It is unlikely that anyone will remain indifferent to this beauty, even people who do not feel tender feelings for fluffy purrs. In addition to its charming appearance, the soft and friendly character of Persian cats attracts. This animal is exclusively in all respects: the history of its origin leaves many mysteries for specialists, the breed has more than a hundred colors, but most importantly, three standards of this breed are recognized today. In this article, we offer you a description that is a summary of FIFe, CFA, and WCF standards.
Persian cat: history, description of the breed, character
This is one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats in the world. From the XVI-XVII centuries, when these animals appeared in Europe, their history is quite clearly traced, and until this period it is full of mysteries. Today there are several versions of the appearance of these animals in Europe. According to one of them, the Italian traveler Pietro Della Valle at the beginning of the 16th century brought them from Persia (Iran).
Another version suggests that the first long-haired cats came to France from Ankara (Turkey) in the XVII century. All who are inclined to the second version are sure that the name of these animals is connected not with the place of their origin, but with a certain mystery and attractiveness. In those days, Europe only revealed the appeal of the East.
In fact, the Persians have much in common with Angora cats. First of all, this is the structure of the body. Both breeds have well developed shoulders and chest, a fairly strong lower back and strong muscular paws. In addition, both breeds have a well-defined fur collar, and tufts of wool in the interdigital spaces and auricles. The character of Persian cats in many respects resembles the character of their Angora relatives.
And at the same time, none of these versions answers an important question: how could animals with such long and dense hair appear in hot countries located in the Middle East? And in this case, the versions are different. Some researchers claim that long hair is the result of a mutation. This opinion has a right to exist, because it is known that many modern breeds have arisen precisely due to mutations. This applies to fold cats, rex, naked sphinxes.
Another version suggests that the ancestors of Persian cats came to Eastern countries from Siberia. This statement seems completely absurd at first glance. However, it has some justification. After all, initially Siberian cats were wild and in the course of evolution crossed with many steppe individuals. Their distinctive feature was the tufts of fluffy wool between the fingers, which, as you know, is inherent in the Persians.
But whatever the origin of these charming creatures, they were able to very quickly win the hearts of animal lovers in Europe. Traveling merchants, wanting to increase the value of living goods in the eyes of customers, argued that these beauties were the result of crossbreeding of Pallas and Dune cats.
Persian cats have one more official homeland. The description of the breed, which can be read in many reference books, confirms that in the 19th century, British breeders were closely engaged in long-haired cats. They divided them into Persian and Angora. Only then, for some reason, they thought that Persian cats should have only a blue color.
In parallel with the British breeders, the Germans also conducted work, crossing representatives of the Angora breed with other long-haired animals.
Unsuccessful experiments of Americans
It must be said that breeders from the United States did not make the best contribution to the breed at the end of the 20th century. They began breeding animals with extra long hair and a very flat nose. As a result, they received a lot of defective animals, which, despite this, were sold in Europe. True, in the end they brought extremals, who became very popular in the world.
Persian cat in Russia
These animals came to our country after the end of the Cold War. They were brought by diplomats at the end of the eighties from business trips. At that time, Persian cats were considered a rarity. Description of the breed, the nature of the animals attracted the attention of Russian breeders. True, they liked not extreme people, but a more refined type of cats, with a softer and more classic profile.
External features
You may have heard that representatives of the Persian breed are sometimes called cats with the face of a child. This is probably no coincidence. A feature of the breed is a small, but wide and snub nose. Depending on its shape, several varieties are distinguished. Animals with a very snub nose resembling a Pekingese are called extremals. If the nose is elongated and slightly upturned, then we can talk about the classic type of breed. Cats with huge eyes, in which the nose is at the level of the lower eyelid, are a modern type of animal.
Persian cat of all varieties has:
- volumetric chest;
- strong and muscular paws;
- fairly broad back;
- wide and big head;
- small rounded ears;
- strong neck;
- short ponytail;
- expressive and big eyes.
Hair coat
Magnificent coat is the pride of these animals. However, it is she who greatly complicates the care of a Persian cat. Many experts claim that the Persians are the only representatives of long-haired animals. All other breeds should be classified as medium or shorthair.
Persian wool reaches a length of 20 cm. In structure, it is silky and thin, feels like fluff to the touch. Oddly enough, but Persian wool does not play its main role. The fact is that some varieties do not even have an undercoat, and therefore such wool will not warm on the street in winter.
Colors
The Persian cat, the character of which attracts many animal lovers, has a huge variety of colors. Today, there are hundreds of their varieties. Everything is quite difficult to describe - gray and blue, red and cream, red and purple.
The color of the coat is the same throughout the length of black, white and tortie cats. More complex types of color have a lighter than the main cover, undercoat, for example smoky, light sand, etc. Gorgeous Persians with blue eyes often have bright areas on light wool. Such species are called color points.
Persian chinchilla
In more detail we will talk about one of the colors. Persians are extraordinary cats. Persian chinchilla, whose character, its sophisticated external data, habits are unique, can safely claim the title of aristocrat in the cat family. In almost all international competitions, chinchilla deservedly occupies a leading position due to its exquisite beauty.
