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.5612
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.6143
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Persian. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
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
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.645
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.423
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.1436
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.163
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.32
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.613
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.561243
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 1871.1
2
Queen Victoria kept Persian cats, which helped boost the breed's fashion in Victorian Britain.3
3
TICA lists close to 1,000 named colour and pattern combinations for the Persian.5
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.5
5
The Exotic Shorthair and the Himalayan were both developed from Persian crosses in the 1950s.5
6
CFA describes the Persian's short, heavy legs as looking like miniature tree trunks.6
7
The Persian was the most popular pedigree breed in the USA in 2008 according to the CFA.5
I wake slowly, stretching one paw at a time while the sun warms my favourite cushion. My human brings a soft brush, and I roll over so she can reach my belly. I purr, a quiet rumble, and she tells me I'm beautiful. Later, a feather toy dances across the floor and I pounce once, twice, then lounge again. In the afternoon, a visitor sits on the sofa. I peer from behind the curtain until I decide she's fine, then pad over for a chin scratch. Evening comes and I curl beside my human, my eyes half-closed, perfectly content.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
CFA
One of the foundation breeds when CFA began in 1906; shown in seven colour divisions including the pointed Himalayan6
FIFe
Fully recognised, Category 1 (breed code PER, shared standard with the Exotic)7
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 ten56
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Persian tip
Persians often have dental crowding and periodontal disease, so dental treats or a dental diet can help manage this, but always ask your vet first. Because they are prone to weight gain, keep treats to a tiny portion of daily calories and choose plain cooked chicken or fish without seasoning.
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
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.32
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.328
Does a Persian need baths?
Yes, occasional baths help keep the coat clean. Pet Wiki'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.14Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Persian need brushing?
Brush your Persian every day with a metal comb to prevent tangles and mats. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily brushing and extra deshedding during shedding seasons. This keeps the coat healthy and reduces hairballs.14Pet Wiki 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.149Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Persian need?
Persians have low activity needs but enjoy short bursts of play. Pet Wiki'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.42Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every two days and a vet check once a year. Ask your vet for proper dental and ear care tips.14Pet Wiki 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 11.1432Pet Wiki 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.613
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.613
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Exotic Shorthair
Himalayan
British Longhair
Ragdoll
Birman