With their regal and stunning appearance, rich and mysterious history, and reputation as movie stars and celebrity pets, Persian cats seem to have it all. But, you might be surprised to learn some of the lesser-known facts about this breed. These qualities tend to get buried in myths, rumors, and outright fabrications, but they are crucial to know if you’re looking to adopt!
Take a closer look at Persian cats and the traits that, for better or worse, help define the breed:
1. Persian Cats Need a Lot of Grooming
Though their luxurious hair gives Persians a beautiful, striking look, it has a downside: Grooming! Members of this breed need a ton of grooming, with daily brushing and combing, monthly baths, and biweekly nail-trimming.
Fortunately, grooming your cat doesn’t have to be a dreaded affair. Persian cats are known to be quite cooperative and rarely get too fussy about the process. Plus, it’s reassuring to know you’re doing everything you can to keep your feline friend healthy. Many owners even come to appreciate the quality time spent grooming their pet Persian!
2. Persians are a Calm Breed
In contrast to some more rambunctious, dog-like cat breeds, Persian cats are generally relaxed creatures. That’s not to say they’re boring, but rather that they just require less stimulation than more energetic breeds. Most Persians are comfortable spending most of the day sleeping, relaxing, and cuddling.
That said, it’s still a good idea to provide your pet cat with some toys and games. This will help keep them entertained when the occasional playful mood strikes and ensure they get some healthy exercise.
3. Persian Cats Have Gentle Personalities
Their somewhat grumpy and high-status appearance can do Persians a disservice. They are actually a very loving, friendly breed! The large majority of these cats display a gentle, affectionate temperament, especially toward their owners.
In fact, the innate sweet and friendly nature of Persian cats puts them in great company. Much like the Siamese or Sphynx cats, Persians are among the friendliest cat breeds. Seldom will you see these pets show aggression, get into fights, or avoid pets and cuddles.
4. Persians are Slow to Form Bonds
Despite their gentle and loving nature, Persians can be slow to open up and show affection toward their owners. But, rest assured, this is not a sign of any sort of mean-spirited or solitary behavior.
On the contrary, this seeming standoffishness is actually a result of the breed’s sensitive disposition. They can be a bit shy until they get to know their owners more closely, but, once they do, they make for kind and loyal companions.
To help speed up the bonding process, make sure to maintain a soft and calm approach. These cats don’t like roughhousing in the slightest!
5. Common Health Problems
Unfortunately, largely on account of their long hair and flat facial structure, Persian cats are at a high risk of developing certain health issues. In fact, researchers have found that nearly two-thirds of Persian cats have illnesses. For an owner, this can be a serious obstacle to contend with!
Health conditions that Persians statistically tend to struggle with include:
- Haircoat disorders
- Dental disease
- Overgrown nails
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Eye discharge
Thankfully, some of the most common disorders are relatively benign and offer straightforward treatment for disorders. Dental disease, for instance, can be prevented and combated with daily teeth care and regular dental health checkups.
6. One of the Oldest Cat Breeds
Though the exact history and origin of Persian cats remains mysterious, there’s no dispute that they are one of the oldest cat breeds. They arrived in Western Europe in the early 1600s, but their history stretches far, far beyond that. There are references to and depictions of Persian cats from Ancient Egyptian sources and, as the name suggests, many speculate that the breed originated in Persia.
The long and rich history of the Persian cats puts them in great company! As with other older cats like the Siberian and Egyptian Mau breeds, Persians have a legacy that challenges the canine title for Man’s Best Friend.
7. Many Colors to Choose From
Befitting the breed’s stylish reputation, the long and fancy coat of the Persian cat comes in many different hues. Most broadly, you can break it down by pattern. The majority of Persians come with solid coat colors, but others come with bicolored, multicolored, and striped patterns.
Of the solid colors, white, black, and blue varieties tend to be the most common. Meanwhile, silver and gold Persians are extremely sought-after due to the rarity of that color pattern. Tabbies are also a frequent variant for Persian cats, with the classic bull’s eye pattern showing up the most often.
These exciting color variants help maintain the Persian cat’s reputation as one of the more exotic cat breeds you can find!
8. These Cats Live a Long Time
Last but not least, Persian cats boast an impressively long lifespan. Though the average age reached by Persians varies significantly, in the range of 12-17 years, members of the breed have been known to live longer. Indeed, with proper nutrition, exercise, grooming, and veterinary care, a Persian cat can live 20 years or longer!
To help extend your cat’s lifespan so they can enjoy a longer, happier, and healthier life, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Make sure to closely monitor your pet and ensure they get a healthy diet.
Additionally, introduce some exercise and play to help keep your cat healthy. And, finally, take your pet Persian to the veterinarian consistently and regularly.
