Persian cat

The Persian cat personality

The Persian cat breed is all about a life of leisure and luxury. Long hours on the sofa followed by a few more hours on a different sofa. Then it is playtime, only to be followed by a nap, preferably also on a sofa. We have all been there.

When researching potential cat companions, it might make sense to find one that suits your own personality. The Persian cat has an inspirational behaviour. It comes in the shape of a lump of fur, with huge eyes and a flat face. However, it is actually one of the cat breeds that demands the most attention from its owners, so it's not for lazy owners.

It doesn't only demand attention because it is lazy and needs to be carried between rooms. But because it has been bred through centuries to become what it is today: a sassy furball.

Often with breeds that look particularly pompous, the goal amongst breeders has been to improve the breeds glamorous look. They are not so much about keeping a healthy and mentally stable cat.

In the case of the Persian breed, that's precisely what has happened.

Persian cats love pampering

When at home, the Persian cat wanders around peacefully and does not scream for attention. But it has needs that must be fulfilled. It requires daily love and affection, or it will become lonely and depressed.

As with affection, they need daily pampering. It truly prefers this to be done by no one else but its favourite human.

A quiet and calm environment sets the Persian Cat in its element. If there is too much ruckus, it will feel insulted and retreat to a different sofa in another room.

Though, under the right circumstances, it will give back to its human by snuggling up in their lap.

Generally speaking, the Persian is a lazy cat. Though, it will have outbursts of energy where it will want to play. But only for a little while before sliding back to its role as one of your sofa cushions.

Persian cat maintenance

The Persian might seem like a delightful cat, personality-wise and in the nature of its physical presence. But there are other requirements that go beyond the cat’s personality. And they all need fulfilment to keep a happy Persian.

Its magnificent coat does not come for free. In order to maintain the fluffiness of a Persian; a potential owner must be prepared to invest time regularly.

Maintenance is a comprehensive and everlasting process. The Persians' favourite human will have to brush the cat to remove tangles, dirt, and debris from their fur.

Because, on a daily basis, the cat functions as a floor mop as it sobs around dragging its underbelly against the floor.

It is recommended to keep the Persian as an indoor cat for the same reason.

Bath time should happen at least once a month. However, it will become necessary more often, if grooming and brushing aren't done regularly.

Another pro-tip is to keep the cat box clean at all times. Its fur is overly absorbent, and a sassy Persian will not use a filthy cat box. And if they do, faeces tend to get stuck in their fur.

Persian cat health

The general health of the Persian breed is where you can notice the most extreme challenges. Persians generally have poor health and are prone to a lot of health issues.

Brachycephalic syndrome

One of the most important things to ask about when in contact with a Persian breeder is the cat's flat face. The Persian has evolved breathing problems because their face is too flat to have open access to airflow. In other words, like the bulldog, Persians often suffer from ‘Brachycephalic syndrome’.

Thankfully, there are ways to avoid such a travesty. Serious breeders that actually care about the cat's welfare have started to breed the Persian in the right direction.

Persian cats comes in two varieties, Peke-faced and Doll-faced

There are Peke-faced Persians and Doll-Faced Persians. Ideally, a potential owner should look for a Doll-faced Persian. They are similar to the original Persians, with a slight rounder face. The Peke-faced Persians have a flatter faced and were made for shows. The latter suffer from breathing issues.

Other common health problems are:

Gingivitis – gum infection

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy- Heart problems

Progressive Retinal Atrophy- gradual blindness

Hip dysplasia- Hip displacement

Polycystosos in the liver-related to blood cells

In other words, be sure to find a serious breeder for Persian cats if you are a potential owner.

Persian cat price

Persian cats are delicate beings, and how much they cost varies a lot based on factors such as genes, gender, colour, fur, colour patterns and bloodline. Therefore the Persian cat price can range from anything between $1000-$5000USD. It is essential to find a serious breeder when looking for a Persian cat. The breed has a lot of health issues due to their peculiar looks and has gained the attention of breeders who only care about money. Do your research and choose wisely.