The Persian cat breed is the most popular long-haired cat breed in the world. She looks like a soft toy with a charming slightly flattened muzzle and expressive eyes. This article contains useful information about the features of the breed, its history, appearance and character, Persian cat price in India, and the secrets of choosing a furry pet.
Brief information about the breed
- Breed name: Persian cat (Persian, peach).
- Country of origin: Iran, Turkey.
- Weight: 3-7 kg.
- Average life expectancy: 13-15 years.
The Middle East, primarily Persia (Iran), is considered the birthplace of a Persian cat, but the breed owes its current appearance mainly to European and American breeders of the 19th-20th centuries.
Photos of Persian cats
Persian cat: origin story
In the XVI-XVII centuries, unusual long-haired cats were brought to Europe mainly from the Middle East. Perhaps it was there that a random mutation first appeared that made the coat of cats long.
Initially, all imported long-haired cats were called Persian (by the name of the region – Persia) or Angora (similarly – Ankara, Turkey), without making a difference between them. Later, such cats were re-imported from one country to another, everywhere they called them differently: French, Indian, Chinese, Russian, Manx … But the eastern name still won, by the end of the 19th century, most long-haired cats were registered under the common name – Persian. Other breeds with long hair clearly separated from the Persians a little later.
World felinology originated in Great Britain at the end of the 19th century. It was there that the first cat show was held (1871, London), the first standards were written, the first clubs of breeders and breeders were opened … Active work on the Persian breed began there.
As early as 1892, Harrison Ware, in his book Our Cats and All About Them, described the Persian breed standard. Of course, extreme Persians with a truly flat muzzle simply did not exist then, but already the first description of the appearance and character of the Persian breed makes it clear that the ideal of the breed is a large calm cat of the most soft and rounded lines, wide-headed, big-eyed, with thick and delicate hair.
Most popular color Persian cat
Interestingly, the most popular then were blue (gray), white and silver Persians. Black Persian cats were rare and highly valued. But the same were considered tabbies and turtles more like a cross between Persians and ordinary short-haired cats; colors with white spots (bicolor, calico) also remained unpopular and not very prestigious for a long time. Some breeders even advised to cull (euthanize) such kittens immediately after birth.
The color-point color in the breed appeared later than others, between 1930 and 1950, as a result of the purposeful crossing of Persian cats with Siamese. Colorpoint Persians are called Himalayans. Even later, the chocolate color appeared in the breed (also the result of crossing with oriental cats), which is still quite rare.
It is noteworthy that already at the beginning of their journey, the Persians earned a reputation as an elite breed. Only wealthy people from high society could afford thoroughbred Persians, whose cost sometimes reached 2-4 thousand dollars.
In America, the first breeder of Persian cat was Mrs. Locke, Lockehaven cattery. She imported her first cats back in the 1870s. Persians quickly became popular in the United States and a hundred years later, in the 1970s, it was there that the so-called peke-faced red Persians with an abnormally flat muzzle first appeared. It is believed that this is the result of some kind of mutation. Unfortunately, it soon became clear that they were suffering from numerous health problems. In the future, breeders began to get flat-faced cats with the help of complex selection for the right traits, and the true “peke-faced” degenerated. The appearance of modern Persians is not associated with one specific mutation, but with a complex set of genes fixed in the selection process.
Currently, Persian cats are recognized by all felinological systems. The date of recognition of the breed, as a rule, coincides with the date of formation of the organization.
In Russia, the first classic Persians appeared in the late 80s and soon became one of the most popular breeds. For many well-known experts and breeders, the passion for cats began precisely with the Persian breed.
In the 2000s, the modern (“American”) type with an extremely short muzzle clearly began to dominate in the Russian Federation. Now the Persians are not the most common breed (perhaps this is due to the difficulties in care and breeding), but they are still regularly seen at exhibitions, where they traditionally take prizes. In many Russian cities there are professional Persian catteries specializing in a variety of colors.
Appearance of the Persian cat
The ideal Persian cat consists mainly of rounded lines. Round muzzle, round eyes, rounded ears, even the body seems almost spherical due to thick hair!
Body type – cobby.
The body is very strong, squat, the paws are short and powerful, the tail is also short.
The head of the Persian cat is wide and rounded, the muzzle is flat. The ears are small, with slightly rounded tips, set wide and low on the head. The eyes are large and round. Due to the open look, the expression of the muzzle of the Persian is naive, as if childish. A “frown” is a fault, usually associated with incorrect head proportions, incorrect shape and set of eyes.
