Persian Cat: Coat Care, Health Issues and Personality

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The Persian is the classic glamour cat. With a plush, floor-length coat, big round eyes and a quiet disposition, it has been a popular companion for well over a century. It is also a breed that rewards informed owners, because the same features that make it striking come with real care needs.

Origins

Longhaired cats from Persia, now Iran, reached Europe in the 1600s and were bred with Angora cats from Turkey. By the 1800s, English breeders had refined the Persian type, and the breed became one of the first at early cat shows. Over time, selective breeding led to rounder heads and flatter faces, which brought more health challenges.

Appearance

Persians are medium-sized and stocky, with short, thick legs, a broad chest and a round head. The eyes are large and round, the ears small and the tail short and plumed. The coat is dense and long, with a heavy ruff and fluffy britches. Colors and patterns range from solid white and black to tabby, tortoiseshell, smoke and shaded varieties.

Faces vary. Some lines have a traditional, more open face, sometimes called doll-face, while others have an extremely flat face. The more open the face, the lower the risk of breathing and eye problems, which is a reason to ask a breeder about structure and to see the parents.

Temperament

Persians are placid and affectionate. Most are quiet and soft-spoken, enjoy a lap and spend much of the day resting in a favorite spot. They are not climbers or acrobats, though many play in short bursts. They dislike change and noise, and do best in a stable household with a predictable routine.

They tend to be gentle with other pets and children, though a very boisterous environment can stress them. Persians depend on their owners for grooming and care, so they should always live indoors.

Grooming

This is the major commitment. Plan to:

1. Comb the whole coat daily with a wide-toothed steel comb, working down to the skin.
2. Use a slicker brush on the britches, belly and behind the ears.
3. Bathe every three to six weeks, with a cat shampoo and a thorough rinse and dry.
4. Clean the face daily with a soft, damp cloth, to manage tear staining.
5. Trim the hair around the rear for hygiene if needed.

Some owners choose a "lion cut" from a professional groomer to keep the coat manageable. See how to brush a cat for principles that apply to all coats. Neglected coats mat quickly, which is painful and can cause skin infection.

Health

Persians have several well-known health concerns.

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD). An inherited condition where cysts grow in the kidneys. A DNA test is available, and responsible breeders test. Ask for results.
• Brachycephalic airway problems. A flat face may cause noisy breathing, snoring and exercise intolerance. Watch for open-mouth breathing, which is an emergency.
• Eye problems. Tear overflow, corneal ulcers and entropion can occur.
• Dental crowding. A short jaw can lead to crowded teeth and gum disease.
• Skin problems. Ringworm, seborrhea and fold infections can occur.
• Heat sensitivity. Keep Persians cool in warm weather.

If your cat is struggling to breathe, see the emergency warning signs guide and call a vet immediately.

Living with a Persian

Persians are happy in apartments. Provide soft beds, a few low perches and a large, easy-to-enter litter box, and keep the fur around the rear trimmed so litter does not stick. Wash your hands after grooming sessions, and expect to vacuum often.

Is a Persian right for you?

A Persian suits someone who wants a calm, affectionate lap cat and enjoys regular grooming. It is not a match for those wanting a low-shedding, low-maintenance or athletic cat, or for anyone unable to afford veterinary care. If you like the look but want something easier, consider the Ragdoll, and try the cat breed finder.

Daily routine at a glance

A Persian owner's day usually includes a quick comb in the morning, a damp-cloth wipe of the face and a litter check, with a longer grooming session in the evening. Weekly tasks include nail trims and a check of the skin for mats and irritation, and monthly tasks include a bath and teeth brushing at home if the cat allows it.

Questions to ask a breeder

• May I see the parents, and what do their faces look like?
• What are the PKD test results for both parents?
• Do the kittens breathe quietly, and are their eyes clear?
• What health guarantee do you offer?
• Will you take the cat back if I cannot keep it?

Finding a Persian

Ask breeders for PKD test results and to see the parents' faces, and consider a rescue, because Persians and Persian mixes often need homes. Our guide to cat vet visit costs can help you plan.