History:

It is said that these beautiful creatures come from the Iranian plateau, an area that used to be part of the old ‘Persia’. However, it is also possible that this breed came to be through interbreeding Angora cats with native longhaired British cats in the 19th century.

Appearance:

The Persian cat is mostly known for its almost non-existing muzzle and complimentary nose, as well as for its very beautiful, long coat. They are heavily boned, with short legs and a broad, short body. Their incredibly soft coat is double layered, which means that it easily knots. It is best to get your kitten used to a bath when they are young, since this is necessary to maintain the coat. Daily grooming is recommended to avoid matting and hairballs.
Persians come in a wide variety of colours, from tortoise to cream and pitch black or tabby. They also have soft, sweet voices and large expressive eyes which easily communicate their needs and feelings.

Personality:

They are the ultimate indoor cat. Because of their short paws and heavy body, they do not like jumping or climbing, and their long coat makes going outdoors a nightmare. On top of that they have a very sweet disposition, and although they can be playful, they are purrrfectly happy inside.

They tend to be very responsive yet never demanding to their owners, making them a delight to be around, but they will be equally happy to drape themselves on the nearest window sill or armchair and snooze away. Their presence finishes the room, as they are masters at posing and can look like a painting instead of real.

Though they are a creature of habit, which prefers an atmosphere of security and serenity, the Persian can, given time, patience, love and reassurance , adapt easily to a boisterous environment such as a family with young children.

One last note: these cats are sensitive to breathing problems because of their short noses, especially the ones that have an extreme case of no-nose. Check with your breeder before deciding, since a good breeder will keep this defect in mind and breed accordingly.

So if you are not afraid of a bit of maintenance, and would like a cat which is a fine addition instead of a distraction to your home, the Persian is definitely your cat.