Persian

The long-haired aristocrat… with a flat face

Also known as: Persian cat · Chinchilla Persian · Flat-faced Persian · Doll face Persian · Persian Longhair

Persian, a medium cat from Iran (photo 2)

Persian, a medium cat from Iran (photo 3)

Persian, a medium cat from Iran (photo 4)

Persian, a medium cat from Iran (photo 5)

Persian, a medium cat from Iran (photo 6)

Photos: Reba Spike (CC BY 2.0) · Stéphane Gallay from Laconnex, Switzerland (CC BY 2.0) · Nickolas Titkov from Moscow, Russian Federation (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Pixoos (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

25–30 cm(10–12 in)Height at the shoulder

3.5–6.5 kg(8–14 lb)Adult weight

12–15 yearsLife expectancy

10 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupPersian

OriginIran / United Kingdom

SizeMedium

CoatLong, thick and fine, with plenty of undercoat

ColoursAlmost all: white, black, blue, cream, chinchilla, golden, bicolour, tortoiseshell…

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1871

Estimated cost in Spain*€1,070–1,480 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

Varieties

The Persian family: same type, different coat

PersianLong coat, all coloursyou are hereHimalayanLong coat with coloured points and blue eyesExoticShort, dense, plush coat

What it is like

The first longhaired cats reached Europe from Persia and Turkey in the 17th century, and in Victorian England they became the star breed: they were already being shown at the Crystal Palace in 1871. During the 20th century, breeding for the show ring, especially in the US, gradually flattened its face into today's extreme type, with the nose level with the eyes. It needs saying plainly: that flat face is brachycephaly, and it brings breathing, tear, tooth and birthing problems. There are traditional-type Persians, with a bit more nose, that fare considerably better. In temperament it is placid, quiet and fond of routine, and prefers the sofa to the bookshelves.

Coat colours and patterns

Colours and patterns that are common or accepted in this breed. Each page explains where the colour comes from, the myths around it and other breeds that have it.

Ginger Colour · Orange cat, Red cat

Cream Colour · Cream cat, Beige cat

Black Colour · Solid black cat, Black

White Colour · Solid white cat, White

Grey or blue Colour · Blue cat, Grey cat

Chocolate Colour · Brown cat, Havana

Lilac Colour · Lavender, Lilac

Tortoiseshell Colour · Tortie, Tortoiseshell

And also:

Calico or tricolour Bicolour Tuxedo Van Harlequin Smoke Chinchilla and shaded

All cat coat colours and patterns →

Temperament

CalmDocileHome-lovingQuiet

Activity

1/5

With children

3/5

With dogs

3/5

With other cats

4/5

Ease of learning

2/5

How vocalless is better

1/5

Sheddingless is better

5/5

Brushing needsless is better

5/5

Health robustness

2/5

Indoor and flat life

5/5

Copes with being alone

4/5

For first-time owners

2/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

Its coat is not optional: it needs daily combing with a metal comb so knots do not form, as they end up matted against the skin and have to be clipped. Many need a bath and blow-dry every 4–8 weeks, and daily cleaning of tears with a damp gauze pad to prevent dermatitis in the facial folds. Keep the rear end clean too. It is a real homebody: perfect for a flat, but without excessive heat, which it copes with very badly.

Health

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD, PKD1 gene, DNA test available: insist on it), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, retinal atrophy in some lines and the problems of the brachycephalic type: narrow nostrils, epiphora (watery eyes), crowded teeth, corneal ulcers and difficult births. Choose cats with a visible nose and open nostrils.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Health problems to watch for

These are described more often in this breed. It does not mean a Persian will have them, nor that a moggy is free of them: they are worth knowing about and discussing with your vet.

Infectious diseases Feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus) The most common cause of a “cold” in cats. Contagious Kidneys and urinary tract Chronic kidney disease A slow, irreversible loss of kidney function and the classic disease of older cats. Kidneys and urinary tract Urinary obstruction A male cat’s urethra becomes blocked by a plug of crystals and mucus or by a stone, and he cannot urinate. Emergency Kidneys and urinary tract Urinary stones Mineral stones in the bladder or, less often, in the kidney. Kidneys and urinary tract Polycystic kidney disease An inherited disease in which the kidneys fill with cysts that grow over the years until they cause chronic kidney disease. Inherited Heart and circulation Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Thickening of the heart wall and the most common heart disease in cats. Inherited Hormones and metabolism Obesity More than 20 % above ideal weight. Skin and coat Ringworm A fungal infection of the skin and coat, common in kittens and long-haired cats. Contagious Eyes Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the membrane around the eye and the most common eye problem in cats. Contagious Eyes Corneal ulcer A wound on the clear surface of the eye. Emergency Eyes Progressive retinal atrophy An inherited disease in which the retina gradually degenerates until the cat goes blind. Inherited Mouth and teeth Tooth resorption The cat’s own body gradually destroys the structure of a tooth. Mouth and teeth Periodontal disease Plaque and tartar that inflame the gums and destroy the bone holding the teeth in place. Respiratory system Feline brachycephalic syndrome A group of problems that come from a very flat face: narrow nostrils, watery eyes, crowded teeth and a higher risk in hot weather. Inherited Bones and joints Osteoarthritis Wear and tear of the joints, very common in older cats and greatly underdiagnosed because the cat does not limp: it simply stops jumping. Poisoning and accidents Heatstroke Body temperature rises above 40–41 °C (104–106 °F) and starts to damage the organs. Emergency

The A to Z of cat diseases →

Fun facts

Queen Victoria kept blue Persians, which set off the craze for the breed in England.

The Persian has played a part in creating the Exotic, the Himalayan, the Burmilla and today's British Shorthair.

The “doll face” type keeps the old profile, with a nose, and breathes better.

Before DNA testing became widespread, some studies found PKD in about a third of Persians.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Persian get?

An adult Persian usually weighs 3.5–6.5 kg (8–14 lb) and stands about 25–30 cm (10–12 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a Persian live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–15 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Persian hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the Persian good with children?

It can be, with calm children who respect its space. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Persian need?

As a guide, 10 min of play a day. Its activity score is 1 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.