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Persian
Felis catus
Also called Persian Longhair, Longhair (GCCF name for the breed group), Shirazi
From Named after Persia (Iran). Longhaired cats were brought to Italy from the Middle East in the 1600s, and the breed as we know it was shaped by British breeders in the Victorian era. Genetic studies place modern Persians closest to Western European breeds such as the British Shorthair.1234
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
GCCF gives 6-12 lb (about 2.7-5.4 kg) for females and over 12 lb (5.4 kg) for males; Hill's gives 8-12 lb for females and over 12 lb for males; PetMD gives 7-13 lb (about 3.2-5.9 kg) for the breed overall. The long coat makes the cat look bigger than it is.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, thick, fine and glossy; cobby body
A compact, solid cat with a broad chest, short sturdy legs and a short bushy tail. The round head carries a short nose, big round wide-set eyes and small rounded ears. The coat is long and dense and stands out from the body, with a full ruff around the neck. Some breeders keep a more traditional 'doll-face' look with a slightly longer muzzle.261
Personality what they are like
A quiet, mellow cat that likes a peaceful home and a predictable routine. It tends to show its feelings through its expressive eyes and a soft voice rather than loud demands. Persians enjoy being stroked and fussed over, and they get along with considerate children and other pets. They can be a little shy with strangers at first but bond closely with their own people.2365
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low. Persians are relaxed floor-level cats that prefer lounging to climbing, though they have short bursts of kitten-like play. Daily sessions with interactive toys help keep them moving and at a healthy weight.645
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
High. The coat needs brushing and combing every day with a metal comb to stop tangles and mats. Occasional baths keep it clean, and the face and eye area should be wiped gently each day. Trim nails every two to three weeks for adults and check the ears regularly.3652
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to indoor living and quieter homes. Offer comfortable resting spots, low scratching posts and easy-to-reach perches, as this breed prefers to stay close to the ground.325
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced cat food suited to life stage, split into several measured meals rather than left out all day. Portion control matters because the breed is not very active.54
Company who they like around
Affectionate and people-oriented but not demanding. Enjoys sitting near its family and fits well with calm children and other gentle pets.235
The story where it all began
Longhaired cats from Persia and Turkey reached Italy in the 1600s, and the Italian traveller Pietro della Valle is often credited with bringing some back around 1620. Over the following two centuries these cats were crossed with other longhairs in Europe. Persians were shown at the first organised cat show at London's Crystal Palace in 1871, and Harrison Weir wrote an early standard in 1889 that set them apart from the Angora. Royal fans such as Queen Victoria helped make them fashionable. Americans began importing them from Britain in the late 1800s, and the Persian was one of the foundation breeds when the CFA formed in 1906. Selective breeding over the 20th century gave the modern breed its rounder face and fuller coat, and Persian crosses produced the Himalayan in 1950 and the Exotic Shorthair in the late 1950s.123465
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Persians took part in the very first organised cat show, held at the Crystal Palace in London in 1871.3
- 2
Queen Victoria kept Persian cats, which helped boost the breed's fashion in Victorian Britain.5
- 3
TICA lists close to 1,000 named colour and pattern combinations for the Persian.1
- 4
Despite the name, DNA studies show modern Persians are most closely related to the British Shorthair, Chartreux and American Shorthair rather than to Middle Eastern cats.1
- 5
The Exotic Shorthair and the Himalayan were both developed from Persian crosses in the 1950s.1
- 6
CFA describes the Persian's short, heavy legs as looking like miniature tree trunks.2
- 7
The Persian was the most popular pedigree breed in the USA in 2008 according to the CFA.1
Recognised by the official bits
- CFA
- One of the foundation breeds when CFA began in 1906; shown in seven colour divisions including the pointed Himalayan2
- FIFe
- Fully recognised, Category 1 (breed code PER, shared standard with the Exotic)7
- GCCF
- Section 1 (Persian), Group 13
- TICA
- Recognised breed with a TICA breed profile6
- WCF, ACFA, CCA-AFC and others
- Breed standards held by most major registries1
Popularity 11th of 54 breeds in FIFe registrations (1,981 kittens, 2.1% of the total) in 2024; described as the fourth most popular breed in CFA's 2021 ranking and long among CFA's top ten12
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Persian. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery day
- Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayAbout 15 minutes of play a dayevery day
- Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Persian, and at what times?
Feed your Persian several measured meals a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Portion control is important because this breed is not very active. Check the food label and ask your vet for the right amount.54
What should a Persian eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced cat food suited to your Persian's life stage is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet.548
Does a Persian need baths?
Yes, occasional baths help keep the coat clean. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests gentle eye wipes daily and baths as needed. Always use a cat-safe shampoo and ask your vet or groomer for advice.36 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Persian need brushing?
Brush your Persian every day with a metal comb to prevent tangles and mats. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily brushing and extra deshedding during shedding seasons. This keeps the coat healthy and reduces hairballs.36 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Persian's claws, and how often?
Trim your Persian's nails every two to three weeks for adults. Use a cat nail clipper and cut only the tip, avoiding the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.369 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Persian need?
Persians have low activity needs but enjoy short bursts of play. Furry Diary's plan suggests about 15 minutes of interactive play daily to keep them moving and at a healthy weight. Use toys they can bat from the floor.64 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Persian's teeth and ears?
Brush your Persian's teeth daily if possible, and check ears regularly for dirt or redness. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every two days and a vet check once a year. Ask your vet for proper dental and ear care tips.36 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Persian live?
Persians typically live between 8 and 16 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy diet, many enjoy a long, happy life. Senior years usually start around age 11.3654 Furry Diary plan
Is a Persian good with children and other pets?
Yes, Persians get along well with considerate children and other gentle pets. They are affectionate and people-oriented but prefer a calm, predictable home. They may be shy with strangers at first but bond closely with their family.235
Can a Persian be left alone?
Persians are independent and can be left alone for reasonable periods, but they enjoy company and do best with a predictable routine. Provide comfortable resting spots and toys to keep them content. If left alone often, consider a companion pet.235
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia - Persian cat en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, varieties, popularity, genetics, fun facts
- CFA - Persian cfa.orgused for history, recognition, body, colours, temperament, grooming, popularity
- GCCF - Persian gccfcats.orgused for recognition, weight, lifespan, temperament, grooming, history
- Hill's Pet - Persian hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, colours, history
- PetMD - Persian petmd.comused for weight, height, lifespan, diet, exercise, grooming, fun facts
- TICA - Persian breed profile tica.orgused for body, coat, colours, temperament, activity, grooming, lifespan
- FIFe - Breeds fifeweb.orgused for FIFe recognition
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.