The world’s most famous breed

Longhaired cats were unknown in Until around the mid-16th century. The Persian`s first ancestors were imported form Persia (now Iran) to Italy in the 17th century by petrodollar Valle. Later, Nicholas Fabri de Peeresses, an advisor to the Parliament of Aix-en-Provence, brought two cats to France from Turkey (perhaps they were Angora in type). These cats were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Louis XV had a white angora Persian. In the first half the 19th century, some “Persians” bred in Italy and brought to France and England were crossed with “Persians” of Turkish origin. The first specimens were shown in London`s Crystal Palace in 1871. At that time, British breeders organized a selective breeding program. Crosses were made with Angoras to improve the coat. In addition, a systematic effort aimed at increasing the range of colors and patterns was begun, leading to over 200 varieties today. Thus, the smoke Persian, the product of black, white, and blue Persians, was shown in Brighton in 1872. A cat named silver was the first chinchilla Persian shown in London in 1888. Color point Persians, called Himalayans in the United States and considered a separate breed by T.I.C.A. and kmehr (or Kmer) in Germany, appeared around 1920. Tobby Persians, which appeared over a century ago, were shown in Paris in 1927 as “tigers.” Also in the 19th century, British breeders selected the roundest, most massive cats. Around 1930, American breeders obtained an extremely short limbed type called the “Peke face” (after the Pekingese dog). Possibly the world`s most famous feline breed, the Persian was probably used to create the Birman and the British Shorthair.

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Characteristics

The placid, calm, phlegmatic, sedentary Persian is perfectly suited to apartment life. Sociable, peaceful, never aggressive, gentle, and very affectionate, he is very attached to his owner. Persians get along well with other cats, dogs, and children. They are more distant toward strangers. For their well-being, they need a tranquil life. They can tolerate solitude. They rarely use their soft voice. Persians reach maturity at the age of two. They enter puberty late (at approximately 12 months). The breed is not very prolific, and birthing is difficult. Grooming (brushing, combing, and cleaning) is a considerable undertaking. The Persian`s long hair is prone to the rapid formation of knots and tufts. It is therefore essential to untangle the coat every day. Persians shed in spring and summer. Their eyes, which produce tears constantly, must be cleaned regularly.