Persian cats were among the first eastern breeds to enter the western world. Still, many people consider a longhaired Persian kitty to be the most beautiful little cat in the world.
The most outstanding feature of Persians is their long and silky coat. It’s not surprising they are also named Longhairs in the UK. The list of colors is almost endless. White, black, brown, blue, lilac, cream, grey, orange … and we still forget a few.
Persians are low on the legs. They have a round head with a short nose, full cheeks and large eyes. The ears are usually quite small.
The Persian kitty was called Persian because it came from, of course, Persia (now Iran).
Hieroglyphic references mention this type of cat already in 1684 BC.
According to several sources, the first longhaired kittens appeared in Western Europe by the end of the 16th Century. They were referred to as Asiatic cats, and sometimes also called Chinese or Indian cats. It is not clear if these are exactly the same breed as the modern-day Persian cat, but it is believed there is a connection.
The breed became popular at cat shows during the 19th Century. It was also introduced to North America, coming from Europe.
American breeders were especially fond of Persians. Experiments created Persians with almost all imaginable colors. The Persian kitty became the star of many cat shows, and it often still is.
The breed is not only suitable for shows. The Persian cat is a very good companion at home too.
They have quiet and melodious voices, are playful but not very demanding. Staring out of the window is one of their favorite pastimes. Because of their short legs Persians do not jump high.
Persian queens make good mothers.
Persians have a balanced character and are easy to keep indoors. They produce rather small litters, with very often only three Persian kittens.
The coat of a longhaired needs constant care.
Persian kittens are born with relatively short hair. By the age of six weeks, the long coat starts to develop.
Adult Persian cats require daily grooming to avoid tangles. This is not annoying. A Persian kitty enjoys grooming a lot.
Persians that come outdoors need to be cleaned more carefully than shorthaired cats.
An occasional bath is advisable.
Cats don’t like water (when it’s not meant to drink), but if you start bathing them when they are young, they might accept it easier at a later age.
This way you keep your Persian kitty clean and healthy.