Save 15% on your first auto-ship purchase. Enter SAVE15 at checkout.

HomeCatsBreedsPersian

Let's talk Persians

The dignified, sophisticated, and, yes, fluffy Persian cat wins hearts the world over as one of the most popular cat breeds. Could it be the adorable muzzle? The lustrous fur? The subtle demeanor? It’s all of the above with this medium-size cat, who graces any household with quiet grandeur and fulfills its unofficial role as lap cat extraordinaire, preferring a quiet home to a busy one.

Official name: Persian

Other names: Persian Longhair, Longhair

Origins: Iran (originally Persia)

Persian adult in black and white

  • Hair length

    5 out of 5

  • Shedding Level

    4 out of 5

  • Grooming needs

    5 out of 5

  • Energy level*

    2 out of 5

  • Vocal

    1 out of 5

  • Family pet?*

    2 out of 5

  • Compatibility with other pets

    2 out of 5

  • Can be left alone

    1 out of 5

  • Environment (indoor/outdoor)

    2 out of 5
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behavior. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations. Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication. For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social, and behavioral needs. Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child. Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice. All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Illustration of standing Persian cat
MaleFemale
HeightHeight
10 - 15 in10 - 15 in
WeightWeight
7 - 12 lb7 - 12 lb
Life stages
KittenAdult
4 to 12 months1 to 7 years
MatureSenior
7 to 12 yearsFrom 12 years
close-up on the eyes and nose of a Persian cat
1/7

Get to know the Persian

All you need to know about the breed

Sweet and light, the Persian is downright delightful. Super soft fur, big lion paws, and the merest “eek” of a meow makes them one attractive feline indeed. The breed is overtly calm, and not one to enjoy change of any sort. They are domestic types in every way, shape, and form.

An ancient breed, the history of the Persian cat is one that has stood the test of time. They hail from Persia (go figure), now Iran, and since the 1500s have seen their popularity spread across the globe. At present, there are more than 200 Persian varieties worldwide.

The breed is hugely popular in France, their regal appearance making a perfect accompaniment to sophisticated French culture.

As flocculent as the Persian cat may be, they don’t enjoy being fussed over and, at times, don't like to be hugged. And they will let you know. It may be hard to keep your paws off them, but they are independent by nature and will cuddle on their own terms.
Two ginger Persian kittens sat next to each other on a rock
2/7

Two facts about Persians

1. Despite hailing from Persia...

Excessive heat is an issue for Persian cats. Given the breed’s luscious locks, this is a breed that does best when it's kept indoors away from excessive sun.

2. Top of the heap

According to the Cat Fanciers Association, North America’s premier cat club, Persians are the most popular breed in the United States and ranked fourth overall in the world in 2023/24³ . The breed itself is not surprised.

3/7

History of the breed

Sophisticated, wise, confident - the Persian cat is all of these and more. Persians were discovered by the 17th Century Italian adventurer Pietro Della Valle who first saw the cat in Persia, now modern-day Iran, and brought the cat home with him to Europe.

The breed’s popularity spread throughout the continent upon their return in the early 1600s, and breeding ensued to preserve the iconic long hair and the breed’s overall statuesque appearance. King Louis XV was quite fond of the breed, introducing it to the royal court in France in the 1700s.

The Crystal Palace cat show, held in London in 1871, further gave rise to the breed’s popularity as Queen Victoria, the monarch at the time, was hugely fond of the Persian personality.

Over years of breeding, the cherished Persian gradually changed in appearance. For years, the breed had only shiny, silky, gray fur but the first of two genetic changes occurred in 1882, producing the Chinchilla coat, the very popular white with flecks of gray (the breed now comes in a wide array of coat colors and combinations). In 1942, another genetic change happened and the brachycephalic face emerged - a flattened appearance that has become the beloved breed we know today. The snub nose, although a charming feature for breeders and fans, proved problematic for the Persian cat’s health often leading to breathing and respiratory issues. 


Make sure that if the Persian breed is the breed for you that you contact a responsible breeder.

4/7

From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Persians

Illustration of standing Persian cat
1
2
3
4
5

1.Ears

Round-tipped ears tilted forward, set far apart and low on head.

2.Head

Massive head characterized by short, snub nose, round face, and strong jaw.

3.Body

Balanced, refined body, muscular and substantial limbs with soft round lines.

4.Tail

Rounded tail somewhat short in length, hair very long on the surface.

5.Coat

Magnificent long-haired topcoat, shorter undercoat, multiple color combinations.
Persian cat peeking out of a blue and white duvet
5/7

Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Persian

They are prone to kidney disease

A Persian’s health is generally robust, but like all cats, Persians have certain sensitivities that are a concern. In their case, it’s kidney disease, which can come in the form of polycystic, or many cysts that form inside the organ. The condition is said to occur in one out of every three Persian cats². It is very treatable with the right veterinary care and proper diet.

Climbers they are not

A Persian’s favorite pastime is accompanying you on the couch and watching the world go by as opposed to jumping and climbing around the living room. Although they do like to play as much as the next cat, they much prefer the passive comfort that furniture provides rather than dashing to and from. Running for Persian cats is somewhat foreign; walking, preferred. For Persian cats, walking is far more agreeable than running.

