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Persian Cat

Persian Cat

If you’ve been a fan of the movie Stuart Little, you must be aware of Snowbell, the white Persian cat adopted by the Little family. Though Snowbell first appeared as a foil to Stuart’s plans, he soon emerged as one of the most refreshing and heartwarming characters, taking up a permanent spot in our hearts.

Just like Snowbell, Persian cats are gentle, calm, and are extremely loyal to their owners. If their sweet, friendly temperament is not enough, the way they snuggle up to you will definitely make you fall head over heels in love with them. Though Persian furries require regular attention and grooming, they are delightful pets to have around the house.

Persian fur babies, having originated from desert cats, have thicker double coats to protect them from harsh desert environments. It also makes Persians withstand colder climates. Though sand cats native to desert regions had a tolerance for warmer climates, Persian cats have a higher body temperature and can be adversely affected by hot, humid weather and are prone to heat strokes and overheating.

Did you know Persian fur kids are among the most ancient breeds of cats? Like most other domestic and wild cats, Persian cats belong to the Felidae family. The long-haired Persian cats we see and love today date back to Italy in the 17th Century and were brought from Persia by Pietro Della Valle.

Key Pointers:

  • Weight - 7 to 12 pounds.

  • Height - 10 to 15 inches.

  • Lifespan - 12 to 17 years.

  • Coat - Long, luxurious double coat.

Rankings:

  • Friendliness – Very friendly

  • Ability to adapt – Very adaptable

  • Behaviour towards other pets – Very accommodating

  • Behaviour towards humans – Very loving

  • Playfulness – Moderate

  • Tendency to obesity – Moderate

  • Overall health - Average

  • Life expectancy – Good

  • Easy to train - No

  • Advisable for first-time owners - Yes

Physical Appearance

Persian beauties have a more distinct appearance than most other cats. While the long, glorious double coat brings them closer to Maine coon cats, Persian cat’s flat open pansy-like face can melt hearts in an instant. They have flatter faces with chubby cheeks and smaller eyes varying from copper, green and blue-green colours.

Most Persian furries have uniform coats but also come in part-colour and tabby variants. The luxurious coat in Persian cats is generally of solid colours like white, cream, black, ginger, and blue cream. Most Persian fur kiddos can be distinguished by their ear tufts and white undercoat. The Persian breed has smaller rounded heads, ears, and shorter legs. 

Health

Though Persian fur babies have a higher resistance to common feline diseases than most cat breeds, Persians are highly susceptible to hereditary health concerns. Common risks faced by Persian kitties include polycystic kidney diseases (PKD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), bladder stones and cystitis, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Identifying these diseases in your little Persian munchkin can help them avoid health complications and lead a normal lifestyle.

Grooming

Persian furry kids are famed for their long, luxurious coats. While their coats make Persians extremely desirable pets, they require frequent grooming to keep up the shine and texture. The long fur makes the Persian breed prone to matting, preventing which requires manual brushing. Matting behind the ears and arms can make your Persian baby irritable, which is why it is so important to brush their coat regularly. Gentle brushing using wide metal combs can help you get rid of the matting easily while also being comfortable for your furry little Persian.

Bathing your Persian kid on a monthly basis can prove beneficial in keeping them clean and free from dirt and grime. You can also treat them using a gentle shampoo to improve the gloss of your Persian furry friend’s long coat. Dusting Persian cats with powder is also effective in softening the fur and keeping it free from grease.

In addition, trimming your Persian’s claws after 10-15 days can help avoid accidental scratching. Persian furries run the risk of developing bacterial infections from tear stains on their faces. Wiping tear stains and crusty debris away using non-bacterial stain-free products can be helpful in avoiding bacterial build-ups. Furthermore, applicator pads can be used to gently exfoliate and remove tear stains off your Persian furry baby.

Playing

Persian cats are super cute and cuddly, making it impossible for anyone to not want to play with them. And most Persian cats are sociable and friendly and would want to play with their loved ones. However, this breed of cat is of docile and gentle nature and would expect you to treat them the same way. So, it is important to respect their boundaries when it comes to playing with your Persian kiddo.

In case your Persian kitty is not in the mood to play at the moment, there is no need to coerce them. Instead, letting them be in their own space will not just foster a deeper bond but will also allow them to feel relaxed around you. Once comfortable, Persian fur babies can come round for a quick play on their own. If your Persian furry loves playtime, taking out some time to play with them regularly can deepen your bond with your Persian.

Entertaining this breed of cat does not have to be an expensive affair. Instead, you can prepare DIY toys out of household materials. For instance, the friendship between cats and balls of yarn goes way back. And balls of yarn hold a special place for Persian cats, whose claws do not get tangled with the soft fabric. You can also recycle old socks for your Persian cats to play with. Adding catnip to old socks goes a long way in entertaining these furries and lifting their moods.

Persian cat FAQ

Do Persian cats get along with other pets?

Persian cats are known for their calm personality and gentle demeanour. The Persian cat personality is usually communicative and adaptable to most household pets and is accommodative of them as long as they are friendly and calm as well. Persian furries bode well with pets who are gentle with them, as aggressive behaviour or loud pets can make these kitties anxious.

Are Persian cats friendly?

Persian cats prefer to be treated gently. As long as they are not unnecessarily bothered, Persian fur kids are extremely loving and sociable. Because of their cool, laid-back nature, Persian cats like snuggling up to their loved ones rather than playing actively. Persians also love being petted and cuddled, and their affection comes from their docile nature.

How long do Persian cats live?

Persian cats enjoy a longer lifespan than most breeds of cats. Usually, a Persian fur baby has a lifespan ranging between 12 to 17 years. However, they can live longer depending on their general health, diet, and environment.

Are Persian cats easy to groom?

Persian cats have long coats and therefore require frequent grooming sessions to keep up their beautiful appearance. Though grooming a Persian furry can be an extensive process, these little munchkins are worth the time and effort. Being attentive to the nails, eyes, and ears can work wonders for your Persian beauty.

Do Persian cats like to bathe?

The longer coat makes it necessary for you to give your Persian cat regular baths. Thankfully, Persian kitties are mild-natured and respond well to baths. Usually, a monthly bath can be helpful for keeping their coat silky and free from dirt. However, if your Persian baby prefers being indoors, they are less likely to get dirty and might require fewer baths, usually once every couple of months.

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