Break (stop) – a sharp depressed transition from the forehead to the nose, characteristic of the Persian breed – is located between the eyes, exactly in the center of the head. The nose is located at the level of the lower eyelid. Too high a nose in some systems (GCCF) is considered a defect, since it is this type of head that is most often associated with health problems.
In profile, the head of a Persian seems completely flat; one can mentally draw a straight vertical line from the forehead to the chin; the forehead is full, rounded.
The coat is soft, very long, with an abundant thick undercoat. The structure of the coat is slightly different in cats of different colors, the softest is usually clarified and silver.
Classic type
Persians of an obsolete type are called classical. They differ from modern ones mainly in a more elongated head shape. The upper edge of the nose of such cats is noticeably below eye level, in profile the muzzle is slightly elongated. Classical Persians do not meet modern standards and are not found at exhibitions, although in some countries attempts are still being made to preserve the classic type, but already as a separate breed.
So, for example, in the European WCF, the so-called traditional (original) long-haired breed (Original Longhair) is recognized; in the South African SACC system – long-haired chinchilla. The appearance of the classic Persian cat is also visible in modern British longhair.
Okra
All colors are allowed in any variations:
- black, blue;
- red, cream;
- chocolate, lilac;
- all tortoiseshell;
- white.
Any tabby, solid, smoky, silver and gold (including shaded and chinchilla), color-point are recognized. Colors with white spots (van, harlequin, bicolor, calico) are acceptable, but not medallions (small white spots, usually on the chest) and white fingers on color points.
Eye color should be bright, match the color. Color Points have deep blue, chinchillas have emerald green, whites and colors have blue, copper or different (heterochromia), others have bright orange.
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Features of care and nutrition
Persian cats require more daily care than other breeds. This is primarily due to their thick coat and short muzzle.
Hair care
A luxurious Persian coat requires the most care, and it is necessary to accustom a pet to all grooming procedures from childhood with the help of patience, perseverance and positive stimulation (praise, treats).
For everyday care of the Persian, a comb with long and frequent metal teeth is suitable. Too short teeth of simple brushes are not able to comb the wool to its full length. Furminators should not be used. They do not have significant advantages over a regular comb, while often cutting off too much undercoat, which spoils the appearance of the cat.
It is desirable to comb the Persian cat daily. Maybe a little less often, but always regularly. Remember, it’s easier to prevent tangles than to remove them once they’ve already appeared.
Wool is more likely to tangle where it is especially soft: on the stomach, panties, behind the ears. Pay special attention to these areas.
Persians need to be bathed regularly. This helps to remove old hair, facilitates combing, and has a positive effect on the appearance and well-being of the animal. The frequency of bathing is selected individually. Some advice to wash Persian cats once a week, but a monthly bath is usually sufficient.
Cosmetics are selected individually. Some cats need only one type of simple shampoo for daily care, others need a degreaser and conditioner for best results. Pre-show preparation is particularly difficult, because in addition to cleanliness and freshness, wool must retain volume. Ideally, the Persian cat resembles a cloud.
If you take a cat to a professional cattery, consult a breeder about the choice of cosmetics. Knowing the characteristics of their cats, he will be able to advise the best option.
After washing, be sure to dry your pet. Without a hair dryer, thick Persian wool dries for a very long time, forming tangles in the process. You need to accustom yourself to the hair dryer from childhood, gradually. First, introduce the subject itself (turned off), then turn it on for a short while. It is important to reward the cat during and after the unpleasant procedure. Some animals tolerate indirect drying better through openings in a carrier or display cage.
Ordinary cats are not sheared, as this violates the natural processes of thermoregulation, and the coat after shearing is restored for a long time. However, clipping (including clipping) of a Persian cat is acceptable, sometimes even preferable. If for some reason hair care is difficult or impossible, it is definitely better for a cat to be shaved than overgrown with tangles that tighten and injure the skin, making it difficult to clean the hair normally.
Eye hygiene
The shortened skull contributes to the narrowing and deformation of the nasolacrimal duct, which is why cats of brachycephalic breeds, which include Persians, sometimes have leaky eyes.
For daily eye care, use special lotions (sold in pet stores and veterinary pharmacies) and soft paper napkins. For Persian cats of white and other light colors, there are special bleaching agents that remove traces of streaks. For example, #1 All Systems Super Whitening Gel.
