Persian cat: description, character, types and recommendations for care

Persian cats are unusual and beautiful representatives of the feline family. They have a kind character, a wide variety of coat colors and are one of the most recognizable cat breeds in the world.

The first notes on long-haired cats date back to the 16th century. The Italian traveler Pietro Della Vale first brought them to Italy in 1521. Decades later, thanks to the explorer and traveler Nicholas Claude Fabri de Pairese, cats arrived in France.

According to another version, long-haired cats were brought to Europe by the participants of the Crusades, who were delighted with their magnificent fur. They were brought from Persia (the territory of modern Iran) around the 13th century.

The French naturalist de Buffon, in his History of Nature, claims that they come from the Agora and are therefore called the Angora cats. They were also called Chinese, Indian and Russian. In England, the name of French cats was adopted, which is probably due to the fact that these animals were brought to England from France.

The Persians were originally thought to be descended from long-haired cats from the Middle East. However, recent research suggests that the breed's ancestors come from Russia. Genetic studies have shown them to be associated with Russian longhaired cats and, as a result, have shown no connection with the Asian line.

These animals began to appear in aristocratic salons, becoming a symbol of prestige and elegance. However, their appearance was significantly different from today's standard.They had a bushy tail, round heads with large eyes, and regular noses. True, they were able to preserve their fur, thereby preserving the features of a natural breed. Persian cats have a long and thick coat that cools them on hot days and keeps them warm in the cold.

In 1871 and 1880, these beauties appeared at the first cat shows in London. The first Persian Cat Fanciers Club was established in 1900 in England. These cats became more and more popular.

There was a very rapid spread of this species. More and more clubs appeared, uniting lovers of Persian cats. Through deliberate breeding based on the correct selection of pairs, the ideal of the Persian cat was obtained.

The number of new colors and combinations of fur has also increased. Today we can enjoy a wide variety of colors among all breeds of cats, but no species compares to the Persians in this respect.

In addition to their interesting appearance, Persian cats have a unique character. They are gentle, level-headed and exhibit extraordinary intelligence.

It is interesting that the name "Persian cat" was given to them already at the beginning of the twentieth century. Previously used the term "Angora cats". Since then, the breed standard has changed many times. Over time, more and more attention was paid to the round forehead, flat muzzle and abundant soft fur.

There are some features of this breed:

• harmonious body structure;
• round, rather large head;
• short and wide nose;
• rounded forehead, protruding cheeks and a strong chin;
• large round eyes;
• small, slightly rounded, far apart ears, heavily covered with hair;
• short and massive neck;
• dense, long and silky fur;
• short but strong legs with large round paws (with tufts of hair between the claws);
• short and fluffy tail.

By nature, cats should be peaceful, sometimes drowsy and somewhat lazy. However, this gentleness of behavior has a positive effect on contact with children, and these cats will not spoil the furniture and interior of the apartment (this can only happen with kittens).

Persian cats are very fond of peace and comfort and do not always seek communication with people. At times they sit in some corner of the house until they get tired of it. Although they love to be pampered, and also to sit on their knees and purr. However, to show that they rule, even after such caresses, the Persians can pretend to be indifferent and completely ignore their masters.

They quickly become attached to their owner. Little Persian kittens are cheerful and quickly learn new habits (for example, they sharpen their claws only in a specially designated place). They also like simple toys and, interestingly, like looking in the mirror. From the very beginning, it is also worth teaching them to brush frequently (preferably daily).

The current standard of the Persian cat, followed by almost all breeders, determines the overall proportions and phenotype. The main features of this breed are harmonious body structure, round head and long fur. This is more important than emphasizing the individual characteristics of the breed.

The body type of the Persian cat is from large to medium.She should be squat and have short, strong limbs that do not give the impression of clumsiness. All parts of the body are harmoniously developed. When assessing body size, phenotypic traits are always taken into account.

Experts distinguish about 150 varieties of their coat colors. And each color can have its own eye color. The color of the iris depends on the color of the cat and can range from orange to copper, hazel, dark green, emerald or blue.

The weight of males can reach up to 7 kg, cats - up to 6 kg. The height at the withers is 25-38 cm. Persian cats reach maturity at the age of 2 years. Their life expectancy is 11-13 years. But some individuals can live 15 or even 20 years.

