (list of the best) was issued in 1889. The main problem was to distinguish Persians from the Angora breed of that time - white fluffy cats of Turkish origin, which are not identical to modern Angoras. They are believed to have contributed genes to the formation of modern Persians;
3. Breeders are constantly trying to separate Persians, isolating separate breeds from them. Due to the fact that they use different systems (organizations) for registration, the classification of cat breeds turns out to be quite confusing. So in 1994, TICA registered the Sterling breed, bred by Ginny Johnson (England). The breed only lasted for 18 months before being cancelled. The reason was the low demand for her and, in the end, the death of the breeder;
4. The long-haired chinchilla, similar to the arctic fox, was registered with the South African Cat Council (SACC) in 1996, although this color is traditionally included in the Persian set. And in 2010, WCF registered a traditional longhaired breed of silver and gold color, which then became known as the “traditional longhair” (the same thing that we call the “classic Persian”). Crossings with the Siamese breed led to the appearance of the already mentioned Himalayan and Sacred Burmese, which were recognized by many famous societies (CFA, TICA, CCA).

Pros and cons of Persian cats

Persians are cats for the home, for a caring homebody owner who can devote time not only to feeding them, but also to care for them. Which will be able to provide them with fairly comfortable conditions without drafts and nutritious food not “from their own table”, but especially for them. For such a person they will become a friend and consolation.

Pros of Persian cats:

• Exceptionally beautiful, evoke a feeling of tenderness and quiet joy;
• Affectionate, likes to sit on laps;
• They love to be stroked and scratched;
• Quite well trained;
• Quiet, not prone to getting angry;
• They don’t yell in a bad voice, demanding feeding early in the morning;
• They are balanced, do not start fights or hysterics, and prefer to leave in conflict situations;
• They love quiet games, that is, with a teaser or a rope.

But, like any living creature, they have negative qualities. They will especially manifest themselves in the owner of a busy, often absent house or burdened with a large noisy family. The Persian can become a liability in rural areas if not trimmed. But the short-haired Persian no longer looks like himself.

Disadvantages of a cat:

• Requires regular care, especially for the coat;
• Leaves fur wherever it sits or passes, even with regular brushing;
• She is picky about food, and prices for good food are rising faster than the official inflation rate;
• Prone to watery eyes and needs eye care;
• Often carries hereditary diseases, including very serious ones that lead to premature death;
• Bad hunter: the Persian cannot be trusted to protect the house from rodents;
• Does not like noise and fuss;
• Doesn't like active games.

Care and maintenance

Due to the fact that Persian cats have long hair, the cat needs daily care, which boils down to the fact that the pet should be brushed at least 2 times a day, otherwise tangles begin to appear on the coat, especially in hard-to-reach places . Such an abundance of hair leads to the fact that the cat constantly sheds. If the dead fur is not removed in a timely manner, some of it ends up in the animal’s stomach as a result of licking. Hairballs formed in the stomach of an animal do not lead to anything good.

Walking a Persian cat involves some inconveniences and restrictions. It is imperative that the cat be on a leash. This will avoid burrs and other debris, which is abundant on the street. At the end of walking, you should carefully examine the animal, after which all debris is combed out using a wide-tooth comb. After there is no debris, the animal’s fur is combed with a familiar comb with fine teeth. It is permissible to take a cat for walks in winter, but the walking time should be reduced.

Animals of this breed have a shortened tear duct, which is why they experience profuse lacrimation. In this regard, it is very important to regularly wash your eyes using a cotton swab dipped in boiled water that has cooled to room temperature. It is necessary to clean the outer ear about 2 times a month, and trim the nails once a month.

From an early age, your pet needs to be accustomed to water procedures so that the animal can easily tolerate bathing up to 2 times a month. This will improve the quality of the coat if you use special shampoos and conditioners designed for bathing long-haired breeds of animals. It is better to use shampoos based on medicinal herbs or seaweed. Pets with black coloring should be bathed using tinted shampoos. After the wool is completely dry, it must be treated with an antistatic agent.

What to feed

The quality of the coat, including the general condition of the pet, depends on a complete diet. Experts advise accustoming the animal to two meals a day. The main nutritional component of feed should be protein, which is found in sufficient proportions in lean meat, boiled sea fish, and eggs. The use of mineral and vitamin supplements allows you to maintain the animal's coat in good condition. To feed your Persian cat, it is best to purchase high-quality ready-made super-premium diets. Their compositions are quite balanced, so they will not negatively affect the well-being of your pet.

Breeding Persian cats

Breeding Persians is a matter for professionals. In different countries there are lines with ancient pedigrees going back to the first breeding sires of England and America. There are different areas of breeding: some are engaged in classic Persians, others in extreme sports. There are fans of tiny Persians that fit in a teacup (large enough).

