About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 37-44 cm

Height range  : 20-25cm

Weight range : 3.2-5.4kg

Coat : Longhair|long|thick|full|flowing|silky|dense undercoat|immense ruff

Life expectancy years : 10-18

Colors: white|red|cream|black|blue|chocolate|lilac|silver|golden|cameo|tortoiseshell|blue-cream|brown|calico|seal|tabby|smoke|shaded|bi-color|himalayan.

Activitity Level : Low

Origin: Persia

Similar Breeds : Himalayan|Exotic Shorthair

 

History

The Persian is one of the oldest cat breeds. CFA notes its name comes from its presumed origin in Persia and that longhaired cats reached Europe centuries ago; Pietro della Valle brought a heavily coated cat from Persia to Italy in 1626. Over time Persians were developed in Europe and the United States into the modern round-headed , short-nosed , cobby breed and became one of CFA’s foundation breeds in 1906.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Gentle

Personality

sweet|affectionate|quiet|gentle|easygoing|placid|friendly|adaptable|calm|intelligent

Needs

Needs a calm environment , regular grooming , careful facial cleaning , weight management and indoor comfort. Exercise and play are needed because the breed is not highly athletic.

Social Needs

Generally friendly with family and visitors , blends into households , can coexist with children and other pets but prefers gentle handling rather than boisterous games.

Grooming 

The Persian coat needs daily brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. The face and tear-stained areas need regular cleaning and many owners also use professional groomers. Teeth should be brushed regularly and nails trimmed routinely.

Nutrition

Nutrition should be controlled because Persians are not highly athletic and may gain weight easily. A high-quality diet with fresh water is recommended and daily play or exercise may be needed to maintain condition.

 

Breed Standard

The ideal Persian is heavily boned , cobby , balanced and round with a sweet expression. Breed standards describe a large round head , small ears , large round eyes , short broad snub nose with open nostrils , short thick neck , broad chest , short strong legs , short straight tail and a long thick glossy coat with full volume and immense ruff.

Did you know?

Persians have symbolized feline beauty for well over 100 years and were among CFA’s six foundation breeds. Their popularity was also boosted by admirers such as Queen Victoria.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Polycystic kidney disease, Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, Ocular and facial fold issues, Dental malocclusion and periodontal disease, Dermatological issues

 

Symptoms

1. Excessive thirst and urination , weight loss , muscle wasting , poor appetite , lethargy , vomiting , nausea and dull coat may occur

1. Noisy breathing , snorting , snoring , open-mouthed breathing , panting , exercise intolerance , gagging or reverse sneezing may occur
2. Collapse or cyanosis may occur in severe cases

1. Constant tearing , tear staining , facial fold irritation , skin infection , corneal ulcers , entropion and eye discomfort may occur

1. Halitosis , visible tartar , red inflamed gums , difficulty chewing , dropping food , reluctance to eat hard food , drooling , loose teeth may occur

1. Matting , flaky greasy smelly skin , ringworm risk and coat problems may occur

Onset of symptoms

 

Polycystic kidney disease

1. Cysts are present from birth
2. Clinical signs of kidney failure often appear between 3 and 10 years with average onset around 7 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low in cats from DNA-screened responsible breeders
2. Very high if the dominant PKD1 gene is present

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

1. Present from birth due to anatomy
2. Often becomes evident within the first year and may worsen with obesity , heat and humidity

Probability Of Onset:

1. Extremely high and virtually all extreme flat-faced Persians may have some degree of airway compromise

Ocular and facial fold issues

1. Tearing is often present from kittenhood
2. Ulcers , dermatitis and related problems may occur at any age

Probability Of Onset:

1. Extremely high and some degree of tearing and staining is nearly universal

Dental malocclusion and periodontal disease

1. Problems may begin when adult teeth erupt around 6 months
2. Significant disease is common by 2-3 years without proactive care

Probability Of Onset:

1. Extremely high because jaw structure and crowding strongly predispose Persians and many cats over 2-4 years have dental disease

Dermatological issues

1. Matting risk rises when the full adult coat develops around 1 year
2. Seborrhea and fungal susceptibility are lifelong concerns

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very high because daily grooming is needed and Persians are especially predisposed to matting , seborrhea and ringworm

Reasons

Polycystic kidney disease       

1. This is a genetic disease rather than a chemical deficiency and management may focus on phosphorus , sodium and protein control

 

Ocular and facial fold issues:

1. This is mainly an anatomical and hygiene problem rather than a deficiency

 

Polycystic kidney disease       

1. This is a genetic disease rather than a chemical deficiency and management may focus on phosphorus , sodium and protein control

Ocular and facial fold issues:

1. This is mainly an anatomical and hygiene problem rather than a deficiency

 

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

 1. This is a structural problem rather than a chemical deficiency

Dental malocclusion and periodontal disease

1. This is mainly a mechanical plaque and alignment problem rather than a chemical deficiency

Dermatological issues

  1. 1. Omega-3 and Omega-6 deficiency may contribute to dry brittle coat and flaky skin

Normally Treament Methods

Polycystic kidney disease:

  1. 1. Genetic screening may help prevent affected breeding
    2. There is no cure and management may include renal diet , fluid therapy and medications such as phosphorus binders , blood pressure medication and appetite stimulants

 

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome:

  1. 1. Weight control , cool environment , harness use and stress reduction may help
    2. Surgical nostril widening or soft palate shortening may help severe cases

 

Ocular and facial fold issues

  1. 1. Daily face and eye cleaning may help prevent staining and dermatitis
    2. Antibiotic eye drops , topical ointments or surgery for entropion may be used

 

Dental malocclusion and periodontal disease:

  1. 1. Tooth brushing , scale and polish , probing , X-rays , scaling and polishing under anesthesia , possible extractions and regular follow-up may be used

 

Dermatological issues:

  1. 1. Daily brushing , combing , regular bathing , professional grooming and medicated or antifungal treatment may be used. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Polycystic kidney disease :

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for anti-inflammatory kidney support
    2. Renal-specific probiotics can, might be helpful for reducing uremic toxins
    3. Potassium can, might be helpful in later stages if levels are low
recommend product

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for minor anti-inflammatory airway support
recommend product

Ocular and facial fold issues

  • 1. L-Lysine can, might be helpful for managing feline herpesvirus-related eye flare-ups
    2. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for reducing skin inflammation in facial folds
recommend product

Dental malocclusion and periodontal disease

  • 1. Water additives with enzymes or antiseptics can, might be helpful for reducing plaque biofilm
recommend product

Dermatological issues

  • 1. Omega-3 fatty acids can, might be helpful for skin barrier support , reducing inflammation and improving coat gloss
recommend product