The Persian Cat The Persian cat is a long-haired breed, know for its round face, short muzzle and expressive eyes. This breed of cat remains one of the most popular breeds throughout the world. History The Persian cat is an old breed, dating back to the 17th century. Their first known ancestors of the Persian were imported into Italy from Iran around 1620. It’s said that these long-haired cats were imported into Europe as their popularity grew. Breeding of the Persian cat took place in Italy and France. Care and Characteristics These cats are sweet and kind natured. They are known for their beautiful appearance and adorable, charming features. Persians are popular for their expressive eyes and beautiful coat. Due to their long coats, Persians do need lots of grooming and can often suffer from problems related to hairballs. The typical characteristics of the Persian cat include: Round Head Flat Face Short nose Chubby Cheeks Small, Rounded ears Big eyes Sturdy Body It’s a good idea to keep a Persian as a house cat. Their coat is not meant to shed dirt so you’d have extra grooming. There is also the added risk of your cat being stolen by someone whole wants a Persian without the price tag. Persian cats can thrive in almost any household environment. This is as long as they have plenty of attention and enough personal space. They are adventurous and are likely to be, on your kitchen counters, or even on top of your cupboards! Yet, they love and need human companionship and attention but do not like being left alone for long periods. They are a social breed and live alongside other dogs and cats and make great family pets. Health Issues Polycystic Kidney disease (PKD) – It is an inherited disorder in which small, closed, liquid-filled sacs develop in the tissue of the feline kidney. These cysts tend to multiply in number and grow in size over time. Eventually the cysts overwhelm the normal kidney tissue and often leading to potentially fatal kidney failure. It is a slowly progressive, irreversible disease with more than one third of all Persian cats have been shown to develop PKD. Breathing issues- With their short-noses and flat-faces, Persians commonly have issues breathing. Skin problems – Feline Idiopathic Seborrhea is a common skin condition in Persians which leads to an overproduction of an oily, waxy substance by the skin glands. This substance then clumps in the fur and causes a bad smell. Eye problems – Due to their flat faces, Persians can suffer from eye problems. This can include tear ducts that constantly run & stain the fur below the eyes. Cataracts and incurable Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cystitis – Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) are conditions that affect a cat’s bladder and urethra. This is more commonly referred to as Cystitis. Persian cats can suffer from these conditions, caused by the following: stress, not urinating enough, infections and bladder stones or crystals. Treatment depends on the cause, but cats diagnosed with cystitis will usually require pain relief, access to plenty of water, special diets and perhaps some help to reduce stress. Breed Profile: Size: Males 3.6 to 6.8kg and Females 3.2 to 4.5kg Life Span: Up to 15 years Colour: Wide variety of colours and patterns including chocolate, blue, cream, black and white. Grooming: High-maintenance, regular grooming including wiping eyes and ears. Health: Generally healthy, although as a brachycephalic breed they are prone to breathing and eye issues. Breed traits: Loving | Glamorous | Gentle | Kind | Affectionate | Independent | Playful | Mellow | Intelligent Need to get cat insurance for your Persian? Avoid costly vet bills if your cat encounters any health issues and compare our pet insurance to find the best policy for your cat.