Interesting Fact: Since the breed is old and widespread, the breeder will face stiff competition and tradition. Fortunately, a large number of felinological organizations with their own standards allow you to breed any, or almost any phenotype and color. If one organization does not recognize the Himalayan type, then you can register with another that does.

The main thing for the breeder is successful selection of pairs, which will require knowledge of cat genetics and taking special courses on this topic. There are certain patterns in the inheritance of colors and, more importantly, diseases. For example, Blue Smoke Persians are prone to immune system disorders. White Persians with blue eyes are often deaf.

The color point color (Himalayan) has interesting features. The intensity of darkening is controlled by several genes, so it manifests itself differently in kittens of the same litter. In addition, it depends on temperature: the colder the environment, the darker the coat, primarily the head, tail, and limbs. It is not recommended to cut color points, overheat or overcool; the optimal temperature is 20 - 28ºС.

It is especially difficult to breed extreme Persians, who are more susceptible to disease than classic Persians. They have a shorter life expectancy. All the more hopeless, on the verge of fraud, is the breeding of dwarf (teacup) Persians. These are either Persian kittens with stunted growth and a lot of sores, or the Napoleon breed - a short-legged product of a Persian and a munchkin, about which there is a special story.

Caring for Persian cats

Persians are rightfully considered one of the most labor-intensive breeds. And all because of their famous wool. An unkempt Persian looks worse than a nobleman, but a well-groomed one looks like the main treasure of the family. To make the animal proud, it is combed and sometimes bathed. Combing also reduces the amount of hair on the furniture and inside the cat itself, which fills its stomach with it when licking.

Show cats are usually washed. It is better to groom pets with clippers at home, in a salon or at a veterinary clinic. This is especially useful for pets who walk around summer cottages in the summer. Pulling burrs out of cats and cutting out tangles usually does not give them pleasure, as they categorically state.

And also:

• If your eyes become watery, wipe them regularly with a damp soft cloth;
• Claws are trimmed if the cat does not grind them down himself;
• Give treats or brush teeth to prevent tartar from forming;
• They regularly examine for diseases, and pay attention not only to the cat itself, but also to its litter box. Good stool is a sign of good digestion, and the appearance of blood in the urine indicates cystitis or urolithiasis.

If a cat is accustomed to various procedures from an early age, then caring for it will not be very burdensome. Otherwise, she will accept both hygienic and medical services (cleaning ears, eye drops) with scandal and self-harm.

For scandalous cats, of course, there are means of pacification: muzzles, wash bags, some use felt boots and thick mittens. But what will happen to your mental comfort, not to mention your cat’s? Cats are not vindictive, but they have a good memory, and each next procedure will require a transition to a new level of the game using a new skill and fortitude.

Diet of Persian cats

The main problem when feeding a cat is its long fur and flat face, especially for extreme cats. We must remember this when choosing the shape of the bowl, as the characters in the fairy tale “The Fox and the Crane” did. Interestingly, pet food manufacturers (in particular, Royal Canin and Nature's Protection), in order to please Persians, make food for them with large round granules.

Considering the Persians’ tendency to allergies, it is advisable to feed them “holistic” food, the composition of which is varied and as close to natural as possible, as well as food with a hypoallergenic composition: without chicken, wheat, or corn. Those intended for long-haired breeds are also suitable: omega fatty acids in their composition promote hair growth and healthy skin, and there are additives for removing ingested hair from the stomach.

When choosing natural food, a cat must be accustomed to different foods from childhood, otherwise it will become very conservative when choosing food and will not receive all the necessary substances. If she is fed only meat, her body will develop a calcium deficiency, which will have a bad effect on the skeletal system. The predominance of fish in the diet will lead to a deficiency of vitamin B. Raw egg white in large quantities will cause a deficiency of vitamin H.

Persians, like many cats, love to eat; this healthy desire is best restrained if the pet doesn’t move much. A fat cat is beautiful, but puts itself at risk of developing heart disease. You shouldn't help him with this. Although meat and fish should remain mandatory components of the menu (60%), it is better to choose low-fat options and offer side dishes of boiled cereals and vegetables: rice, rolled oats, zucchini, carrots. Low-fat fermented milk products are beneficial. In spring and autumn they give a vitamin complex.

Catering

Both experienced breeders and doctors say one thing: Persians should be fed in accordance with their health and age. From an early age, teach your cat to eat at a certain time.

Natural products

• Kittens feed on demand for up to a month;
• 1-2 months – eat 6 times a day;
• 2-4 months – 4-5 times a day;
• 4-6 months – 3 times;
• From 6 months – 2 times a day.

Daily food intake: 250 g per kilogram of live weight. For an adult cat – 300-350 g.

The first complementary food for a Persian baby is porridge cooked in diluted milk. From 3 months you can give frozen meat (naturally, before eating it is defrosted, doused with boiling water and minced). Serving – 0.4 teaspoon.

