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Origin of the breed

In general, it's not clear when longhaired cats first appeared, as there are no African Wildcats, which are believed to be ancestors of domesticated cats, with long fur. There were claims in the 19th century that the gene responsible for long hair was introduced through hybridization with the Pallas cat, however, research in the early 20th century refutes this theory.

The first documented ancestors of the Persian were imported from Khorasan, Persia into Italy in 1620 by Pietro della Valle, and from Angora (now Ankara), Turkey into France by Nicholas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc at around the same time. The Khorasan cats were grey coated while those from Angora were white. From France, they soon reached Britain. Longhaired cats were also imported to Europe from Afghanistan, Burma, China and Russia. Interbreeding of the various types were common especially between Angoras and Persians.

Recent genetic research indicates that present day Persians are related not to cats from the Near East but to cats from Western Europe. The researchers stated that "Even though the early Persian cat may have in fact originated from ancient Persia, the modern Persian cat has lost its phylogeographical signature."

Persian Colors

A wide variety of colors and patterns is permissable. In CFA Standards, the Persian coat colors are divided into color divisions:

• Solid Color Division
• Silver & Golden Division
• Shaded & Smoke Division
• Tabby Division
• Parti-Color Division
• Calico & Bi-Color Division
• Himalayan Division

Of particular note is the Himalayan Division, which CFA considers as just another color of the Persian breed. In TICA, the Himalayan is considered a separate breed, but is included in the Persian Breed Group, which also includes Exotic Shorthair cats.

If you want your cats bouncing around like hyperactive popcorn, don't buy a Persian. Persians are perfect companions, if you like placid, sweet-tempered cats. Don't count on using your Persian pal as a furry doorstop, however. They love to play between periods of regal lounging on your favorite davenport. Proponents say that Persians do not deserve their 'furniture with fur' reputation, they are intelligent, just not as inquisitive as some breeds, and not as active.

Persians are devoted to their humans, but can be selective in conferring that honor. You must earn their trust and love. They crave affection and love to be petted and fussed over, but won't harass you for attention the way some breeds will. They will, however, let their feelings be known if they are not getting the requisite amount of attention.