The Persian cat is the most popular breed of cat. Nearly everyone recognizes the distinctive look of the Persian - the round face, squashed nose, big eyes, small ears, stocky legs and - of course - the lovely long hair.
If you're thinking of adopting a Persian cat, you need to consider if it's the right breed for you. This article goes through the potential pros and cons of owning this breed.
Pros:
Very placid and nice-natured
Adaptable to change - so will cope well with house moves, family additions, new pets etc.
Good with other pets including dogs
Good with children
Gentle and loving
Playful and confident but not too boisterous
Not too vocal - most have quiet, melodic voices
Usually happy to live as indoor cats
Cons:
Long hair needs combing on nearly a daily basis to prevent matting
Occasional bathing usually needed to keep the fur in its best condition
Eyes prone to excessive watering, so they need wiping usually on a daily basis. May also need cleaning regularly with a special fluid as dark staining can occur
Flat face can sometimes cause nasal passage blockages and therefore breathing problems
May need to occasionally cut knots out of hair or even get areas on the body shaved if heavy matting occurs
May need occasional help with hygiene especially if they get diarrhea, as it can be difficult for them to clean their long fur thoroughly
Persians need human attention, so they aren't suitable for anyone who can't spend time with them every day
These cats don't like being left alone for long periods of time. If you're out during the day, it's better if there's another pet living with you too that will provide company when you're not there
As long as you have the time and inclination, a lot of the cons listed here aren't really negatives. Most Persian cat owners get great pleasure caring for and spending time with their pets. If you want a lovely natured cat that needs a bit more care than most other breeds, the Persian could be the best choice for you.
Liz Allan is a cat behavior expert with over 20 years experience of caring for cats. Click on these links to her website for more information on the Persian cat and advice on many other different cat breeds.