From 5 months, fermented milk products (natural yogurt, cottage cheese, low-fat sour cream, kefir, fermented baked milk), quail eggs, chicken yolk, and vegetables are introduced. You can also give children's cereal-vegetable mixtures.

Dry and wet food is allowed from 6 months. At first, the pads can be soaked in broth.

The diet of an adult cat should include:

• Meat (veal, rabbit, lamb, chicken, beef) – 50-60% of the total diet;
• By-products (chicken hearts and kidneys, raw cow stomach);
• Sea fish (salmon, hake, trout, cod) - no more than once a week;
• Vegetables (carrots, beets, green beans, pumpkin, cauliflower, zucchini) – every other day;
• Cheese (unsalted): once a week;
• Porridge (oatmeal, rice, buckwheat, millet, barley, for kittens up to 3 months - liquid semolina) - daily;
• Clean warm water: freely available (it is changed in the mornings and evenings).

Do not give to Persians:

• Milk
• Fatty meat (pork, goose),
• Smoked, salty, sweet, canned,
• Sauces, seasonings, spices,
• Baking,
• Bones and tripe
• Alcohol, carbonated and mineral water,
• Eggplants, potatoes, garlic, onions,
• Fat cottage cheese.

Recommended food

The best industrial food for Persians:

• German food based on poultry meat, vegetables and rice Bosch Sanabelle Hair.
• Italian Purina Pro Plan Delicate: food for sensitive digestion (40% protein, there is also a vitamin complex).
• Royal Canin Persian (Royal Canin, France): contains chicken, cereals and vegetables.
• Orijen Cat 6 Fresh Fish comes in the form of granules with a fishy smell that is pleasant to the cat. Contains a vitamin complex.

Expert opinion

Dusheba Vera Ivanovna

In 2010, she graduated from the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Scriabin with honors, specializing in veterinary medicine. I regularly attend veterinary conferences, congresses, and webinars.

Industrial feeds are divided into 4 groups: economy, premium, premium and holistic. You should buy economy class food only as a last resort: they are poor in nutrients and protein, contain harmful dyes and additives, and can ruin your pet’s stomach in a short time. Premium food is somewhat richer in composition, but the amount of meat in them is minimal, there are preservatives that are harmful to health, and often cause allergies. Premium class and holistic are the most suitable options: they contain the required amount of protein and fiber, and add all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Below are recommended super premium foods, links with food names are clickable. Using them, you can, within our website, read descriptions of food and read reviews from owners of the Persian cat breed.

Diseases and health problems

According to statistics, Persians, like other closely related breeds, usually live 12–17 years, and only half of the pets can live longer than 12.5 years. Cats that live to be 20 years old are very rare. The data varies from country to country, and in England, for example, they live longer than in Sweden. Apparently, climate affects life expectancy.

Health problems are caused by the short muzzle characteristic of the breed. Persians are prone to breathing problems, skin and eye diseases, and they also experience complications during childbirth.

They have the following ailments:

• Difficult births caused by abnormalities in the cat's fetus and pelvic structure are quite common. Stillbirth rates are higher than normal, ranging from 16.1% to 22.1%;
• Polycystic kidney disease, which causes kidney failure, occurs in 36–49% of Persians. This genetic disorder can be detected by testing, and most responsible breeders of the breed have cats that do not carry the defective gene;
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occurs in 6.5% of Persians. A heart condition that causes shortness of breath, although it does not cause sudden death like Maine Coons. It mainly affects cats and middle-aged and older individuals. Possibly inherited;
• Progressive retinal atrophy, leading to blindness, is detected by a genetic test. Some breeders believe that its inheritance is linked to chocolate and Himalayan colors, but this has not been proven. Other eye diseases: congenital cataract, coloboma, lacrimation, etc.;
• Skin diseases: skin cancer, ringworm and side effects on medications for it, idiopathic facial dermatitis, seborrhea, eyelid cysts;
• Skeletal system disorders: hip dysplasia, malocclusion.

And much more, including the traditional ICD. Surprisingly, there are completely healthy individuals!

Health and feeding of Persian cats

A balanced diet is very important for Persian cats, so it is best to feed them super premium food.

If the owner nevertheless decides to adhere to a natural or mixed diet, it is necessary to completely eliminate foods prepared for people, that is, food with salt, sugar, smoked, fried, etc. Food must contain vitamins and minerals.

Your cat should always have clean and fresh water in a separate bowl.

Portions are calculated based on the age of the Persian cat and how much it weighs. There is no need to feed your pet more than three times a day.

The health of Persian cats is normal, although not particularly strong.

They have characteristic hereditary diseases, for example:

• cardiomyopathy, which is often fatal;
• kidney diseases;
• retinal atrophy, possible blindness;
• increased lacrimation;
• breathing problems;
• dental diseases.

Every year you need to get vaccinated four times.

Persian cat. Photo