Persian cats are the crème de la crème of the feline world, known for their luxurious coats and distinctively squashed faces. These regal beauties have been gracing laps and winning hearts for centuries, proving that sometimes, the best things in life are furry.
If you’re looking for a gentle, affectionate, and dignified companion, the Persian is a top contender.
The Persian cat’s lineage is as long and flowing as their magnificent coats. Their exact origins remain mysterious, but they are believed to have originated in Persia (modern-day Iran), where their long fur helped them withstand cold mountain climates.
Legend has it that these long-haired lovelies were first brought to Italy by a Roman nobleman, Pietro della Valle, in the early 1600s. He described them as “the most beautiful of their kind” and who are we to argue?
Another theory is that they were introduced even earlier by Crusaders returning from the Middle East, bringing these exotic felines as souvenirs of their travels.
Regardless of how they arrived, Persians quickly became popular in European high society. Queen Victoria herself was known to be particularly fond of these fluffy felines, which only increased their popularity among the British upper classes.
If cats were royalty, Persians would be the Queen’s corgis.
They are calm, gentle, and affectionate but not overly demanding. They enjoy attention but prefer it on their own terms.
Extremely laid-back and peaceful, the zen masters of the cat world
Prefer a quiet, stable environment – no wild parties for these sophisticated kitties
Low-energy – more likely to nap than chase a toy
They may look grumpy, but Persians are sweet-natured lap cats who love lounging and being admired. However, they are not playful athletes – don’t expect them to leap onto bookshelves or chase lasers with wild abandon!
Persians are instantly recognisable due to their distinctive appearance.
Persians come in seven recognised colour divisions:
Persians are beautiful but come with inherent health risks, mainly due to their flat faces and long coats.
Regular check-ups with the vet are essential for Persians, as early detection of these issues can make a world of difference. It’s also crucial to keep their eyes clean and free from tear stains, which can often be a daily task for some Persian owners.
Many breeders now test for PKD and other genetic conditions, so be sure to ask about health screenings when considering a Persian kitten.
Despite these potential health concerns, with proper care and attention, many Persians live long, healthy lives well into their teens or even early twenties. It’s all about being proactive with their health care and addressing any issues promptly.
They’re well-suited to a variety of households, but they do have some specific needs that potential owners should consider.
They are happiest when they have a stable routine and a peaceful environment. They’re not the best choice for families with very young children or those who are out of the house for long periods.
Their calm nature also makes them excellent therapy cats, and they’re often used in nursing homes and hospitals to provide comfort to patients.
When it comes to Persians, indoor living is definitely the cat’s pyjamas. These luxurious felines are best suited to a life of indoor comfort and safety.
Long coats can easily become matted or dirty outdoors, leading to skin problems
Flat faces make them vulnerable to overheating in warm weather
Not equipped with strong hunting or defensive instincts, making them easy targets for predators
Can be targets for theft due to their valuable status as pedigree cats
Indoor living helps protect their health and extends their lifespan
While some Persians may enjoy supervised outdoor time in a secure garden or catio, they’re generally content to watch the world go by from a cosy windowsill. If you do decide to let your Persian experience the great outdoors, it should always be under close supervision and in a controlled environment.
Indoor living doesn’t mean a boring life for your Persian, though. Provide them with comfortable perches near windows where they can sunbathe and watch the world go by. Cat trees, scratching posts, and interactive toys can also help keep them entertained and provide gentle exercise.
Ah, grooming – the area where Persian cats truly shine (or should we say, require shine). These glamorous felines need more primping and preening than your average moggy.
Daily brushing is essential to prevent matting and reduce hairballs
Regular baths (every 4-6 weeks) to keep the coat clean and healthy
Daily eye cleaning to prevent tear stains and potential infections
Nail trimming every 2-3 weeks
Dental care to prevent gum disease, which Persians can be prone to due to their facial structure
Many Persians enjoy the attention that comes with grooming sessions, seeing it as a form of affection from their humans.
When brushing, be sure to get right down to the skin to prevent mats from forming close to the body. A metal comb can be helpful for working through tangles, while a slicker brush is great for removing loose fur. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting, like behind the ears and under the armpits.
Bathing a Persian can be a bit of an adventure, but with patience and practice, it becomes easier. Use a shampoo specifically formulated for cats, and be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent skin irritation. Some owners find it helpful to use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting to help dry their Persian’s thick coat, but be sure to introduce this gradually to avoid frightening your cat.
Feeding a Persian cat isn’t just about keeping their tummy full – it’s about maintaining their overall health and that glorious coat.
High-quality, protein-rich diet is essential to support their health and coat condition
Wet food can help with hydration and hairball prevention, a common issue in long-haired breeds
Specially formulated foods for long-haired breeds can be beneficial, providing extra nutrients for coat health
Portion control is important to prevent obesity, as Persians are prone to weight gain
Some may need special diets for health issues like kidney problems or sensitive stomachs
Remember, every cat is unique, so it’s best to consult with your vet to determine the ideal diet for your Persian pal. Some Persians can be picky eaters, so you may need to experiment with different flavours and textures to find what your feline foodie prefers.
It’s also important to consider the shape of your Persian’s food bowl. Their flat faces can make it difficult to eat from deep bowls, so shallow dishes or plates often work best. And don’t forget about water – many Persians prefer running water, so a cat water fountain might be a good investment to encourage proper hydration.
One of the oldest cat breeds, with a history spanning centuries
Featured in numerous works of art throughout history, from Persian miniatures to European paintings
Come in more than 80 colour and pattern combinations, offering a wide range of looks
Have been bred to have increasingly flat faces over time, leading to their distinctive appearance
Require more grooming than almost any other cat breed, making them a true labour of love
No, Persians are not hypoallergenic. In fact, their long fur traps allergens, making them a poor choice for allergy sufferers. Regular grooming may help reduce allergens, but they still produce dander.
Yes! Expect fur everywhere—on furniture, clothes, and even in your tea. Daily brushing helps manage shedding, but a good vacuum cleaner is a must.
Not really. Their high-maintenance grooming needs and potential health issues mean they require dedicated care. First-time owners should be prepared for the commitment.
Every 4-6 weeks. Use a cat-specific shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Drying thoroughly is crucial to prevent matting.
Persians are independent but enjoy companionship. They can tolerate short absences but shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. Consider getting two cats if you work long hours.
Exotic Shorthair: Often called the ‘lazy man’s Persian’, with similar features but a shorter coat that requires less grooming
British Longhair: Similar in size and temperament, but with a less extreme facial structure and a more moderate coat length
Himalayan: A Persian variant with colourpoint markings, similar to a Siamese but with the Persian’s body type and personality
Scottish Fold: Shares the round face and sweet expression, but with distinctive folded ears and a more playful personality
Ragdoll: Another large, long-haired breed known for its gentle nature, but with a more active and playful temperament than the Persian
The team at Cat Mad are lifelong cat enthusiasts and regularly give cats loving homes through fostering and adoption. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience caring for cats of all breeds and temperaments, we share our knowledge and insights to help cat owners provide the best possible care for their furry friends.
The team at Cat Mad are lifelong cat enthusiasts and regularly give cats loving homes through fostering and adoption. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience caring for cats of all breeds and temperaments, we share our knowledge and insights to help cat owners provide the best possible care for their furry friends.
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
Cat Mad
UK only. Free shipping on all international orders over £100.
30 days to ensure you’re happy or get your money back. Simple & easy returns.
Get inspiration, new arrivals and our latest offers straight to your inbox.
© We Are Cat Mad 2025 Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Cookie Policy
© We Are Cat Mad 2025
No account yet?
Create an Account
