The Persian is one of the most widely recognised and popular breeds in the world - and one of the oldest.

As their name suggests, Persians originate from the country that was once Persia, now Iran, in the Middle East.

Experts believe that today’s domestic cat is the descendent of Felis libyca, a cat that is still found in Africa and Asia. A short-haired, brown mackerel tabby, its adaptation to the environment caused many early mutations, one of which was the development of the long-haired gene. The first of these cats, the Persian, was believed to have evolved on the high, cold plateaus of the country then named Persia, hence their name.

The cats were introduced into Europe by the Phoenicians and Romans in the 1500s as highly valued items of trade. The Europeans were impressed by the Persian’s long silky coat and purposefully bred the cats to perpetuate the trait. By the 1900s the cats were being exported to the United States and since then their popularity has spread throughout the world.

The Persian is the most popular breed among the long-haired cats; others include Birman, Turkish Van, Ragdoll, Mayne Coon, Norvegian Forest Cat and the Exotic (short hair version of the Persian).

In Australia today, while Persians are still out-numbered by the short-haired breeds, they continue to be popular as both a family pet and for showing purposes.

The Persian is a medium to large cat with heavy bones and excellent balance from section to section.

While most of the Persians are of a similar size and shape, they can vary dramatically in their coat and eye colourings.

Persians are generally placid, laid-back cats which make very loving pets. Playful as young kittens, they become less so as they grow older. They have a life expectancy of approximately 14 to 18 years of age.

Temperaments have been observed to vary slightly between the different colours and varieties. The most placid cats are usually the Solid coloured ones, whereas the Point (colourpoint) Persians tend to be more lively and are slightly more vocal. Males and females make equally good pets.

They can be very easy going but at the same time boisterous as well when they want a game: they like to play with objects like balls and things on strings. Passive and adaptable, the Persian generally is not a lap cat but will be content to stay a while for a pat and cuddle.

Persians love people and like the company of other cats.

When seeing a Persian cat, a common reaction from people is “Oh. isn’t that a beautiful cat?”. But keeping a Persian well-groomed takes time and commitment from its owner.

Grooming is particularly important for long-haired cats such as Persians, as their coats can become easily matted and snarled. Not only does a cat with a matted coat look unkempt, the mats are uncomfortable for the animal as they pull against the skin. This can lead to skin breakdown and the development of sores and infections.

Most breeders recommend Persians to be groomed once a day, particularly when they are moulting. They should also be bathed and blow dried once a month.

Many owners agree that they enjoy the time spent grooming their cats each day, and how therapeutic it is to sit down and have that time together.

Persians generally don’t need a lot of room as they’re not as active as other cats. As such, they will easily adapt to living in a flat or unit. A Persian is able to live indoors permanently provided it has essential toys, a scratching post and litter tray available.

However, Persians love company and do not like to be on their own. If there is someone home during the day and they have time to spend with the cat, then a single Persian will be perfectly happy. If the owner works away from home it is a good idea to have two cats as company for each other.

www.communities.ninemsn.com/chinchillapersiansavailable 

www.communities.ninemsn.com/smokepersians 

www.communities.ninemsn.com/grizabella&friends 

©Kimaris and Magnika Catteries, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 2001

Last Updated 19/8/01