The Persian cat also called the Persian

Persian Longhairs are sweet, calm and charming. Add to that the fact that they are affectionate lap cats and you have found the ideal house cat. Would you like to know more about these wonderful pedigree cats? In this blog, we tell you all about them.

Where and when did the Persian Longhair Cat originate?

The Persian Longhair already existed in the 17th century. This cat breed was imported from Persia and Turkey to Italy and France. You could recognise this cat breed back then by its long coat, but its appearance was completely different: the Persian had a longer snout, bigger ears and a slimmer body. Because this cat breed became so popular, people started breeding with it until they found a – for them – ideal standard.

And that is the Persian as we know him today. A cat with a short snout, small ears, stocky body and a beautiful long-haired coat. Although breeding has not done much good to the health of this cat breed, it is still a beautiful creature to see. And this beautiful appearance has made it one of the most popular cat breeds.

The appearance of a Persian

A Persian has a fairly normal build, similar to a garden-variety cat. But in terms of appearance, this cat breed is quite different. The head is round, the cheeks full and the tail short and full of hair – just like a feather duster.

You can recognise this cat breed mainly by its eyes and ears. The eyes of a Persian Longhair are round, large and set far apart – more towards the side of the head. Their ears are smaller and very hairy.

The coat of a Persian Longhair

Their body is as hairy as the ears and tail. The fur is thick, long and silky. Around the neck there is an extra thick fluffy collar and also the chest of this beautiful cat is covered with a thick soft fur. The undercoat of the Persian Longhair tangles and mats easily. Because the cat cannot take care of this itself, it is good to comb and brush the cat every day. How you do that, we will tell you later in the chapter about grooming.

Caracteristics

Looking for a quiet and friendly cat? Then the Persian is your very best friend. These cats are very sweet and affectionate. Exceptions aside, Persians do not play very often. They prefer to sleep. And they prefer to do that on your lap.

The care of a Persian Longhair

If you take a Persian into your home, you must take into account that its coat needs to be looked after every day. The undercoat tangles and mats easily. As a kitten, this cat breed still has a fairly short coat that doesn’t require much maintenance. But still it is good to comb the kitten every day. It will get used to daily combing and brushing.

The best way to maintain a Persian’s coat is to comb the belly, legs, back, neck and chest daily with a coarse metal comb. The ears should be combed with a fine metal comb. Finally, brush the coat with a natural bristle brush. This will prevent skin problems and annoying tangles.

If your cat’s coat is dirty, you can also wash it once or twice a year with a special cat shampoo. Of course, cut its nails and clean its ears and eyes with a soft cloth. And for all of this, start when your cat is still small. Because cats also have to get used to baths and other care.

And furthermore, take care of a Persian Longhair like any other cat, with good food, a clean litter tray and good cat litter, a nice cat tree and plenty of cups with fresh water. Regular defleaundering, worming and chipping are also important. And their teeth and general health should be checked by the vet at least once a year.

Diseases and disorders

Persians can also fall ill or suffer from a hereditary disease such as PKD (Polycystic Kidney Desease). This is a kidney disorder that is often diagnosed too late. Do you have a Persian Longhair? Then pay attention to the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Slimming
• Drinking a lot
• Urinating a lot
• Sluggishness
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Pale mucous membranes
  

Does your cat have one or more of these symptoms? Take your cat to the vet immediately.

BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) is also hereditary. BOAS stands for a group of hereditary disorders such as narrowed nostrils and airways, respiratory problems, imperfectly fitting teeth and a watery head.

This condition is due to the fact that Persian Longhairs have been bred to certain ideals of beauty. The breeders like to see a short nose and a short skull. And no matter how sweet a Persian looks, it is ultimately not good for the animal itself. Think twice before buying a Persian.

More innocent conditions are watery eyes and chronic inflammation around the eyes and nose. And ringworm – a fungal infection common among Persians.

How old does a Persian Longhair get?

Most pedigree cats do not live as long as ordinary garden and kitchen cats. Do you have a Persian Longhair? Then you can expect him or her to live to be about fourteen years old.

Buying a Persian Longhair

If you want a Persian Longhair, you should buy it from a recognised breeder – or a good cattery – that is a member of a breed association. And never on Marktplaats or from a breeder. Always research the seller and read up on the seller before buying a new pedigree cat. Because a cat is not for a short time, but for a lifetime.

Disclaimer: Petrebels does not consist of veterinarians or behavioral experts: all content, information and tips on this blog are intended to inspire and inform you. Does your cat have complaints or problems and do you have doubts about your cat’s health? Then always go to the vet or a behavioral expert.