Persian
In Britain, it is called the Longhair or Persian Longhair. It is also known as the Shiraz or Shirazi, particularly in the Middle East. The first documented ancestors of the Persian were imported into western Europe from Persia around 1620
Description
| Category | Medium & large breed |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Iran, Islamic Republic of |
| Other names | Longhair, Persian Longhair |
A show-quality Persian has an extremely long and thick coat, short legs, a wide head with the ears set far apart, large eyes, and an extremely shortened muzzle. The breed was originally established with a short muzzle, but over time, this characteristic has become extremely exaggerated, particularly in North America. Persian cats can have any color or markings including pointed, golden, tortoiseshell, blue, and tabby.
History
It is not clear when longhaired cats first appeared, as there are no known long-haired specimen of the African wildcat, the ancestor of the domestic subspecies. There were claims in the 19th century that the gene responsible for long hair was introduced through hybridization with the Pallas cat, but research in the early 20th century refutes this theory. Recognized by the cat fancy since the late 19th century, it was developed first by the English, and then mainly by American breeders after the Second World War. It has been the most popular breed in the United States for many years but its popularity has seen a decline in Britain and France.
Temperament
The Persian is generally described as a quiet cat. Typically placid in nature, it adapts quite well to apartment life. Himalayans tend to be more active due to the influence of Siamese traits. In a study comparing cat owner perceptions of their cats, Persians rated higher than non-pedigree cats on closeness and affection to owners, friendliness towards strangers, cleanliness, predictability, vocalization and fussiness over food.
Advice
Persian cats are a beautiful and unique breed, and if you’re thinking of adding one to your family, there are a few things to consider. These cats require a lot of grooming, so be prepared to brush and comb their long coat regularly. They also need plenty of exercise, so provide them with toys, scratching posts, and other enrichment activities. Persian cats are known to be quite vocal, so be sure to provide them with a quiet, comfortable place to sleep and relax. Additionally, it’s important to keep their litter box and food dishes clean, and to provide them with a healthy, balanced diet. With proper care and love, a Persian cat can be a wonderful addition to your home.
Persian on KingPet :
