The Persian cat breed is an old one and a popular one. They come in an array of colors, and temperaments, but are generally very good pets. In this guide to all things Persian cat we’ll look at their price, lifespan and more. Some of these average are below, but will be discussed in greater detail throughout this article.
- Persian Cat Price: $500
- Persian Cat Lifespan: 15 years
- Persian Cat Shedding: Moderate
- Persian Size: Medium (Weight Between 7 and 12lbs)
Persian Cat Basics
The Persian cat originated in Persia, although that probably won’t come as much of a surprise. They were first introduced to Europe in the 17th century and it is believed that they were the first long-haired cats to be brought to the continent.
Up until 100 or so years ago, cats that we would now call “Persian” were simply grouped into a large umbrella of cat breeds and known a “Asiatic Cats”. In other words, “cats from Asia”. That changed when they became more popular and therefore widespread. This was a result of the fondness that show breeders had for them as well as the passion that Queen Victoria is said to have of them.
The Persian was introduced to the United States in the 1800s.
Find Persian Cat Breeders
We always recommend checking your local shelters to see if you can find a Persian rescue cat first. Far too many cats are put to death every day in the United States and many of them are Persian. So, do the right thing and save the life of a beautiful Persian cat by calling in at you local adoption shelter to see if they have one available.
We’ve discussed adoption before in other articles, including our dog breeds articles. The industry is really cruel in the United States and it’s that way because too many of us focus on kittens and puppies and we’re too quick to ignore older animals. It can’t continue and we all need to try and do our bit.
Where to Find Persian Cat Kittens for Sale
You can find these cats for sale by local breeders. In fact, there are many Persian cat breeders out there because this is a very popular breed and it is one that is not in short supply. You can use online communities and classifieds to find Persian kittens for sale in your area, but bear a few things in mind first:
- Always buy from a reputable dealer or a good, honest owner.
- Always make sure the kitten has been wormed, speyed/neutered and checked over by a vet. If they don’t do it for you, then get it done yourself.
- Don’t get the kitten too early. They should not be weaned off their mother until they are at least 10 weeks old as it could cause problems later in life.
- Make sure you are prepared to care for them, with food to keep them nourished and toys to keep them active.
- Don’t introduce them to a chaotic household. If your home is busy and you have kids and animals, introduce them steadily and give them time to find their way around the home first.
Persian Cat Price
You can generally get a Persian cat for around $500, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. This is a good price for a very beautiful breed of cat, especially when you consider that they are generally very quiet and sweet. They are often seen as furry ornaments, because they spend a lot of time sitting around and looking pretty.
Although the same could be said for many cat breeds, the Persian is particularly docile and loving. They are sedate and are therefore not good for noisy homes or homes with children. In such environments they might be on edge all of the time and will find it hard to settle in.
They also want a lot of attention. They want you to focus on them, to dote on them and to give them the love they clearly deserve. So, the $500 is not all you will sepnd, as you’ll have to fork out some money for toys, trees, treats and other products to make your new pet feel like royalty.
Persian Cat Food
There are some health problems associated with Persian cats that may require a rather special diet. This cat’s diet can include foods that take into consideration its potential for kidney disease, issues with teeth (they don’t lock together well), heat sensitivity, and eye problems. There are specialist Persian cat food mixes out there (found everywhere from online independent retailers to PetSmart) but most of the time this is just an overpriced product given a unique label.
Instead, simply focus on a good, high quality cat food that can offer them a complete diet and also make sure you are careful about the additional treats and human foods you give them. Take a look at our articles on yoghurt, pizza and cashews, for instance, to learn just how many foods can upset them and even cause them serious harm.
White Persian Cat (And Other Colors)
The Persian cat has a distinctive appearance, including a large and round head; full cheeks and small ears. They have a large neck, a strong body and short legs. The fur is not really much of a descriptor as Persian cats can come in many colors, with white Persian cats often being the most popular for shows.
When groomed and fluffed they take on a certain regal look and have an irresistible cuteness that is sure to win them the award.
One of the characteristics of a white Persian cat is the eyes, which can be a really deep and bright copper color. These eyes also appear in other lighter colored cats of this breed.
Persian Cat Lifespan
The Persian cat lifespan can extend to as long as 15 years, which is the upper end of the average. However, this is an average life span that is generally quoted as being between 10 and 15 years.
This is a rather large difference and is all down to the fact that there are many varieties, and the fact that outdoor vs indoor cats can drastically alter the lifespan. If you feed it the best food, you look after it as you should and you give it all the professional care it needs, there is no reason why it can’t reach those 15 years and go beyond.
Many Persian cats die because of genetic conditions, others are attacked outside of the house. So, keep it indoors (while this is a contentious issue, it’s something that many experts now agree on) feed it well, play with it often and take it to the vet when you suspect something is wrong. A cat’s lifespan is often in the hands of the owner.