Especially characteristic is not only the fur of the Persians, but also their muzzle. A wide head with round ears and a very short wide nose will not allow the Persians to be confused with any other breed. The bridge of the nose can end between the eyes (the so-called "Stop").

The character of Persian cats is peaceful. Sometimes they are accused of being lazy and always lethargic. Maybe because of their gentleness, they behave very well with children, and of course they do not pose a threat to them. Having these cats at home, we also need not worry about the state of our interior, except for a short period of childhood. They usually do not hit vases and other decorative items (which cannot be said about other cats).

Besides, Persians love to be petted and prefer luxury, comfort and peace of mind. That is why, when a kitten gets bored in the company, he hides in the smallest corner of the apartment or lies down in a leather chair and does not think to move until he sees fit.

These cats can also play with other animals and small children. They don't like running and jumping. Even if there is a garden and plenty of room for outdoor activities, they prefer to choose a comfortable chair at home. These cats are ideal for keeping in an apartment.

Persians are completely non-conflicting and extremely intelligent cats. Guests are welcomed at home without any problems. They also easily adapt to changing conditions and quickly learn new rules at home.

Despite the calm nature, the nature of the predator is still reflected in their habits. Persians should be able to climb, play and hide in the back streets of the house... This is especially important when cats are kept in an apartment. Under proper conditions, they can remain in good physical and mental shape until death.

They also need a place to scratch. Cats need to sharpen their claws to rid them of the dead layer. Thus, they also mark territory with scent glands located at the tips of their paws, spreading a scent that is imperceptible to us. Without a scratch post, even the most patient cat will be interested in furniture. It is also a climbing and observation platform so every cat is attracted to it.

Persian kittens are curious, playful and quick to learn. They can look in the mirror for hours without interruption. However, it is worth devoting this period of your cat's life to establishing good habits, such as sharpening claws only in designated areas and brushing daily.

Active people who periodically leave somewhere and plan to take a cat with them should keep in mind that Persians usually do well with road transport if they start making their first trips while still kittens. To be happy on the road, they only need their own housing in the form of a cage with a comfortable bed in the middle. Do not overfeed your cat before riding to avoid vomiting on the way.

This breed has more than 350 color varieties. They can be solid, two-colored, three-colored, smoky or silvery.

Individuals of the same color can be black, white, red, blue, as well as brown (chocolate), gray (lilac) or cream. Other options are two- and three-colored individuals. They are also popular. Typically, these cats have most of the hair dyed, and the area near the hair root is always pure white. It also happens vice versa - most of the hair is snow-white, and only the ends are colored.

The most common ones are black or red, and their less saturated shades - blue, cream, chocolate, cinnamon, tan and gray.

"Plush" red Persian cats are one of the most popular breeds... An interesting fact is that their name in Persian means "Iranian cats".

Chinchilla cats have a uniform white coat with a fine black tint. This color results in a silvery sheen. They have emerald green eyes with a pronounced black border. This breed was specially bred for the sake of a special color. It was first presented at the Crystal Palace in London in 1894.

They have a broad head with small, wide-set ears and a flat face. Their eyes are large, round and beautiful in color. The tail is short and fluffy. The skin is long, lush, with a thick but soft undercoat.

Persian blues are most beautiful in natural light. Blacks have glossy shades that shine beautifully. Pale milky and creamy colors are often combined with shades of red. Chocolate and lilac, obtained by mixing Persian and Himalayan breeds, cats are rare.

Silver and golden colors more often belong to the Persians of the color of chinchillas.

Tabbies are extroverts of the Persian breed. They come in three types: classic, mackerel, and striped tabby. A spotted tabby can show a classic color or pattern with added red spots. The classic tabby is identified by the bull's-eye mark on the side of the body, while the mackerel pattern is characterized by a narrow line surrounding the torso. Contrasting spots can be as vivid as a wild cat in the jungle.

Often referred to as “funny,” tabbies are sociable cats. The special color on the muzzle gives them a piquant appeal. Recognized colors: silver, blue with silver, red, brown, blue and cream. There are no striped patterns in red and cream.

Smoky Persians are among the most striking examples of cat coloration. There are 6 main colors of their coat: black, blue, cream, cameo (red), smoky tortie and cream blue. At rest, the smoky color of the animal seems to be solid. In movement, the "fur coat" of the cat opens up and shows glimpses of a white shade.

