

They range in color and some breeder favorites include silver or golden shaded, bi-color, or pointed (darker ears, paws, and tail). Because of selective breeding, some Persians have an extremely short nose, while some have more of a doll face. Persian cats’ most notable feature is their short-nosed face and big, round eyes. Persians have stockier body shapes than other purebreds like Ragdolls or Siamese cats. Some branches of Persians, such as Silver Chinchilla, run a little smaller, and some, like Himalayans, can grow even larger. Most Persian cats are medium-sized, with males ranging from 9-15 pounds and females ranging from 6-9 pounds. Americans enjoyed showing these cats using the standards set forth by the British earlier, but they soon developed their own standards and today, the modern day Persian cat has a style all its own. The Persian quickly took its place as the top cat. Persians came to America in the late 1800s, where they were received with love. During the Persian cat’s journey to the western world, Italian traveler Pietro Della Valle described them as grey with very long, silky, glossy fur during his trip in 1600. The first documented Persian cats in Europe dates back to the mid to late 1500s, which was when they were introduced by Roman caravans from Persia and Turkey. Historians believe that their long hair was genetically favored because of the cold, mountainous regions of Persia.

Although they have been shown since 1871, they actually originated in Persia (now Iran) much earlier. Persian cats have a very rich history and are some of the oldest known domesticated cats. They come in many different shades and styles, but all are equally sweet, smart, and handsome. Known for their long, silky coats and beautiful eyes, these cats are showstoppers.

Even dog people will tell you that the Persian cat is the epitome of beauty.
