Persians, with their long flowing coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity, and perhaps the most recognizable. Although many people cannot name more than a few cat breeds, almost all of them know to name the Persian.

Credit for the Persian breed is generally given to Turkey, Iran (formerly Persia), and the neighboring countries. Longhaired cats were associated with these countries from about the 16th century, and possibly earlier. During that period the first cats of this kind began to arrive in Europe. It is assumed that the long cover arose from a mutation in shorthaired cats that maybe were of Egyptian origin. The colder climates of Turkey and Iran certainly favored such a mutation. The long cover aroused great interest among cat owners and made the cats more valuable.

The Persian is a heavily boned, well-balanced cat with a sweet expression and soft, round lines. Despite their heavy appearance, Persians move gret agility; despite their bulk.. The Persian also sports a long, flowing cover draped on a compact, chunky, short  body referred as cobby supported by short, thick legs. Large round eyes are ordered wide apart in a large round head with small wide- rounded ears contribute to the overall full countenance to the breed.. A broad, sweeping brush of a tail as wide as the body completes the picture.

Chocolate and lavender Persians are known the Kashmir in CFF. It is still called by this lineage name in some older cat books. CFF also distinguishes between the Persian and the Pekefaced Persian. A Pekefaced Persian is a Persian with an extreme flat face, like that of a Pekingese dog. Some breeders describe their Persians as doll-faced, which means that they possess a less flat faced appearance than most Persian show cats. than the flatter-faced show-type Persian.

The Persian's beautiful cover is long and thick, standing away from the body. An immense ruff continues in a deep frill between the cat's front legs. Proper maintenance of the cover requires a daily run-through with a metal comb to eliminate the potential drawbacks of tangles and hairball. Occasional bathing is required to keep the fur clean, healthy and beautiful. Time and commitment to a daily grooming routine is required of the Persian owners, and will come to enjoy this high quality time with their cats.

 Persians are mellow, docile and affectionate. They need affection, notice, and have a natural desire to be played with. They aren't particularly demanding, but most wish to sit on your lap and be petted every day. Persians can develop a particular attachment to one person in the family, and module want more time and affection from the object of their interest; than from the rest of the household..  Persians are good with other pets, and with children. The breed is very adaptable, and usually copes well if changes occur such as additions to the family, new pets or a house move.

Breed Specific Needs

Persians don’t like to be left unaccompanied for long periods of time, so if you're out during the day, it's better to keep them with another pet for company. Their long fur is very prone to matting, and must be combed on a daily basis.  Persians sometimes have issues with watery eyes and breathing problems because of their flat faces. Their faces need washing sporadically. At the same time as their lovely personalities mean they make wonderful pets, they are only suitable for people who have the time to care for their long hair and give them the regular affection that they need.