The smoky tortoiseshell subspecies have a black mantle with well-defined spots formed by red hair tips.

The extreme Persian is also quite a popular species. The first copies of it were bred in the 30s of the last century. They differ in that there is a short, upturned nose on the flat face. As a result, the bridge of the nose is at or above eye level.

Himalayan cats are one of the most popular types of Persians. The Himalayan type of cats has the following colors: chocolate, black, lilac, blue, red, cream tortie, blue-cream, chocolate tortie, lilac cream, sea seal, blue lynx, red lynx, cream lynx, tortoiseshell lynx, blue-cream lynx, chocolate lynx, lilac lynx, chocolate tortoiseshell lynx, and purple cream lynx.

The Himalayans were bred by mixing Persians and Siamese breeds to combine the Siamese dotted with the Persian type. After many years of crossbreeding, the Himalayan subspecies was approved. All members of this species should have deep, bright blue eyes.

The price of Persian kittens depends mainly on the reputation of the breeder and the pedigree of their parents. Beware of taking kittens at too low a price, because in this case you can easily stumble upon scammers who pass off an ordinary cat for a Persian.

Determining the breed of any cat can be difficult due to the many variations. Persians are quite different in both appearance and behavior.... Knowing what a Persian kitten looks like and how it should behave can make it easier to find your new pet.

Look at the length and texture of the coat. Persians usually have long fur with a silky texture. Check the coat color. Many people only imagine a white cat when they think of Persians. But in fact, these animals can be of a variety of colors.

Examine the fur pattern. Breeders who breed Persians for shows have divided the most common varieties into 7 categories (called divisions) to make it easier to determine which type of Persian you are purchasing:

• solid color;
• silvery;
• smoky;
• shaded;
• tabby - have three types of color;
• tortoiseshell;
• Himalayan.

Look at the tail. Persian cats usually wear it at an angle below the back. Check the shape of the torso. The Persian beauties have a distinctly short, stocky body shape. They tend to be slightly heavier than normal cats, although their torso is quite compact. Persians are usually medium to large in size. Their shoulders are wide. The neck is short and thick.

Look for a playful but obedient individual. While each cat is unique, Persians in general tend to have a calm temperament. They are playful in their own way, but mostly reserved. Persians are often frightened or annoyed by loud noises or bad behavior from children.

Persian cats are not loud voices. They may greet people with a quiet “meow,” but they will not meow or yell if they are upset. When a Persian cat gives voice, it is usually modest and melodic.

Like many purebred cats, Persians are susceptible to certain diseases. Therefore, when choosing a kitten, it is advisable to check it with a veterinarian or ask for a medical certificate from the breeder.

Reputable breeders usually sell kittens between 12 and 16 weeks old. Kittens sold before 12 weeks of age may not be vaccinated and find it difficult to adjust to their new home. Look carefully for any signs of illness in the animal. Also, look for possible indicators of unsanitary conditions in which kittens may have been kept.

Cats need a lot of protein, so meat should be the main ingredient in their diet. Wet food is preferred not only because of the better composition of the ingredients, but also because of the higher liquid level in it. The Persians, due to their origin, can be called "desert" cats. Therefore, they do not have to pour water into the bowl often. They naturally drink little, but get most of their liquid from food.

Each cat has different taste preferences and different nutritional needs. However, cats are carnivores and must be fed about 40 specific food ingredients. The proportions of these substances vary depending on the age, lifestyle and health of the cat.Unsurprisingly, an energetic kitten needs more nutrients in its diet than a less active adult cat.

Persian cats do not require a special menu. They definitely prefer raw meat - mostly poultry. But they may also like fish dishes. Just never give them pork - not only is it fatty, but it can also contain Aujeszky's virus, which causes rabies.

The Persian diet can be varied with dry food. It not only satisfies hunger, but also acts like a toothbrush and removes tartar. Persian cats can also be given dairy products from time to time - cheese, yogurt, porridge with milk. The exception is whole milk - it contains too much lactose, which can cause diarrhea and therefore dehydration.

Usually cats are fed twice a day. They generally eat well even when their schedule changes. There will be times when your kitten doesn’t want to eat simply because it’s not hungry. But young kittens love to eat! Therefore, if they miss their morning and evening meals, you should consult your veterinarian.

