Quick Facts

• Weight: 8 – 10 pounds | male
  7 – 9 pounds | female
• Height: 10 – 15 inches | male
  10 – 14 inches | female

The Look of a Persian

Persians are well known for their long, luxurious fur and their distinct, sweet expressions. Persians have a flat face and round eyes. Their heads are round and large, and the ears small and round-tipped. The body of the Persian is thick and stocky.

Persians come in a large variety of colors and patterns, including solid, silver, golden, shaded, smoke, tabby, parti-color, bicolor and Himalayan.

Traits

• Long fur
• Affectionate
• Needs attention
• Easy going
• Playful

Ideal Human Companion

• Owners willing to groom weekly
• First-time cat owners
• Families with children
• Multi-pet households

What They Are Like to Live With

Persian cats are well known for their quiet, docile dispositions. They usually get along well with kids and other pets, and enjoy attention. They can be very playful and affectionate.

Unlike some other breeds, Persians don’t demand attention from their owners, and can be selective about who they prefer within a family. They do crave attention from their favorite humans, and love to curl up in your lap.

Persians need a lot of grooming. Their long, thick fur can easily mat if not brushed on a weekly basis.

Things You Should Know

Persian cats need a lot of grooming to prevent hairballs and mats. Be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes a week grooming your Persian.

Although they are not demanding, Persian cats enjoy spending time with their families and like to sleep curled up on a lap.

Although Persians are not very active cats, they do enjoy playing with interactive toys as well as other cats and dogs they grow up with.

Persian cats are not very independent and need the companionship of a human family. Persians left alone all day often prefer another pet for company.

Persian History

Long-haired Persian cats were first discovered in the Middle East by an Italian traveler in the early 1600s. They were eventually brought to Europe, and became popular in England during the 19th century. Queen Victoria owned two blue Persians.

Persian cats came to America in the late 1800s. The breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1914, and quickly became the most popular cat breed in America. U.S. breeders have their own breed standard for this cat, giving the American Persian a slightly different look among the world’s Persian cats.

The Persian is also recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).

Top photograph: Getty Images.