Persian Cat
History
The Persian cat
gets its name from the longhaired cats
brought to Europe from the Iranian plateau (formerly Persia)
by traders in the 17th century. However, other longhaired
cats called Angoras were brought from Turkey, and it is
likely that there was some interbreeding with these and
domestic longhairs. How much similarity there is between
the Persian
cats as we know it today and those first cats
brought to Europe by travellers, is unknown. It is well
known that Persians were the favorite pampered feline pet
of European royalty. They are now consistently the most
popular breed of cat in the USA.
Appearance
Even non-cat lovers can usually recognize
the long-haired Persian,
probably the best known of cat breeds. Most people think
of white cats with thick, luxurious long hair when they
hear the word 'Persian' but the coat comes in many colors
including blue, silver, smoke, black, red, tortoiseshell
and tabby. Color-pointed Persians resulting from a Siamese
cross in the ancestry are known as Himalayans in the USA
and form a separate breed. Cats with a tipped coat are Chinchillas.
The bushy tail may be almost as wide as the body. The Persian
cat is heavily built with solid bones, a broad back and
short legs. The long hair gives the effect of an even larger
body, but most cats are surprisingly agile, provided they
are not allowed to become overweight. The head is wide with
the ears set far apart. Eyes are large and round, and come
in many colors depending on the coat color. The muzzle is
foreshortened, giving the face a pansy-like or pug-like
appearance. Cats with almost non-existent muzzles are prized
by some people but inbreeding has led to health problems,
especially in the respiratory system. Many breeders are
now moving toward producing less extreme examples. Cats
with a more pronounced muzzle are known as Doll-faced Persians
or Traditional Persians.
Temperament
The Persian
is known as a placid cat, with a quiet, pleasant voice.
Owners consider them to be very communicative. They make
great lap cats and are happy to live indoors. They prefer
a quiet, secure environment and it may take them some time
to feel settled and safe in a new home. Once established
they are very affectionate and make marvelous companions.
Persian cats must be given a thorough brushing every day
and bathed regularly to maintain their coats. This is not
just for appearance but to prevent hairballs and other problems.
It gives owners a chance to spend quality time with their
pets. Eyes must be checked regularly and may need cleaning.
It can be a large commitment to own a Persian
cat but they are also very easy to fall in love
with!
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