High quality canned food for kittens should be high in fat. As they get older, their fat content should decrease, while their protein and fiber content should increase. Good quality raw meat can be found at most pet stores.

You can use a mixture of three dry foods - one for normal bowel function, one high in fiber for healthy coat growth, and one for flavor.

Do not overfeed your pet, even if the kitten wants more. Habits are developed in youth and for life. The optimal dose is 30 grams per 0.5 kg of body weight in the first year, decreasing to 22-25 g after reaching one year. This is about 150-170 g per day for a 3 kg cat.

Several varieties of food for the Persians.

• "NomNomNow" - the best canned wet food for Persian cats. Main ingredients: chicken breast, thighs, liver, asparagus, carrots, spinach.

• Wellness Complete food mainly consists of meat and is rich in easily digestible protein. Contains no grains, potatoes, corn, soy, wheat, artificial additives, growth hormones or steroids.

• Hill's Science Diet - This product is best for when your Persian cat is entering adulthood. Helps to gain weight and is good for the digestive system.

• "Purina Fancy Feast" - a combination of poultry and beef.

• Wysong Optimal Vitality - dry food for adult cats

• "Pros" - contains probiotics for healthy digestion. Made without fillers and grains. Does not contain allergens.

Basically, Persians can eat chicken, turkey, fish and seafood. There is no need for your Persian cat to create a special cat food menu. They prefer to enjoy different flavors. In addition, Persians should be given more moist food. The reason for this is that Persian cats are prone to polycystic kidney disease. Therefore, many veterinarians recommend that their diet should include approximately 80% wet food.

The gorgeous long coat of Persian cats requires some maintenance. The cat owner should be aware of the following procedures:

• systematic baths;
• daily combing;
• correct diet.

Without proper care, the fur of a Persian cat will tangle into lumps. Sometimes the tangles cannot even be combed. In this case, the only way out is to trim the pet. But don't worry, trimmed fur grows back quickly.Of course, such situations should be avoided.

To avoid tangling in the coat, the Persian must be combed regularly, on average 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily). You should start brushing your cat from an early age so that the animal gets used to this procedure. You must also bathe your pet. It is recommended that you do this at least once a month. Extremely important dry the cat thoroughly after each bath.

Cats can have problems due to the formation of tartar, which can subsequently lead to various troubles. Therefore, it is advisable to take care of the cat's teeth and brush them systematically. It is also important hygiene of the ears.

In addition to caring for the fur, you must carefully monitor the eyes of the animal. With the help of cotton pads, you need to clean the corners of the eyes so that during lacrimation (which happens quite often) there is no reddening of the animal's sclera. To do this, you will need to purchase special eye lotions.

The area around the anus and under the tail is sensitive to fecal contamination. Therefore, keep them clean and free from stains or unpleasant lumps.... These body parts also need to be cleansed periodically.

Be sure to buy the appropriate bath products - shampoos that help unravel the coat, conditioners, and a good brush. You will find many combs in pet stores, but for the Persians, brushes with natural bristles and a wooden handle are best. You can also try metal products. Avoid plastic combs. They bend under such heavy fur and additionally electrify it.

For your cat to have a beautiful and shiny coat, you will also need a clipper to help you deal with tangled tangles.

Despite regular brushing, Persian cats ingest a very large amount of hair during shedding. Come to the rescue exfoliating pastes or cat grass that naturally support the release of swallowed hair, preventing digestive problems. Like all cats, Persians should be vaccinated and worm-driven regularly.

Breeding Persian cats can be a lucrative business. Persians are known for their long, luxurious coats, good temper and short noses. Mating Persian cats begins with finding suitable breeding partners.

If you want to match your male and female, make sure that they are not related by kinship. Otherwise, later kittens may have problems at the genetic level.

Allow Persian cats to mate naturally. Match the male with the female once a day for several days.

It will take at least 1 year for a cat to fully recover after giving birth. Therefore, knitting can only be done once or twice a year.

Check the female's tummy 20 days after mating. You should feel the small balls inside the uterus. Her nipples will be swollen. She will give birth approximately 60 days after conception. Prepare a safe, quiet place for this.

Be close to your cat when she starts to give birth to help if something goes wrong. Once the kittens are born, your job will be to document the newborns as purebred and make sure they are tested for worms. Keep other pets away from the mother and her kittens.

