If you're thinking about bringing a Persian cat into your house, you're in the right place. This is our complete guide on everything you need to know about Persian cats, and if they are the right fit for your home.
These long-haired beauties are not only just stunning to look at but they are the best snuggle partners and pretty easy-going in nature. Their calm personalities make them one of the best cat breeds for introverts, however they will still enjoy playing around with some of the best interactive cat toys.
We should also note that this breed is prone to certain health conditions such as dental problems and kidney disease. Vet, Dr. Rebecca MacMillan gives her expert opinion on these conditions and other important things to look out for.
Now, let's find out everything you need to know about Persian cats and how to help them thrive in your home.
Temperament of Persian cats
There are endless reasons to love Persian cats, but their sweet and cool nature is just one. These are very affectionate cats and bond closely with their humans. They are very calm and don't like to be handled or played with too roughly.
Just like their feline friends, they love climbing and stretching their limbs on one of the best cat scratching posts. They generally do better in homes that don't have too much going on and where their pet owners can spend tons of time with them. Persian cats are also one of the cat breeds most likely to suffer from separation anxiety.
So if your house is filled with hustle and bustle or know that you don't spend a lot of time at home, this may not be the breed for you.
How big do Persian cats get?
Persians are considered to be medium to large breed cats, weighing anywhere between seven to 13lbs. They reach an average height of between 10-15in tall, with males being a bit taller and heavier.
How long do Persian cats live?
If you're thinking of getting a Persian cat, you'll be happy to know that they are one of the longest living cat breeds. Their life expectancy is between 12-15 years.
You can help your cat live a long and healthy life by serving up some of the best cat food, keeping up with regular vet appointments, and ensuring that your cat is getting enough exercise.
What health conditions are common in Persian cats?
When it comes to health conditions, Persian cats are prone to a few. Persian cats are a brachycephalic animal breed, meaning they have flattened faces compared to other animal breeds. Due to this characteristic, they have narrowed nostrils and airways. "This has a significant impact on their breathing. Persian cats can therefore struggle with exercise and may not cope very well in hot spells. Care needs to be taken with these cats if they exercise in warm weather as they are much more prone to issues like respiratory distress and heatstroke," advises Dr. MacMillan.
Polycystic kidney disease can also be common with this cat breed, as well as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is a serious condition that can affect the muscles of the heart.
There are also special diets that Persian cats follow to keep their long and luxurious coat looking its best. However, Dr. MacMillan notes that good quality cat food that fits with their current stage of life is sufficient as well.
Do Persian cats shed alot?
Persians are definitely one of the long-haired cat breeds. This means that this breed sheds a lot. They have a long and super thick coat that will require regular grooming with one of the best cat brushes. This is very important to keep their fur from getting matted and tangled.
"Brushing also removes any dead fur which can help to reduce levels of hair in your home as well as the amount that your cat ingests when self-grooming. This can in turn help to decrease the risk of your cat suffering from hairballs," says Dr. MacMillan.
If you enjoyed this breed profile, check out our Bengal cat breed profile
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
