Persian Cats Have Mysterious Origins
Persian cats were imported into Europe from Persia in the early 1600s. The long-haired beauties were immediately prized for their exotic looks and were named after their presumed homeland. However, their true origins remain obscure, and nobody knows how long they’ve been around.
The Persian Cat Is One of the First Pedigreed Cats
Persian cats are considered one of the earliest pedigreed breeds, with the first purebred Persians arriving in the United States around 1875. In 1906, the Cat Fanciers’ Association was formed in America, and a Persian was one of the first cats registered. Persians are the most popular pedigreed breed in the United States and worldwide.
The World’s Largest Cat Painting Features Persian Cats
Several famous paintings have sold for exorbitant amounts over the years, but none as unique as one titled “My Wife’s Lovers,” which features 42 Persians. The painting took three years to complete. Its dimensions are 6′ x 8.5,’ and it weighs 227 pounds, making it the largest cat painting in the world. It last sold for $826,000.
Persian Cats Haven’t Always Had Flat Faces
Persian cats haven’t always had that distinctive flat face, but in the 1950s, a genetic mutation caused a batch of kittens to be born with those scrunched features. Breeders took to the new look and used selective breeding to get that Persian show cat “peke-faced” look. The traditional Persian cat, also known as the doll face, doesn’t have that flat silhouette.
Persian Cats Come in Different Colors
The stereotypical white Persian cat isn’t the only one out there. The fancy breed comes in a range of colors and shades. From orange and gray to black and white, chocolate, lilac, chinchilla gold, and shaded silver, you can almost certainly find a Persian cat in the color of your preference.
Persian Cats Are Perfect Lapcats
Persians are super lazy, making them perfect lapcats. They’re often nicknamed “furniture with fur” because they can spend hours in the same spot without flinching. Persians are fun to be around and love interaction and playtime but won’t claw on your furniture and don’t have the curiosity to wreak havoc on your home.
Persian Tabbies are not a specific breed but rather a coat pattern that can be found in many different breeds. The fictional comic strip cat named Garfield is an orange Persian Tabby. Although the comic doesn't portray any fine details such as fur texture and volume, it is obvious that Garfield is a Persian Tabby, just judging by his personality, facial features, and of course his fur pattern.