Docile, peaceful felines that get along well with children and other animals, Persian cats captivate with their good nature and beauty. Despite being calm, they also really like to play and spend time with their tutors, gaining affection.
If you are a fan of Persian cats , continue reading this post to find out everything about them. You will learn more about the breed, the specific care and the personality type of these kittens. Check it all out and fall in love even more!
The characteristics of Persian cats
With very large and round eyes, with flattened muzzles, they got that name because they came from Persia, where Iran is now.
Persian cats were first seen in the region in the 17th century. At the time, an Italian traveler named Pietro Della Valle saw several of these cats on the streets and decided to take some of them to Europe, propagating the breed.
Due to their abundant, soft and shiny fur, Europeans quickly became very fond of animals, which became very coveted. However, until the development of the breed took place in the way we know it today, it was necessary to wait another two centuries.
It was only in the 19th century, in England, that the breed underwent a series of genetic crossings with Angora cats.
Persian cats are seen by their owners as very docile, calm and faithful animals to their owners. Because of this, it is a breed that is usually quite successful among those who live in apartments and want company.
They are meek and patient cats with children and get along well with other pets.
Another interesting aspect is that Persian cats live for a very long time. When they receive proper veterinary care and a balanced diet, they can live between 15 and 20 years. They are medium to large animals, weighing between 3.5 and 7 kg.
The crosses made in the 19th century gave rise to a breed with more than a hundred variations, which is mainly reflected in the colors of the coat.
Cream, red, blue, black, tortoise blue, white, cream bicolor, black bicolor, red bicolor, blue bicolor and calico are just some of the variations that can be found.
Persian cats are easily identified by having a flat muzzle and very large, round eyes.
Another striking feature is the short limbs. They have a wide jaw, a short and strong neck, small ears, rounded at the tips and far apart from each other.
In addition, they have a long, soft and abundant coat. Hairs can come in seven different color patterns:
- solid;
- gold/silver;
- gradient;
- piebald;
- bicolor;
- multicolor;
- himalian.
The Himalayan category comes from the cross between Siamese and Persian cats. In these, ears, face, tail and paws have a single color, which differs from the rest of the body. Also, Himalayan Persian cats have blue eyes.
Different breed behavior
Unlike other breeds, Persian cats require a lot of care from their owners. They are felines more attached to tutors and enjoy the presence of humans.
Many even joke that they are a kind of dog, such is the similarity of their behavior with dogs.
Cats tend to be more independent and skittish, sometimes even seeming like they don’t care much about their owners. Persian cats, on the other hand, act differently, being more affectionate and attached to their owners.
Another interesting feature of these animals is that they do not like to spend a lot of time alone. They are cats that follow the tutor even from one room to the next.
They are not always in the mood to play, but they are constantly willing to receive affection and attention.
The main health problems
Like other domestic animals, Persian cats also have genetic problems. Fortunately, they appear in smaller numbers, which does not put them in a fragile race position.
In any case, owners should pay due attention to always taking the kitty to a veterinary clinic. Among the hereditary problems, the following stand out:
- polycystic kidney disease;
- progressive retinal atrophy;
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy;
- eye infection caused by narrow or missing tear ducts.
Due to the excessive flattening of the muzzle, breathing problems can also appear with a certain frequency. These cats are prone to allergic rhinitis and impaired breathing.
The pregnant cat must have veterinary consultations throughout the pregnancy and the delivery must be accompanied. That’s because the head of the puppies is very wide and there can be complications in childbirth.
Another aspect that deserves attention and that makes this breed uncomfortable is the high temperatures. Heat is an enemy of these cats, so keeping them in an air-conditioned environment or cool temperature is the most recommended.
Basic Persian cat care
The diet must be balanced and rich in nutrients. In addition, it is very important to invest in quality feed and cat-specific snacks. Do not feed your cat human food, as this will harm him and could harm his health.
Keeping the water always fresh is also essential, after all, as we have seen, Persian cats feel quite hot. Also, being prone to kidney problems, they should be kept hydrated.
Even though they are a quieter animal, the Persian cat needs encouragement. Look for specific toys that are interactive so the cat doesn’t get sedentary. It is important that he exercise at least a few minutes in the morning.
Keep the vaccination card up to date and schedule periodic check ups with the veterinarian. Because of the hereditary risks of some diseases, it is important that this monitoring be done.
Finally, some special care must be taken with the nails of Persian cats. Not only in their case, but in other kittens too. They need to be trimmed frequently to prevent scratches from damaging furniture or injuring owners.
The special needs of the breed
Among all items related to Persian cats, two of them deserve special attention from their owners.
The first of them is with regard to the eyes, which tear a lot and can stain the coat – in addition to causing some irritation in the kittens.
The recommendation is that cats’ eyes be cleaned once or twice a day, according to the intensity, which varies from animal to animal. A good tip in this procedure is to soak a cloth with saline solution and rub it around the cat’s eyes carefully.
Cats’ ears also deserve some extra care. Ideally, you should pass a cotton swab with saline solution to avoid excessive accumulation of wax. Do this at least once a week.
This feature does not cause problems for the animal, but it is a process that will ensure more well-being and comfort for the pet.
The maintenance of the coat
As we have seen, Persian cats have long and abundant fur, so they need to be brushed every day.
If there is no daily brushing, the coat invariably becomes matted. It is important to check with a veterinarian or even a pet shop which is the ideal type of brush for the cat, since homemade solutions may not have the same result.
Persian cats also have an undercoat of hair. Therefore, first you must pass a metal brush, which undoes the small knots. Soon after, brush with soft bristles to leave the coat beautiful and silky.
Lack of brushing can also cause hairballs to form. The fur of a Persian cat can measure from 10 to 20 centimeters. Therefore, be very careful to eliminate dead hair daily, reducing the chances of the animal swallowing.
The main habits of the animal
In general, cats are more explorers and like to leave the house in search of new adventures. Persian cats, however, behave differently, since we can consider them to be more of a homebody.
When they are out of their usual environment, they are stressed and can get irritated easily. Therefore, be careful when taking it to other residences, whether for visits or for a vacation.
Even at bath time they may find the change of environment a little strange. To avoid stress and behavioral changes in this breed, prefer to give baths in your own home whenever possible.
The issue of hygiene is paramount, so it is essential to be patient at these times.
As you’ve seen, Persian cats are special and need extra care. Likewise, they also need affection and attention to feel good and loved.
If you have an intense routine and need to spend long hours outside, this might not be the ideal breed for you. On the other hand, if you want the company of a faithful and lovable pet, have no doubt that the Persian cat will be the best choice!
