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Persians are super popular. So, let’s see what makes these classy felines the best. I decided to come up with my own list on why these cats should be considered the best. So, check the list out and decide if these reasons are good enough for Persian cats to be the top cat breed.
1. Persian Cat History
As one of the oldest feline breeds, the Persian cat has a clouded history dating back to the 1600s.
Many people believe that Persians originated in Persia (now modern-day Iran) and Turkey. However, their soft, long hair and docile personalities were so alluring that a European explorer named Pietro Della Valle smuggled a cat from Persia into Europe during the 1700s.
Persians were introduced into the United States during the late 1800s, where their popularity soon skyrocketed when the regal beauty of the Persian captured the eye of Britain’s Queen Victoria. The Queen had two Blue Persian cats, causing an instant uprise among European aristocrats.
A soon as the Cat Fanciers’ Association was founded, it recognized Persians as one of the oldest pedigree felines. (cfa.org).
2. Persian Cat Show Quality
The Persian love affair started almost instantaneously after the first Persian cat arrived in North America in the late 1800s. They were such a big hit that they caused Maine Coons to drop into second place as America’s favorite longhaired cat.
Considered the “Rolls-Royce of international cat shows,” the CFA International Cat Show is the largest in the US. According to the Cat Fancier Association, the Persian cat breed won the “Best in Show” award sixteen times of the past twenty-four shows.
In 1871, a female Persian cat or rare violet color brought home the success of First Prize at the world’s first cat show at the Crystal Palace Show (vcahospital.com).
3. Why Are Persian Cats So Cute?
Traditional Persian breeds are known as doll-face Persian and have cute longer snouts with sweet button noses, cute round faces, large expressive eyes, and tiny, round-tipped ears.
Most people think of an ugly-cute squashed nose appearance when thinking of Persians. However, their infamous flat-faced appearance is not the only variety Persian come in.
Persian’s come in one of two styles; a “traditional breed” and “show breed,”; both of which are irresistible!
The Traditional Persian has a similar appearance to the Show breed, but they do not exhibit the signature flat face of the Show Persian.
On the contrary, Show Persians have open pansy-like faces. In addition, the Show Persian has a round-shaped head; a flat, snub nose; big, round bright eyes, and small round-tipped ears.
4. Rainbow Persian Cat
Persian cats have signature long and plush coats that you can compare to a giant, fluffy cloud.
Persian’s fur displays a rainbow of different colors that split into endless color combinations and patterns to magnify on the Persians’ lustrous furry coats. The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognizes seven various approved divisions of Persian coat colors: solid, silver and golden, smoke and shaded, tabby, particolored, bicolored, and Himalayan.
Persians’ color combinations and patterns include cream, white, red, black, blue, chocolate, lilac, silver, golden, tortoiseshell, blue-cream, tri-color, and sable (tica.org).
Although the Persian has a beautiful one-of-a-kind coat, Persian owners need to note that its beauty comes with a fair share of maintenance. Persians require daily grooming and regular bathing as their undercoat is prone to matting and knotting.
However, if you are diligent with the Persians excessive grooming needs, their coats guarantee a treat for your eyes and fingertips!
5. Are Persian Cats Docile?
Persian cats are more docile than most cat breeds. Persians are serene and gentle and prefer living in calm and predictable environments. According to the breed standard, Persian cats have sweet personalities and love spending time lounging on the sofa with their families.
According to vcahospitals.com, Persian cats love to show affection and generally display gentle natures.
According to hillspet.com, Persians aren’t aggressive and are generally friendly with everyone; however, they can be stand-offish and reserved with strangers. Notwithstanding, as soon as they feel safe and comfortable, they will be on visitors’ laps without thinking twice.
Persians are blessed with humorous personalities and can endlessly entertain their owners with strange and aloof facial expressions.
Lastly, Persians are an adaptable breed that fits well into any home as long as you treat them gently. However, Persians are better fitting to owners with quiet lifestyles.
6. Are Persian Cats Lap Cats?
Yes, Persian cats are notorious for being lap lovers! According to vcahospitals.com, Persians score a 5/5 as a lap cat. Persians naturally love to snuggle, but they aren’t attention-demanding felines if you’re busy. They are genuinely the perfect companion to watch a movie or read a book.
