The Persian cat is a magnificent cat with a unique personality. In this article, we’ll share 15 fun facts about this cat breed.
1. They need to be groomed regularly
The Persian cat is a medium-sized cat breed with a beautiful coat. Because of that, they need to be groomed daily. Their hair gets tangled quickly, so it is recommended to brush Persian cats at least once a day. Brushing is not necessary only for aesthetic reasons. It is also because Persian cats can swallow large amounts of their hair when they groom themselves. This can cause very unpleasant intestinal and respiratory problems.
The cat breed’s beautiful fur isn’t the only thing that needs to be maintained regularly. It is also necessary to take particular care of the eyes of this breed. A lot of impurities can accumulate in the Persian cat’s eyes, causing them to cry regularly.
2. They do not get along well with children
Persian cats are recognized as a shy cat breed. Loud noises can stress this cat breed. They prefer solitude and independence. This means that this cat breed is not an ideal pet for families with children. Persian cats need calm people around them.
3. The Persian cat is a pop culture icon
This cat has been featured in films for decades now!
You may not have noticed it, but this cat breed is present in many films. For example, there is a white Persian cat in James Bond, Blofeld’s cat. Additionally, in Stuart Little, a Persian cat plays the role of Snowbell.
When it comes to cartoons, a Persian cat plays the role of Duchess, a sweet cat with blue eyes in The Aristocats. In Inspector Gadget, a Persian cat plays Dr. Claw’s cat!
4. Their face isn’t always smushed
The Persian cat is popular for its soft white fur. However, they are also appreciated for their unique “smushed faces”. But did you know that the Persian cat didn’t always have this physical characteristic?
In the past, they had a much more pronounced muzzle. The smushed face appeared in the 1950s from a genetic mutation. Persian cat breeders greatly appreciated these faces and decided to selectively breed them to have this somewhat smushed face.
Today, there are Persian cats with flat faces, and others without.
5. The Persian cat is a cat-dog
Persian cats live very well with other cats. They can even have a “cat-dog” character. Sometimes, they will welcome you when you get back home. They respond to their name. They might even be chatty with you.
6. The Persian cat needs human presence
While this cat breed likes solitude and independence, they need human presence. However, it is possible to get your cat used to being alone from an early age. This is to help prevent them from getting separation anxiety. If Persian cats get too lonely, they might express their unhappiness by urinating or by ruining furniture or objects in the house.
7. The Persian cat in found in many paintings
The Persian cat is often found in films, but they are also found in many paintings.
Popular paintings of the Persian cat include Warren Kimble’s painting “White Persian Cat” and “Two White Persian Cats Looking into a Goldfish Bowl” by artist Arthur Heyer.
8. They come in many sizes, colors, and varieties
The Persian cat is often seen with a white or gray coat in films and commercials. However, the breed comes in many colors.
Persian cats can even be calico or tortoiseshell. As for monochrome coats, they can be black or gray as well.
Beyond the color of the coat, the Persian cat also comes in different sizes. There are also Chinchilla Persian cats as well as Himalayan cats.
9. Persian cats have always been adored in the United States
Persian cats are one of the most popular cats in the United States. They were brought to the land in the 1890s.
It wasn’t until 1906 that the Cat Fanciers’ Association was created in the United States and the Persian cat was registered as well.
10. Many celebrities own Persian cats
As you now know, the Persian cat is a very popular breed. They are also very popular among celebrities. Throughout history, famous people have adopted this stunning cat breed.
Among them is Florence Nightingale, a British nurse, who has had 60 cats in her lifetime. It is said that her favorite cat was Mr. Bismarck, the most sensitive, gentle, and affectionate cat she had ever had.
Raymond Chandler, American writer and author of detective novels, also had a Persian cat. His black Persian cat was named Taki.
The sublime Marilyn Monroe also had a white Persian cat. There are many black and white photos of her cuddling with him.
Giorgio Armani also had a gray Persian cat.
11. This cat participated in the first “cat show”
The first cat show was held in 1871 in London. Harrison Weir, a very famous book illustrator, was behind the event. The cat show was organized at the Crystal Palace. At this first show, the Persian cat was one of the pedigree cats selected from Siamese cat, Manx, the Turkish Angora, and a few others.
12. They look like the Turkish Angora
The Persian cat looks a lot like the Turkish Angora, who also originates from the 1500s. These two cat breeds are closely related because they were crossed for many years in an attempt to improve the appearance of the Persian’s coat. In fact, these crosses almost endangered the Turkish Angora cat breed. To prevent this, Turkey set up breeding programs to save the breed.
A notable difference between the Turkish Angora and the Persian cat is their silhouette. If we look at them in detail, we can see that the Persian cat has a much stockier figure. We can also observe other differences likes their heads. The Persian cat has a slightly larger one. In addition, their eyes are rounder and their coat is a little longer than that of the Turkish Angora. Turkish Angoras are characterized rather by a flexible body, pointed ears, and a tail shaped like a pretty feather.
13. They have fragile health systems
This cat’s diet should be monitored daily as they are prone to obesity. This is important because cats who are overweight can develop many health problems such as heart problems. In order to keep your Persian cat healthy, make sure to provide him or her with a balanced and varied diet. It is also recommended to weigh your cat’s food to ensure that you are not overfeeding him or her.
It is also important to know that the flat muzzle of the Persian cat can sometimes cause breathing problems. Lastly, this cat breed can also have kidney and dermatological issues.
14. The Persian cat is the most abandoned cat
The Persian cat requires a lot of grooming and maintenance. Unfortunately, for this reason, they are often abandoned. If you are thinking about adopting a Persian cat, put a lot of thought into it and do your research. Adoption should be taken seriously.
15. They are not adventurers
If you are looking for an active cat to add some spice to your life, this is not the breed for you. Persian cats do not jump on shelves or on dining room tables to look out the window. They would much rather relax on the couch. If you are worried about a cat ruining your furniture, you have nothing to worry about with this cat breed. Persian cats are not destructive.