Persian - Self Cats | Cat Breeds

A GorGeous white persian sitting happily

A white persian with the long fluffy coat they are famous for

History

The origins of the Persian breed are unrecorded, but it is agreed that this is an ancient breed. The earliest surviving record comes from 1620 when Pietro Della Valle imported the ancestors of today's Persians into Italy from the Persian region of Khorasan (most of which sits in modern day Iran). At the same time Nicholas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc imported Persian cats into France from Angora in Turkey. The Persian specimens had grey fur while the Turkish ones were white.

Persians appeared in the earliest UK cat shows in the first half of the 19th century. The breed standard was for a round head, short face, round full cheeks, cobby body, a deep full chest, and a snub nose with stop. From here the breed was developed into the modern Persian variety. Today's cats differ quite a bit from the original Persians, as they have been selectively bred for larger eyes, smaller ears, rounder heads and shorter noses. In 1900 Persian cats were first exported to the USA and the breed grew in popularity here.

The earliest Persian cats were white, blue, and silver self colors.

Behaviour

Persians have a sweet nature and are very affectionate. They are also calm and quiet, and enjoy being handled and gently stroked. Although good house cats, they prefer a quiet household to a busy or manic one.

They can sometimes be in the mood to play, but for much of the time they prefer to laze around on the sofa or in a favorite warm spot. Persians aren’t the most athletic of breeds, to put it mildly, redefining the concept of chilled-out. They are independent minded and will be more than happy spending all day alone in the home. Having said that, they will be pleased when you return and will reciprocate any affection you offer them.