Cute facial contours can prove problematic

That elegant button nose is great to look at but also causes breathing problems for the Persian. The breed possesses what’s called a brachycephalic face, or one that’s shortened in length, giving the face and nose a pushed-in appearance. While the snub nose is one of the breed’s most beloved traits for breeders and fans, it can prove difficult for Persians as it can be a cause of breathing and respiratory issues.

Tailored Nutrition for Persians

Tailored nutrition has a fundamental role to play in maintaining the health and beauty of Persians. Food provides energy to help with vital functions and a complete nutritional formula for cats should contain an adapted balance of nutrients. Feeding them in this way will offer a diet that’s neither deficient nor excessive, both of which could have adverse effects on your cat’s health. Cats are also naturally adapted to eating small servings - between 7 and 10 times a day.

The following recommendations are for healthy animals. If your cat has health problems, please consult your veterinarian who may recommend an exclusive veterinary diet.

Healthy Growth and Long Hair
During growth, the Persian kitten develops a long, dense and silky coat, the hallmark of the breed. Optimal protein content and precisely balanced vitamins and minerals (including calcium and phosphorus) help support healthy growth while also maintaining healthy skin and a beautiful coat. Enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Digestive Health
During the growth period, the kitten’s digestive system is not yet fully developed and continues developing gradually. Highly digestible protein (L.I.P.*), an optimal fiber content (including psyllium) and prebiotics work to promote a balanced intestinal flora to support healthy digestion. *Protein selected for its very high digestibility.

Immune System Support
During the growth period, the kitten’s immune system develops gradually. An exclusive complex of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, lutein, taurine) helps support the kitten’s natural defenses.

Special Brachycephalic Jaw
This specially designed tiny rectangular kibble with a soft texture is easy for the Persian kitten to pick up and chew.

The main nutritional goals for adult Persians are:

Long Hair Health
A long, luxurious coat is the hallmark of the Persian cat. An exclusive complex of nutrients helps support the role of the skin as a barrier, and helps maintain skin health and coat beauty. Enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Hairball Regulation
The Persian cat, with her long coat and dense undercoat, routinely swallows a large quantity of hair during grooming. A blend of fibers (including psyllium rich in mucilage) naturally stimulates intestinal transit, helping to eliminate ingested hair and control hairball formation.

Digestive Health
Highly digestible protein (L.I.P.*), optimal fiber content, and prebiotics work to promote a balanced intestinal flora to support healthy digestion. *Protein selected for its very high digestibility.

Special Brachycephalic Jaw
This specially designed almond-shaped kibble with an optimal contact surface area is easy for the Persian cat to pick up and chew.

A senior cat - one over the age of 12 - may sometimes have difficulties with absorption. To maintain the weight of the aging cat and minimize the risk of deficiency, they should be given an extremely digestible food filled with essential nutrients.

Healthy Aging Complex
An exclusive complex of antioxidants including lycopene and omega-3 fatty acids to support the body systems through the aging process.

Weight Maintenance
In some senior cats, the level of activity reduces with age, which leads to weight gain. Aging Spayed/Neutered 12+ contains a moderate level of fat to help maintain an ideal body condition.

Renal Health
Helps support healthy renal function with a moderate phosphorus level.

Enriched with L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is involved in healthy fat metabolism.

Ginger Persian cat lying on a rock
6/7

Caring for your Persian

Grooming, training and exercise tips

The Persian cat needs a good amount of activity each day like any feline and playing with your cat will promote this. Cat toys are sold in abundance. Jingly balls and things that scatter about will keep your frisky friend moving and keep the blood flowing for optimum health. Truth be told, Persian cats do enjoy their downtime tremendously but getting their daily gymnastics in is important to keep them fit and trim.


How to groom a Persian cat? Very diligently. The breed is celebrated for their signature long hair but make no mistake, effort must be put in to keep it looking great. To start: a daily run-through with a comb for your Persian. Doing so will keep mats and tangles under control. Monthly bathing should be given as well so both the silky topcoat and downy undercoat stay free from harmful dirt and germs, making sure to dry and comb thoroughly afterward. Of course, trimming your Persian cat’s nails as often as is needed will keep them healthy as well.

Training your Persian cat is a breeze, given their incredibly affable nature. This is a breed that likes to please so understanding and following commands is easy for her. Litter box, meal allowance, leave the sofa alone - they will understand it all with patient and gentle discipline. The breed is very responsive so following what you say won’t be a huge issue. 

7/7

All about Persians

The breed is everything they appear: Snuggly, friendly, affable, and always up for a chase after a toy or a tasty treat. Persian temperament is top-notch with their sweet stare and accessible behavior.
If a Persian cat won’t sit on your lap, no cat will. Persians are very friendly and known to be tender and dear. This breed will never have trouble showing their soft side.
Suggested Breeds
British Longhair adult sitting

British Longhair

Discover the breeds
Balinese adult sitting down

Balinese

Discover the breeds
Siberian adult in black and white

Siberian

Discover the breeds

Read more on this topic

Sources
  1. Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
  2. UFAW.org
  3. CFA
  4. Royal Canin BHN Product Book

Like & share this page