Her spectacular appearance is always in the spotlight. A snow-white fur coat, pink earlobe, huge emerald-colored eyes wide open, lips with a dark rim cannot but arouse genuine admiration. This is a recognized model who often adorns magazine covers; her photos are printed on calendars and posters. But the main thing is that with such an outstanding appearance, the chinchilla has a calm and peaceful character.
She is gullible and affectionate, like a child. This Persian cat needs an extrovert owner. Description of the breed by well-known experts contains recommendations for the owners: remember that in the absence of attention from the owner to this cat, it can become lethargic and lethargic. It is for this reason that it is advisable not to leave her alone for a long time.
The remarkable nature of Persian cats allows them to be kept in families with children. Fluffy handsome men will be happy to play with the kids, and if too noisy and active games tire them, they will simply leave for their place. To vagrancy this cat is completely not predisposed.
The snow-white beauty in comparison with other representatives of the breed is very emotional, and she expresses emotions for any reason. Therefore, we can say that these are "talkative" cats. They meet the owner with a rumbling, plaintively telling him about loneliness in his absence, they can growl terrifyingly if their wool is processed without proper accuracy.
If you become the owner of a snow-white chinchilla, then you will need a professional shampoo designed for white cats so that its coat does not darken or yellow. These cats should be fed with high-quality, high-calorie food, in which Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are added to shine the coat and skin health. For prevention, it is necessary to give cats a malt paste to remove hairballs from the stomach.
Tears often flow in the chinchilla, so her eyes should be regularly washed with preventive drops. With good care and proper maintenance, the chinchilla lives about 15 years.
Persian Care
If the character of Persian cats usually does not create problems for the owners, then caring for such a pet is considered difficult. Of course, this is due to the magnificent wool, which needs to be combed out daily if you do not want it to roll into mats that will need to be cut.
Specialists recommend the use of special powders that are made on the basis of talc or chalk. In addition, you will need a whole set of brushes and special hair care products. We want to warn future owners that even with regular combing, there will be a lot of wool in your house.
Wool is the most important indicator that allows you to judge how healthy your Persian cat is. The nature of these animals, of course, is flexible, but if you do not accustom a kitten from an early age to hygienic procedures, over time they will become torture for you and your pet.
There is another feature of the breed that should be known to those wishing to have such a pet. This is their famous snub-nosed, which, in fact, is a defect in the nasal septum, which prevents the animal from breathing fully. Therefore, the Persians snore a little in a dream.
Feeding
Despite its spectacular appearance, the Persian cat breed is not spoiled in nutrition. The nature of these animals is manifested even in this. Feed the Persians (adult animals) need two to three times a day. Food should be rich in protein. A high-quality high-quality feed (dry or wet) is well suited, which should be well balanced and include a complete set of trace elements and vitamins.
Health
The Persian cat is a healthy animal, however there are diseases to which it is genetically predisposed. This is, first of all, kidney diseases, which over time can cause kidney failure.
There are also cases of blindness among Persian cats that are associated with retinal atrophy. This is a hereditary disease. But the most dangerous disease that can threaten the Persians is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is a serious cardiac pathology that can cause the death of an animal.
Character
The Persian cat is famous for its complaisant and meek disposition. The character and habits of this beautiful animal attract both experienced cat-mates and people who previously did not have pets. Persians are not vindictive, although they may be offended if they are not noticed and given not enough attention to them. In this case, they try to hide in a secluded corner. But as soon as you hail your pet, he will instantly rush over and, purring, will rub at your feet.
Persian cats are very sociable and affectionate. This is especially true for cats. With proper upbringing, these cute animals quickly and easily get used to any procedure, whether combing or bathing. Often, a Persian cat undergoes the necessary manipulations with the appearance that it does an enormous favor to the owner, allowing him to touch himself. In reality, this means that she is used to certain procedures and fully trusts the owner.
Adult animals are balanced and non-fussy. They can lie for hours if nothing interesting happens around. But these cats will never refuse to play if the owner offers a small plastic ball or a fur mouse. Persian cats are extremely attached to humans. Your furry friend will always be there, because he does not like to be alone at all.
Persian behavior and precautions
- Persian cats need a comfortable and safe home. First of all, you should remove all medical preparations in the first-aid kit, close the means for washing and cleaning the premises in a certain cabinet.
- When filling the bath, close the door to the room tightly. The same must be done when cooking in the kitchen. Attracted by the aromas of food, a pet can jump onto a stove and singe a mustache and coat. The animal will face the same troubles if the owner does not close the fireplace in the house with a protective screen.
- Do not be surprised if your pet chooses a drying chamber or a washing machine as a resting place. Make sure that the doors of these appliances are always closed and check their contents before using them.
- Fasten the mesh to the windows. If this is not done, the cat, falling on the windowsill, may fall. When falling from a fairly high altitude, cats most often manage to group themselves and land on their feet, but sometimes (for example, with an unexpected fall) the flight can end tragically.
- Caution must be observed when opening external or interior doors. Avoid drafts, as with a sharp closing of the door your furry friend may suffer.
Persian cats (character): reviews
Many owners believe that you cannot find better companions than these animals. Beauties with luxurious hair are attractive, first of all, for their soft and kind disposition. There is no problem establishing contact between the cat and the owner. The animal is very affectionate, never harbors grudge, plays great with children. If there are any flaws in this cat, then, according to the owners, they concern only complex care, and the nature of these animals is simply amazing.