The Persian cat is a superb companion for the whole family
The Persian cat is known for its docile and calm character, its elegant appearance which it takes from its angora coat, and its particular head carriage which makes it a superb pet for all feline lovers. It will be necessary to offer him regular attention and care that he will not fail to return to you with his affection and his loyalty... provided that his needs are respected, in particular regular brushing and an appropriate diet. Today, the Persian is one of the most popular breeds throughout Europe and the United States, where it is prized for its distinctive beauty and temperament.
- Size: medium to large (30 cm in adulthood)
- Weight: 3 to 5 kg
- Hair: long and silky, abundant undercoat
- Color: wide range of coats, plain or not (marbled, tiger, spotted, colorpoint)
- Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years
- Gestation period: 9 weeks
Description and characteristics of the Persian cat
The Persian is a medium to the large-sized cat, characterized by a muscular body and fairly short legs which in no way detract from its imposing appearance. These cats have a pretty round head, with large eyes and developed cheeks; the forehead is also broad and rounded. They have a so-called "crushed" nose, that is to say, a little tucked inside the face with a marked "stop" between the eyes. Their ears, round and small in size, are rather spread apart and have abundant hair.
In terms of dress, Persians can have a wide variety of colors and patterns: chinchilla (grey), golden, tabby point (tabby or marbled), tortoiseshell, bicolor, colorpoint (light color and darker extremities), smoke ( ash), etc. Their fur is always luxurious, thick, and very soft to the touch.
Origins of the Persian cat
The Persian cat is a very old breed; its exact history remains a mystery because records do not go back to its earliest origins. It is known, however, that Persian cats have been around for centuries, and some were entered in the very first feline beauty pageant, which took place in England in 1871. The current breed standards were set at that time by the breeders: indeed, the breed has not changed since the first appearance of the Persian in England.
The most famous story, and also the best documented on the history of the race tells that the Persians were introduced in Italy in 1620 by Pietro Della Valle, at the same time as he imported jewels, spices, and silk whose origin he attributed to Persia. Around the same time, Nicholas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc was importing long-haired cats from Turkey to France. These cats, originally called Angoras, after the ancient name of the capital of Turkey which is today Ankara. Some believe that these two breeds of cats actually belonged to one and the same breed. In addition, other beliefs indicate that the Persians are the result of crossing cats of Egyptian descent:
Character and behavior of the Persian cat
The Persian has a very calm temperament, he likes routine and fears change; it is, therefore, important to feed it at regular times so as not to disturb it. Its kindness makes it an excellent house cat, suitable for homes with children, but it is preferable to avoid too turbulent an environment for it: children must learn to respect its tranquility, so as not to frighten it and disturb it. handle with gentle gestures. Persians communicate a lot with their eyes, which are very expressive, more than by voice: they are rather silent cats who will be able to express their needs more through their eyes than with meows.
It is therefore essential to take the time to observe their attitudes. They love to be in the company of their master but like their independence too, they don't mind being left alone sometimes because they are not very demanding in nature, unlike some breeds like the Siamese who is very talkative and expect a lot of attention from its owner. In a word, the Persian is a discreet and easy-going cat, as long as you give him quiet time and a place of his own where he can withdraw when he wants. He doesn't much like being picked up and held.
How to take care of your Persian cat?
The Persian basically needs regular brushing, to keep his skin and hair healthy. Indeed, their fur gets tangled easily and it is necessary to avoid as much as possible that knots form because it will be very difficult to remove them after too long a time without brushing. In addition, they love contact with their master during brushing, it is a moment not to be neglected since it allows them to forge special bonds with him. Due to their abundant hair, their eyes accumulate impurities which must be gently removed with a cotton ball soaked in lukewarm water. It is also important to check the inside of the ears regularly, to avoid infections due to an overproduction of earwax. Prevention is better than cure: they can be cleaned with suitable products on the advice of the veterinarian.
Persian cat food
In terms of nutrition, cats have specific needs, which is all the more true for kittens and older cats. It is very important to respect the food rhythm of the Persian, as well as it's nutritional needs: you can get kibble in pet stores or on specialized sites, rather than in supermarkets. It is also better to avoid human food, too fatty or too salty for him, and to limit himself to one portion of mash per day to limit weight gain, especially since the Persian tends to be overweight. We will ensure that he always has fresh water at his disposal, and we will always prefer good quality kibble which allows him to chew and keep his teeth healthy, rather than jellied meat which can disrupt its transit and do not
His health: everything you need to know about the health of the Persian cat
The life expectancy of the Persian is between 15 and 18 years when properly fed and cared for. Unfortunately, he can suffer from genetic diseases and breathing problems due to his crushed face. It should be noted that the Persian is likely to suffer from certain disorders in particular, including kidney dysfunction and skin problems. This is why care must be taken to provide it with quality food adapted to its age, which will minimize the risk of early disease.
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Cats Breeds