Page 138 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

136 C A T AL OG OF BREED S

Short nose
with break Large head with
between eyes broad skull
Full Small,
Orange-colored eyes cheeks rounded ears
Body sturdy and with long tufts
deep-chested

Deep
ruff
Long, thick,
fine-textured Short,
white coat sturdy legs

Short tail
PERSIAN—SOLID

THIS CHARMING CAT IS THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF THE WORLD’S FAVORITE LONGHAIR

Place of origin UK By the end of the 19th century, when black and red were other early solid colors.
Date of origin 1800s pedigree cat shows were starting to attract Since about the 1920s onward, further
Breed registries CFA, FIFe, worldwide interest, the Persian (sometimes solid-colored varieties have been developed,
GCCF, TICA
referred to as the Longhair) was already including cream, chocolate, and lilac.
Weight range 8–15lb (3.5–7kg)
very popular in the US and the UK. This Characteristically, a Persian has a round
Grooming
luxuriously coated cat came to the show head with a flat face, snub nose, and large,
benches after a long but obscure history round, appealing eyes. The body is compact
Colors and patterns in Europe, and it is not known whether and sturdily built, and the legs are short and
Black, white, blue, red, cream, the true ancestors of the breed did, in strong. The magnificently thick, long coat
chocolate, and lilac.
fact, originate in Persia (Iran). The first is a major commitment for the owner of a
recognized Persians were solid-colored, Persian. Daily grooming is a must to prevent
that is, they had coats of one solid color. the fur from tangling or developing
The earliest known examples of the breed impenetrable mats that are hard to remove.
were pure white, often with blue eyes—a Persians are renowned for their gentle,
color combination commonly associated affectionate temperament and home-loving
with deafness unless breeding is carefully personality. These are definitely not action
managed. Cross-breeding with solid Persians cats, although they can be charmingly
in other colors produced orange eyes, and playful if offered a toy.
white Persians with orange, blue, or The flattened features of the Persian,
different-colored eyes (one of each color) overemphasized in modern breeding
became accepted. Queen Victoria can programs, have led to health issues.
be given credit for making blue Persians Breathing difficulties and problems with
popular—they were her favorite cats—and the tear ducts are common in this cat.