So You Want To Know About Persian Cats
Persian cats are an extremely popular cat breed due to the wonderful personalities and beautiful long coats. They are known for being a good companion animal.
Persians do best in quiet homes, although they get along with everyone, including kids. With sunny dispositions, they are wonderful companions. They have melodious voices that are pleasing to hear. These cats tend to know how beautiful they are and love to pose to show off their lovely coats.
The long coats are found in several different colors including silver, gold, solid, tabby, smoke , particolor, bicolor, and shaded. Face types come in two versions - traditional (doll face) with a nose of normal length and placement with other facial features and the Extreme Persian (Peeked-Face Persian) also known as the ’show’ version that has a nose that appears to have been smashed into a wall and bulging eyes.
Persians have distinctive faces that are reminiscent of pansies along with very expressive eyes. Their bodies are short along with large-boned legs. Their noses are high and ears are low and rounded.
These cats need frequent grooming. Daily combings and face/eye washing along with monthly baths are required to keep their coats looking their best. They need to be kept indoors as a trip outdoors can quickly ruin their beautiful coats.
Persians are generally healthy, although those with the extreme facial features can have respiratory issues and more tearing. The Himalayan variety was bred for the lower nose and decreased tearing. Blue-eyed versions are prone to deafness.
Persians usually live for fifteen years or even more. They are prone to a genetic disease called polycystic kidney disease or PKD. Make sure that any Persian you get has been screened for PKD by the breeder before purchasing.
For those with quieter households and the time to devote to grooming, a Persian can make a wonderful companion.
