Persian Longhair
Also known as: Persian
The Persian is the quintessential glamour cat — a long, flowing coat, flat face, big round eyes and a supremely docile temperament. They are calm, quiet and aristocratic, preferring to drape themselves elegantly across furniture rather than engage in acrobatics. Persians are indoor-only cats who thrive in a quiet, stable home environment.
About
The Persian is the quintessential glamour cat — a long, flowing coat, flat face, big round eyes and a supremely docile temperament. They are calm, quiet and aristocratic, preferring to drape themselves elegantly across furniture rather than engage in acrobatics. Persians are indoor-only cats who thrive in a quiet, stable home environment.
History
The Persian is one of the oldest cat breeds, with records of longhaired cats from Persia (now Iran) dating back to the 1500s. They were brought to Europe by Italian and French traders in the 17th century. By the Victorian era, Persians were the most fashionable cat in Europe. The breed has been selectively bred for the extreme flat face (brachycephalic) we see today — a trait that, while visually striking, carries significant health implications.
Care & Health
Daily grooming is essential to prevent mat formation. Regular eye cleaning to remove tear staining. Screen for PKD and HCM. Annual dental checks.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Persia (Iran)
- Life Span
- 10–15 years
- Size
- large
- Hair Shed
- heavy
- Grooming
- Daily
- Good with Kids
- low
- Colours
- An enormous variety: solid colours, shaded, smoke, tabby, bicolour and colourpoint (Himalayan). White, black, blue, red, cream, chocolate and lilac are all accepted.
Health Considerations
Grooming
Daily grooming is non-negotiable for a Persian. Their long, thick coat mats easily. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is recommended.
Related Resources
Similar Breeds
Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is essentially a Persian with a short, easy-care coat — earning them the nickname "the lazy man's Persian." They have the same sweet, flat face and round body as the Persian but with a plush, dense coat that is far easier to maintain. Calm, affectionate and quiet, the Exotic makes a wonderful apartment cat.
Ragdoll
Named for their tendency to go limp with relaxation when held, the Ragdoll is one of the largest and most docile domestic cat breeds. Affectionate, gentle and almost dog-like in their devotion, Ragdolls follow their owners through the house, greet them at the door and are content to be carried around.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is the classic teddy-bear cat — round face, plush coat, and a calm, undemanding personality. One of the oldest and most popular breeds in the world, they are devoted companions who love their humans but aren't overly clingy. Perfect for families, singles and seniors alike.