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Persian cats are one of the oldest breeds of cats. As their name suggests, they are from 17th-century Persia or modern-time Iran. They were introduced to Europe by traders and gained popularity amongst royals because of their lustrous coats and exotic colours.
So, what is it about them that makes them so well-loved?
Difference between Persian Cat and Domestic Short-hair:
| Feature | Persian Cat | Domestic Shorthair Cat |
| Origin | Ancient breed, believed to have originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) | Not a specific breed; refers to mixed-breed cats with short coats |
| Appearance | Long, luxurious, dense coat; round face; flat (brachycephalic) nose | Short, sleek, low-maintenance coat; wide variety of body types |
| Size | Medium to large, stocky, with short legs | Medium, athletic, and varied in build |
| Head & Face | Round head, flat nose, large round eyes, small ears | Head shapes vary; usually more natural proportions with normal nose length |
| Coat Length | Long and flowing; requires daily grooming | Short, easy to care for; minimal grooming needed |
| Color & Patterns | Wide range: solid, bicolor, tabby, Himalayan (pointed) | Every possible color and pattern, highly diverse |
| Personality | Calm, gentle, affectionate; enjoy quiet environments | Friendly, adaptable, playful; temperament varies individually |
| Activity Level | Low to moderate; prefer lounging | Moderate to high; many are active and playful |
| Maintenance | Requires daily brushing and eye cleaning | Requires regular grooming and cleaning |
| Health Concerns | Prone to breathing issues (due to flat face), eye problems, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) | Generally hardy due to mixed genetics; fewer breed-specific issues |
| Lifespan | 12–17 years (average) | 12–16 years (average) |
Physical Attributes
Typically, Persian cats are a mid-sized breed that look larger because of the amount of fur that covers their bodies. Males are generally larger than females, but both of them have a broad and short appearance.
Common characteristic traits of a Persian cat or kitten are their large eyes, round face, and short muzzle. There are two types of cats based on the muzzle shape: the traditional “doll” face, which has a short muzzle, and the “peke” face, which is extremely flat with the mouth, nose, and forehead aligned vertically. They also have small ears.
Persians have soft, long fur that can come in different colours. The length of their hair is why they’re referred to as Persian Longhairs.
Types of Persian Cats by Face Structure
- Traditional (Doll-Faced) Persian
This is the original Persian type, often referred to as the “doll-faced Persian.” They have a more natural, balanced look with a slightly longer nose compared to their modern counterparts. Their face is rounded, but not overly flat, which means they are generally less prone to breathing and eye problems. Doll-faced Persians are admired for their classic beauty and are often preferred by pet parents who want the Persian look without intensive health concerns.
- Peke-Faced Persian
Named after the resemblance to the Pekingese dog, the Peke-faced Persian has an extremely flat face with a pronounced stop (the dip between the forehead and the nose). Their nose appears “snubbed,” sitting almost level with their eyes. While this type is considered highly desirable in show circles, the flat structure often comes with health challenges, including tear staining, respiratory issues, and dental misalignment. Despite this, their striking, doll-like appearance makes them iconic in the cat fancy world.
- Ultra-Faced Persian (Extreme)
A more exaggerated version of the Peke-faced Persian, the ultra-faced Persian is the result of selective breeding for show standards. Their eyes are very large and round, and the nose is almost non-existent. This gives them a dramatic, almost cartoonish appearance. However, the extreme flatness increases the risk of breathing difficulties, eye drainage, and grooming challenges. These Persians require dedicated care but are often prized in cat shows for their distinctive looks.
Eye colour
All Persian cats are born with Blue eyes. If you have a Persian kitten that’s under 6 weeks of age, this is the colour their eyes will have. At 6 weeks, the second colour begins to show. This is when their eye color changes from Blue to Green or Gold.
In white Persian cats with blue eyes, the white-spotting gene interferes with the change in eye color. This means that white Persian cats have blue eyes; however, the wite-spotting gene can interfere with only one eye, leading to an odd-eyed white Persian.
Unfortunately, the white-spotting gene can also interfere with the development of the inner ear. These cats are at risk of being deaf.
Persian cats and kittens are unique in their appearance and their needs. This is why they need food that is made specifically for their needs, such as Carniwel Persian Cat Food. With Omega-3s that support digestion and long, luxurious fur, it’s designed to make your pet’s care effortless. Because to us, every bowl is not just food—it’s a celebration of the love you share.