Sterilization and castration are among the most popular and safest surgical procedures among the Persians.More and more cat owners decide to subject their pet to this, not only out of concern for his health, but also to get rid of unwanted kittens. Cats are very fertile animals and can give birth to about a dozen kittens a year. Pregnancy can occur several times a year.

Neutering is a procedure performed on cats that involves removing the ovaries and uterus. It is performed under general anesthesia. Castration is performed in males and consists in removing the testes. This procedure is also performed under general anesthesia. The result of treatment is complete and irreversible infertility until the end of the animal's life.

The best time to sterilize is 6 to 12 months. Castration and sterilization do not change the character of the animal, and even reduce aggression in some individuals.

Castration is usually done around 6-7 months of age. Male castration is necessary for individuals living in the house. A matured cat will mark the territory, that is, he will urinate on furniture and in different corners of the apartment. It is his nature, and it cannot be eliminated in any other way than by castration.

Do not delay the operation too long, because later this instinct will become a habit. The urine of a mature, uncastrated cat has a very unpleasant odor that is difficult to remove. Therefore, almost all owners of domestic cats choose castration.

The operation itself takes less than an hour. After this time, you can pick up the cat from the clinic, but it is better to leave it in the office until you wake up from anesthesia. Then the veterinarian will be able to monitor the patient's condition. After anesthesia, the cat should be slightly warmed, especially when it is unconscious, to prevent heat loss. It would be nice to cover her with a blanket.

Immediately after the operation, the animal will receive antibiotics and pain relievers. Cats take a little longer to recover than males, because neutering is associated with a deeper surgical procedure.

With proper care and nutrition, Persian cats practically do not get sick. But they can still have health problems.

Persian cats can be found:

• cataract;
• deafness (especially common among blue-eyed Persians);
• cryptorchidism;
• dermatitis of the facial fold;
• pericardial hernia;
• polycystic kidney disease;
• progressive retinal atrophy;
• systemic lupus;
• hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
• gingivitis;
• corneal sequestration;
• dysplasia of the hip joint.

You need to visit a specialist from time to time in order to constantly monitor the health of the cat. Professional breeders take care of early and regular research on their cats and their offspring so that in the event of a hereditary disease, they can exclude the sick individual from participating in breeding.

Research on hereditary diseases is mainly concerned with kidney disease. Symptoms can only be seen at a later age, which means the gene can be passed on to offspring before the disease is diagnosed. Fortunately, an ultrasound scan can diagnose a possible disease from the age of 10 weeks of kitten.Thanks to this, the breeder can timely learn about the cat's disease, exclude the animal from the cattery and prevent the transmission of the disease to the next generation.

When a new four-legged pet arrives home, the question arises what name it should bear. His choice is often a problem.

Undoubtedly, the nickname must be well thought out. After all, our pet will wear it all his life. First of all, it should be relatively short and easy to remember. A simple name will quickly be deposited in the pet's memory and it will respond better to it. In addition, the name should make us happy as well. It's great if the nickname reflects the individual character or appearance of a furry friend.

Probably, each of us has a favorite name that will perfectly match the cat. However, if nothing comes to your mind, you can choose from the options below:

• for cats - Figaro, Hunter, Geros, Ginger, Kashmir, Logan, Orion, Baron, Boston, Bristol or Impas;
• for cats - Carmen, Gilda, Molly, Kira, Anabel.

Funny names:

• for cats: Joke, Fuchs, Tuesday, Friday, Pixel, Pretzel;
• for cats: Cola, Magic, Saturday or Ghost.

Names for black cat / cat: Batman, Beast, Bond, Blueberry, Brunette, Storm, Blackie, Cherry, Moth, Devil, Miner, Graphite, Blueberry, Blackberry, Lucifer, Darkness, Night, Onyx, Panther, Pepper, Pepsi, Pirate, Currant, Puma, Shaman, Ink, Coal.

Names for white pet: Lampshade, Fairy tale, Snowman, White, Cloud, Diamond, Domino, Ghost, Elsa, Kefir, Fang, Lily of the valley, Lace, Crystal, Moon, Lady, Mayonnaise, Pasta, Flour, ?? Almond, Milk, Sheep, Feather, Petal, Snowdrop, Sweet, Sun, Owl, Snow White, Venus, Fairy, Tooth, Winter.

For interesting facts about Persian cats, see below.