Due to their laid-back napping qualities, you probably won’t even find Persians scaling your curtains, climbing up bookshelves, or rummaging through your cabinets in search of food. Instead, these lazy kitties usually prefer lounging on the sofa and, if possible, a bare lap.
Persian cats’ tendency to love taking a nap on your lap is another reason why they are perfect for laid-back families with quiet lifestyles.
7. Are Persian Cats Lazy?
Persian cats are notorious for being lazy cats. These cats will sleep most of the day. Persians love to drape themselves into a favorite window, sunny corner, or chair.
Although most cats are generally mischievous, Persians lack the will to explore and are very happy lounging around, doing nothing for the entire day.
Some might even say that Persians are excellent ornamental or decorative additions to homes, giving them the popular nickname “furniture with fur.”
8. Are Persian Cats Good Pets?
Persian cats are associated with kings and queens that once owned them (literally, Queen Victoria had two Persians). These kitties are extraordinarily domesticated and love staying indoors, making them perfect pets.
Their sweet and gentle dispositions make them perfect for indoors. In addition, their lazy nature and tendency to lounge on the couch will remove the worries of your cat roaming the apartment blocks and, even worse, the streets.
Keeping your Persian indoor also benefits their coat and skin as they can get tiny bugs stuck in their long fur, causing skin irritations.
In addition, all cat breeds should be kept inside by their owners to help protect them from contracting parasites, catching contagious diseases, and getting injured with other animals during fights.
Persians, in particular, are lovers, not fighters, and can get badly hurt in a fight with another animal. In addition, their long hair can also end up collecting dirt, leaves, and small twigs.
Persian cats make great pets. To learn more about owning one, check out my article: Why Are Persian Cats So Expensive? (With Average Cost).
Here are some of my favorite cat products
In addition to checking out some other More Meows articles, I hope you’ll check out some of my favorite cat products as well. These are affiliate links, so if you end up using them, I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you. These are the products I really do find most helpful.
Litter Box: I started out with normal, traditional litter boxes for my cat. Then, I tried this automatic litter box on Amazon (affiliate link), which helped reduce the litter upkeep. Finally, I am now a believer in the Litter-Robot 3 Connect on Amazon (affiliate link). This robotic litter box is not for everyone based on the price tag, but for me the benefits (very little upkeep, works efficiently, clean, mobile app) far outweighed the cost.
Cat Tree: I have purchased a couple of this Amazon Basics Cat Tree on Amazon (affiliate link). My cat spends a lot of time on and around this cat tree, which I position near my sofa. She uses the scratching posts on this cat tree multiple times a day, which means she is not scratching the sofa instead.
Cat Water Fountain: I love this cat water fountain on Amazon (affiliate link). There are three main benefits to having a water fountain like this for your cat. The first benefit is that it keeps water running so that your cat doesn’t need to drink still water. The second benefit is that it filters the water. The third benefit is that it will keep your cat hydrated!
9. Are Persian Cats Vocal?
Persian cats aren’t vocal felines that only tend to meow when they are communicating their wants. Persians may occasionally greet you with a quick, soft meow. Persian cats may also use their eye contact to non-verbally communicate.
Persians’ melodious and non-abrasive voices are quite pleasant and tolerable for pet owners who prefer less noisy animals. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a chirp or trill out of your Persian when it’s feeling overly affectionate.
Instead of loud, persistent meowing, the Persian cat breed communicates with large expressive eyes and purring.
Persians are famous purring machines! You’ll often find your Persian purring when eating tasty food, during a cuddle session, or when enjoying a nap in the afternoon sun.
The last way Persians communicate brings us to our next point- their tails.
10. Persian Cat Tail
Although the Persian is generally quiet, its tail has a whole to say.
If you notice that your Persian is walking around the house presenting its tail straight up towards the ceiling, it coveys that your kitty is comfortable in its surroundings and it feels happy and confident.
The epitome of it all is when the tip of the twitches slightly; this indicates a blissful Persian! In addition, if you note that its tail has a slight curve at its end (resembling a question mark), your Persian wants to play!