Not all Persian cats have watery eyes. The absence of secretions is a normal and even preferred option.
It is necessary to distinguish a natural tear (clean, transparent, it turns red in the air, then turns brown, collects in dry crusts) from manifestations of eye infections (discharges are cloudy, purulent, the eye is inflamed). If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
Feeding
Good nutrition is the key to the health of a cat and the beauty of its coat. Choose only foods with high quality sources of animal protein and fat, low in carbohydrates. The use of feed with a poor composition often leads to the fact that the Persian coat loses its natural luster, looks untidy, falls out a lot, and forms tangles faster.
Suitable for Persians and natural feeding. Despite the shortened head, Persians with a normal bite can easily gnaw even large pieces of meat.
Sometimes owners notice that the Persian cat gets very dirty while eating. The problem can be solved by washing after eating, using a bib, or changing the bowl to a very small and flat one so that the wool from the thick collar does not climb into the food.
Character of the Persians
The nature of a Persian cat is as gentle as their appearance. Persians are not intrusive, but they like to spend time next to a person, sit on their hands, and watch with interest everything that happens in the house. They meow little and quietly, often communicating with the help of an expressive look.
Persians do not have a high level of activity, but still need games, communication with the owner and high-quality vertical space (game complex, shelf system, etc.).
Persian cats get along well with other animals (dogs, ferrets, birds). Living in the same house with small animals (birds, rodents) is possible, but pets should not come into contact, especially without the owner’s control. The hunting instinct in Persians is rather weak compared to other breeds, but still present.
Persians are not aggressive and friendly to children, but it is important to teach the child to treat the cat delicately. The animal must have its own space.
Health and disease
There are several hereditary diseases found in the breed. First of all, these are PKD (polycystic kidney disease) and PRA (progressive retinal atrophy). The first leads to the development of chronic renal failure due to growing cysts on the kidneys, the second leads to blindness. Fortunately, genetic tests are now available that can be used to track and avoid breeding carriers of these diseases.
Persian cats have HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and other heart pathologies, so at the annual medical examination it is necessary to check not only the abdominal organs, but also the heart. This is especially true for older animals.
Abnormally constricted nostrils can cause some Persian cats to have difficulty breathing, and malocclusion and a crooked jaw make eating difficult. Narrowness of the nostrils and malocclusion are serious faults that are rare in pedigree Persian cats from professional catteries, but are almost inevitable when breeding is undertaken by people without the appropriate knowledge and skills.
Periodically evaluate the condition of the ears and skin of the Persian cat, do not neglect the seasonal treatment for ectoparasites. Because of the thick coat, it is easy to miss the onset of the development of skin diseases, not to notice flea bites.
Pure white Persian cats can be partially or completely deaf. This is not a feature of the breed, a similar problem occurs in any white cats, for whose color the dominant W gene is responsible (does not apply to albinos). Hearing can be accurately assessed using the BAER test. Often there is a statement that only white blue-eyed cats and / or kittens without a dark colored spot on the head are deaf (it disappears with age), but this is not true. Hearing disorders are found among white cats with eyes of any color. Deaf animals are not suitable for breeding and are usually sold as pets at a reduced price.
Positive and negative sides of the breed
The obvious downsides are:
- difficulty in caring for hair;
- difficulty in breeding;
- possible health problems.
The showy appearance and calm nature of a Persian cat can be considered pluses, although for those who prefer hyperactive cats of the eastern group, Persians may seem somewhat boring.
Persian Cat Price in India in different cities
For pet-quality kittens, a Persian cat price in India starts at 32516-39020 Indian Rupees. Breeding animals is more expensive, the cost of elite show cats can reach one hundred thousand and more.
Following is the list of Persian cat price in India city wise with prices in Indian Rupees:
City Prices in India Rupees
- Persian cat price in Delhi Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Mumbai Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Chennai Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Bangalore Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Lucknow Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Pune Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Mangalore Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Agra Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Raipur Rs 14,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Kochi Rs 14,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Nagpur Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Kolhapur Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Hyderabad Rs 15,000 to Rs 40,000
- Persian cat price in Jaipur Rs 18,000 to Rs 40,000
Relatively cheap, for a nominal fee or even free of charge, you can take a former stud (neuter) in the nursery.
How to choose a kitten
A Persian kitten should be bought only in an officially registered cattery, even if show quality is not important to you. Taking a kitten from your hands, according to a random ad or in a pet store, you are at great risk of getting a sick animal with problems in socialization.
