Personality:
- Sweet, gentle, and responsive.
- Prefer atmosphere of serenity and security.
History:
Legend states that the cat originated in Persia and Iran as long ago as 1684 B.C. and that they were considered as precious as spices and jewels. Around the turn of the century, breeders crossed Persians with Angoras in order to develop a cat with a silkier, longer coat. The wide variety of colors found in modern day Persians is the result of crossings with other breeds of cats. Accepted for championship status in all breed associations.
Body Type:
- Medium to large, cobby body with heavy bones, short legs, and deep chest.
- Head is round and massive with a short, broad, snub nose.
- Ears are small and round tipped.
- Eyes are brilliant in color (color depends on coat color), large and round.
Coat:
- Coat is long, thick, fine textured, and glossy with a full ruff and bushy tail.
- Over 50 colors and patterns including solids, shadeds, smokes, tabbies, parti-color, bi-color and himalayan (pointed).
Health and Wellness:
- Neonatal isoerythrolysis.
- Congenital epiphora.
- Chediak-Higashi disease.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
- Dermatophytosis.
- Stenotic nares.
- Skin fold pyoderma.
- Stud tail.
- Possible hip dysplasia.
What you should know:
- Number one cat in popularity in the United States.
- In The International Cat Association (TICA), a pointed Persian (Himalayan) is considered as a separate breed.
- In the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Himalayans are considered as a color division of the Persian breed.
- Do not select a Persian as a pet unless you are willing to take time to do the daily grooming necessary to maintain the coat.
