Persian Cat: Breed Profile, Facts & Care

Long hair, a flat face, and a loving personality that will make a treasured pet for all age groups.

This is a high-maintenance breed, and they will need an owner who can groom them daily.

Persians are known for their beautiful coats. Their coats come in different solid and colorful patterns, but that hair does need daily or regular grooming. Mats, knots, dirt, and dead hair gather up over time, and they will need help to groom and clean. 

Bathing your Persian from when they’re a kitten will help get them used to water and make future cleaning much easier. 

This affectionate and social breed is happy to be in the home, no matter the setup — children, single adults, or large families, the Persian is adaptable. 

These sweet cats love to nap with their humans and make great companions for seniors or older children. 

While this breed is independent enough to be left alone during the day, they don’t like extended periods of time alone. Adopting a pair or having other pets and humans they can be with would be ideal. 

With medium levels of energy and a low prey drive, this breed will be happy in a smaller apartment or bigger space. They have a quiet nature and won’t disturb neighbors if you live in an apartment. 

These cats will fit perfectly into a busy home with children, seniors, dogs, cats, and families. They’re social and affectionate cats that will love interacting with your other family members. 

Just like most breeds, as long as there’s a sunny spot to nap in or a cat tree to climb, they’re happy. 

Persians are very friendly and affectionate cats. From strangers to other pets, these cats are sociable and calm. 

They enjoy plenty of attention and can tolerate being alone, but they don’t enjoy extended periods where their humans are away. 

They have a low prey drive and medium amounts of energy and intelligence, so they make the perfect lazy and cuddly lap cats.

Persians do have several health risks that owners should be aware of before adopting. 

1. (PRA) Progressive Retinal Atrophy — a genetic eye disease that leads to blindness
2. (PKD) Polycystic Kidney Disease — an inherited disorder that can lead to kidney failure
3. Dental problems are also common with flat-faced Persians 

Your adopted cat might not suffer all or any of these, but there are greater health risks with this breed. This breed has a life span of 10 and 15 years. 

Pro: Sociable and friendly breed — perfect lap cat

Pro: Quiet and calm — good for apartment living spaces

Pro: Friendly cat that enjoys any family dynamic

Con: High maintenance — daily grooming and frequent bathing

Con: High risk for health conditions and disease

Origin

Developed in United States and Europe with foundation stock from Greater Iran.

Health

Dr. Adedapo Adisa:

Also called the Persian longhair cats, the Persian cat is a naturally quiet cat that has its origin rooted in Persia. With a round head and short facial anatomy that appears flattened, the Persian cats are a naturally healthy cat breed.

Most Persian cats have a life expectancy of 10-17 years, denoting how good their health status is. However, like most pedigree cats, Persian cats are prone to genetic health issues and medical issues relating to their brachycephalic heads.

One major inherited health condition seen in Persian cats is polycystic kidney disease, a medical condition affecting the kidneys of Persian cats. Another inherited condition is progressively Retinal atrophy.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) affects Persian cats, which is characterized by small pockets of fluids, called cysts, growing on the kidney. As the cat ages, the fluid-filled cysts continue to multiply and also increase in size, which eventually affects the excretory properties of the Persian cat’s kidney.

Some common signs that are seen in Persian cats with polycystic kidney disease include;

● Cats may increase their water intake.

● Excessive urination is observed.

● Bad breather or uraemic breathe may be noticed 

● Blood-tinged urine.

● Fluids may accumulate around the limbs and abdomen.

● Vomition and general weakness.

Although this condition can be screened out via DNA test to identify the mutant gene (PKD1 gene), it is best to report to your veterinarian when any of these signs are present in the Persian cats.

Your veterinarian may conduct a couple of tests to ascertain the condition of the kidneys and help manage polycystic kidney disease in Persian cats.

It is essential to stop breeding Persian cats diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease.

Another inherited medical condition in the Persian cat is progressive retinal atrophy which affects the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, known as the retina.

The retina houses photoreceptors called rods and cone cells, which play critical roles in the vision of the Persian cats. However, in Persian cats with progressive retinal atrophy, there is wasting and degeneration of the retina, which eventually leads to the Persian cats going blind.

Certain signs are observed in the Persian cats with progressive retinal atrophy, which are;

● Cats can bump into stationary objects in places with dim light.

● Cats may be affected by night blindness.

● Pupils appear dilated than normal 

● Cats with this condition can feel very nervous in the dark.

It has also been noticed that a deficiency of an amino acid known as Taurine can also predispose the Persian cats to Retinal progressive atrophy.  

It is best to report to your veterinarian if these signs are present in Persian cats.

Asides from inherited health issues the Persian cats face, based on their brachycephalic facial anatomy, Persian cats face respiratory issues, some eye problems, and birthing difficulties.

Some observable signs seen include;

● Shortness of breath

● Tears may flow from the tear ducts

● Dystocia (difficulty in delivering big kittens).

● Some Persian cats also come down with cataracts.

It is important to discuss with your veterinarian when any of the above-mentioned health conditions show up in the Persian cats to get good treatment outcomes.