Description

The Persian has a heavy, rounded build. Perhaps the most prominent feature of this breed is its flat face. The traditional Persian has a “doll face”, whereas the “peke faced” or “ultra-typed” Persian has a much more exaggerated flattened face. Whatever the type, all Persians have chubby cheeks, small ears, and large round eyes. They have a cobby body, with short, thick legs that end with round feet, and a short tail.

Look

The Persian has a luxurious long coat, with thick, shiny fur, with a wide variety of colours and markings. Daily brushing is a must, as is frequent bathing; otherwise the fur becomes tangled and dirty. If you don’t plan on showing your Persian, you may prefer to find a cat groomer who can clip your Persian’s fur. A clipped coat is easier to maintain, and also helps to prevent overheating. Owners also have to gently wipe their Persians’ face to prevent tear stains. The litter box must be kept very clean because dirt and litter can become stuck to the paws and fur. This is not the cat for those with allergies, as they shed copiously.

Health

Although Persians are quite healthy cats, they are prone to certain health conditions.

• Breathing difficulty/noisy breathing

• Dental malocclusions

• Excessive tearing

• Eye conditions e.g. entropion

• Heat sensitivity

• Polycystic kidney disease

• Predisposition to ringworm

• Seborrhea oleosa

At KittenGuru.com, we recommend that you buy your kitten from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. KittenGuru.com’s Health Guarantee certifies that all promoted kittens are in good health.

Temperament

The Persian is sweet natured but quiet. They are content to sit on your lap and be petted or to play gently. Persians are affectionate to family members, but are more reserved with strangers. Loud noises or sudden changes may upset your Persian, as they are happiest in a calm environment with a regular timetable.

Living with

If you plan on showing your Persian, you’ll need to spend a lot of time grooming and bathing your Persian. If you just want a cute, fuzzy cat, you can have your Persian’s coat clipped, which will reduce shedding and be a lot less work to keep clean and untangled. The Persian is perfectly fine with being alone for part of the day, and will not mind if you are at work or busy in another part of the house. They like to sit serenely on their favourite perch, snoozing or playing occasionally, until you return: no wild curtain climbing or leaping about for this cool cat.