However, if your Persian has a tail that whips side to side, it can indicate fear or aggressive behavior. Although most cats communicate an aggressive or reactive behavior with their tail pointed downward, this should not be confused with a Persian. Persians generally display a low-hanging tail without the cause of aggression or reacting.
11. Do Persian Cats Snore?
Persian cats are known to snore. Due to Persians’ having a “pushed in face” appearance, their shortened nasal passages are often the lead cause for breathing problems, like snoring.
Owners who find it cute and a little funny to own a cat that snores, consider getting yourself a bunch of Persians. They will entertain you continuously!
On the contrary, if you’re a first-time Persian owner that allows your kitty to sleep right next to you, consider getting a pair of earplugs.
12. Do Persian Cats Play?
The Persian cat breed is known to be calm even though at times they can have enough energy to be active and play.
You’ll find these sweet, lazy kitties napping one moment and then exploding into a burst of energy and running all around the house.
However, Persian cats prefer interactive playtime like chasing balls and playing with toys to athletic playing styles of climbing onto the curtains and furniture.
With some patience, you can even train your Persian to play fetch and to give high-fives!
13. Are Persian Cats Healthy?
Persian Cats can live long, healthy lives for 15 to 20 years if given the appropriate care.
However, like all cats, Persians are prone to various illnesses and genetic disorders.
Persian cat owners need to check with a trustworthy breeder and veterinarian to ensure their Persian has a clearance check for the following disorders: Polycystic Kidney Disease, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, and Progressive Retinol Atrophy (vetstreet.com).
Other common problems Persians are prone to include respiratory issues due to their snout shape potentially restricting their breathing and eye problems from their pansy-like faces.
However, with the appropriate breeder and veterinarian checks, exercise, and high-quality food, your Persian companion can thrive for up to 20 years.
If you are interested in Persian cat health, check out this article: Why Is My Persian Cat Vomiting? 5 Unique Reasons.
14. Persian Cats Have Won Several Guinness World Records
According to Guinnessworldrecords.com, the smallest cat on record was Tinker Toy, a male blue point Himalayan-Persian cat owned by Katrina and Scott Forbes (USA). Tinker Toy only measured 2.75 inches tall and 7.5 inches long as a fully grown cat.
Tinker Toy, unfortunately, died at six years old in November 1997.
Additionally, according to Guinnessworldrecords.com, the cat with the longest fur on record was Colonel Meow, a Himalayan-Persian cross-breed adopted as a rescue cat from the Himalayan & Persian Society by Anne Maire Avey and Eric Rosario (USA).
Colonel Meow became an internet sensation by breaking the record of the cat with the longest fur. Three independent vets measured his coat, averaging at nine inches long.
Colonel Meow, unfortunately, died at the very young age of two years old in January 2014.
15. Persian Cats Are Famous Historical Figures
In addition to England’s Queen Victoria putting Persians on the map because of her two prized Persian cats, Persians are historical figures throughout history.
Florence Nightingale owned approximately 60 cats in her lifetime, of which the most famous was a large Persian named Mr. Bismark.
In addition, Marilyn Monroe owned a beautiful white Persian named Mitsou.
Lastly, Persians are famous for appearing on the big screen in movies like Stuart Little as Snowbell, James Bond as Blofeld’s furry friend, and Austin Powers as Mr. Bigglesworth.
16. Persian Cat Painting
The final reason Persian cats are the best is that even the art world’s patrons can’t resist immortalizing them into art.
A 6-by-8.5-foot famous, late 19th-century art piece, named my “My Wife’s Lovers,” sold at an auction for $826,000.
Other famous Persian cat paintings include “Two White Persian Cats Looking into a Goldfish Bowl,” painted by Arthur Heyer, and “White Persian Cat” by Warren Kimble.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many reasons to think Persian cats are the best. I came up with a list of 16 reasons and I think there are more out there. My favorite reason is that the Persian is a lap cat. It is nice to have a cat on your lap snoozing and purring. If you enjoyed this article, please check out a few more:
- Do Persian Cats Miss Their Owners? (The Reliable Reasons): Click Here To Read.
- Do Persian Cats Drink Water? (The Best Answer): Click Here To Read.
- Do Persian Cats Scratch Furniture? (The Truth About Why): Click Here To Read.
