The Persian Cat
Considered one of the "ancient" breeds, the elegant and popular Persian cat traces it's early origins to the Angora and other longhaired cats of 16th century Turkey, Persia (Iran) and neighboring countries.
Persians are medium to large cats. Their body is what is known as "cobby type" - low on leg, wide across the chest with a short midsection. Their flowing coats can be found in over 50 colors. Gentle, quiet and affectionate, Persian cats can also be playful in a sweet, docile way.
Those beautiful, thick coats require regular maintenance to keep them from turning into a tangled mess of mats! At least 10-15 minutes of brushing a day and a thorough brushing once a week is recommended. Clipping is sometimes the only solution to a severely matted coat. Despite all the hair, they don't shed as much as you might think - but they do shed. Regular grooming will keep shedding to a minimum.
These laid-back homebodies appreciate the finer things in life, like a luxurious bed or a cozy window perch and of course they look beautiful lounging on designer cat furniture!
For more information about Persian cats:
Persian Breed Profile - The official Cat Fanciers Association breed standard for the Persian cat.
Persian-cats.com - Informative site and community for owners and admirers of Persian cats.
Persian Cat Rescue - finding loving homes for Persian cats in need.