Cat · Longhair
Persian
Serene, sweet, and luxuriously coated — with a daily grooming commitment to match.
- Origin
- Persia (Iran)
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–5.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–17 years
- Apartment-friendly
- Yes
Persians are known for their long, flowing coats, round faces, and calm temperaments. They are one of the oldest and most recognisable cat breeds.
Their coat needs daily grooming, and the flat face of many modern Persians causes breathing and eye problems. Look for breeders who favour a moderate face.
With children: Fair — best with calm children who handle gently.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home.
💛 Temperament
Quiet, gentle, and affectionate. Persians prefer calm, predictable environments.
🎾 Exercise
Low; gentle play sessions keep them active.
🪮 Grooming
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful mats; face and eyes need regular cleaning. Many owners use professional groomers.
🎓 Training
Can learn routines with gentle encouragement.
🥣 Feeding
Balanced diet; some Persians do better with kibble shapes designed for flat faces.
Health watch-list
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Common in the breed; DNA testing is available.
Brachycephalic airway problems
Flat-faced Persians can have breathing difficulties.
Eye discharge and infections
Tear staining and eye issues are common.
Dental problems
Crowded teeth need regular care.
The ideal home
Quiet homes with owners committed to daily grooming.
Is a Persian right for you?
✅ Often a great fit for
- Quiet, calm homes
- Indoor living
- Owners who enjoy daily grooming
- Older people looking for a gentle companion
⚠️ Think twice
- If you cannot groom daily
- If you cannot budget for eye, airway, and dental care
- If you buy without kidney (PKD) screening
- If you want an active, playful cat
History of the Persian
Long-haired cats were brought to Europe from Persia (Iran) and Turkey from the 1600s. Persians were favourites at Victorian cat shows, and Queen Victoria owned several.
Over the 20th century, show Persians were bred with increasingly flat faces. Many breeders now favour moderate faces because of the breathing, eye, and dental problems associated with extreme types.
Fun fact
Queen Victoria kept Persian cats, helping popularise the breed.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies — every animal is an individual. Health information here is general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet, and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.