When buying a kitten in a cattery, you will receive:
- document of origin;
- veterinary passport;
- contract of sale;
- care instructions;
- copies of parents’ health tests (PKD, PRA – genetic analysis, HCM – results of ultrasound of the heart).
When choosing a Persian kitten, pay attention to its parents and other cats in the cattery. All animals must be well-groomed, not show fear, aggression.
Although Persians are not known for being hyperactive, Persian kittens are normally curious and always happy to play. Lethargy and unwillingness to move are usually signs of poor health. Notice the kitten’s face. It should be symmetrical, with normally developed nostrils. A healthy Persian kitten should not sniffle or breathe with their mouth open, even after active play.
Many Persian cat breeders sell pet kittens already neutered/neutered. This is a normal practice that does not affect the further development of kittens.
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breed breeding
Persians are one of the most difficult breeds to breed, besides, at exhibitions, they are subject to the highest requirements both in type and color, and in grooming.
The main cause of problems in the formation of the craniofacial skeleton is outbred dysgenesis, that is, the crossing of such unrelated sires that their genes simply do not match.
Only by knowing well the main types and lines of Persian cats, their compatibility with each other, can you start breeding. Random selection of a pair, even if the animals are perfectly healthy, will most likely lead to defects in kittens.
To gain relevant knowledge, even before buying your first breeding cat, you should study specialized literature, sign up for felinological courses / seminars / webinars (preferably dedicated specifically to the Persian breed), and, of course, talk to experienced breeders of Persian cats.
Although the breed is late maturing and does not show violent signs of sexual hunting, unneutered Persian cats often mark. Occasionally, flowing cats also do this. Keep this in mind when organizing a nursery.
It is impossible to imagine the breeding of a Persian cat without participation in exhibitions, which are held primarily in order to adequately assess the livestock, select the best and reject cats with defects. Advice and comments from international experts will also help the novice breeder to form the right vision for the breed.
To be successful in the show, it is not enough to have an outstanding cat, you also need to understand grooming. Exhibition preparation is noticeably different from everyday care. Moreover, its nuances largely depend on the color. In a black Persian cat, for example, you need to be able to emphasize a dark pure color without moire (residual pattern), non-painting, brown spots. Light colors should be radiant and clean; bright (for example, red) – saturated, but not too dark; smoky – maximum contrast. They achieve this with the help of various cosmetics and other tricks.
Some Persians are lightly plucked before the show to remove excess outer hair, the area around the eyes is slightly trimmed, and tassels on the ears. However, even after all these manipulations, the cat should look natural. At the exhibition, the Persian should look not just good, but brilliant. Poor condition and unkempt coat is a definite failure for a show Persian cat. Breeding purebred cats, especially the “difficult” ones like the Persian, is hard work with a lot of responsibility. Thoughtless breeding discredits the breed and greatly increases the population of sick cats. Also keep in mind that the money from the sale of Persian kittens will never compensate for the cost of running the cattery.
Interesting Facts about Persian Cat Price
- There is a short haired variation of the Persian breed, the Exotic Shorthair.
- Persian cats have left a significant mark on popular culture, and have been featured in films more than once. The role of Crookshanks, Hermione’s cat (a series of films about Harry Potter), for example, was played by red Persian cats.
- Often the Persians flashed in family films of the nineties and zero: “Babe” (blue Persian cat Duchess), “Road Home” (Himalayan cat Sassy), “Stuart Little” (Persian cat Snowball, chinchilla color), “Cats vs Dogs” (white Persian cat Mr. Tinkles), etc.
- One of the main characters in the animated series Bojack Horseman is a pink Persian cat, Princess Carolyn.
- In honor of the Persian breed, the type of Pokemon – Persian (Persian) is named.
- Persians have been depicted more than once on engravings, postage stamps and paintings. For example, in Arthur Heyer’s painting “Two White Persian Cats Looking into a Goldfish Bowl”.
- Being one of the first thoroughbred cats, the Persians took part in the creation of many other breeds: exotic, British, Scottish, Selkirk Rex, Tiffany, etc.
- Angora cats, which 100-150 years ago differed little from Persians, now look like their complete opposite: graceful, long-faced and big-eared, practically devoid of undercoat.
Conclusion
The Persian cat breed is one of the most popular long-haired cats in the globe. She seems to look like a soft toy with her charming slightly flattened muzzle and expressive bright eyes. Choosing the right Persian cat is very difficult. The Persian cat price in India can vary in different cities of India.
