Long-haired breeds
Persian: personality, life span and weight
The Persian is the classic long-haired breed, with a long, full coat, a flat face and large eyes. It is quiet and gentle and does well in a calm home.
- Gentle
- Quiet
- Relaxed
Persian at a glance
- Adult weight
- 3–5.5 kg
- Life span
- 12–17 years
- Shedding
- heavy
- Activity
- calm
- Origin
- Iran (formerly Persia)
- Coat
- Long, full double coat
Persian personality
It prefers resting on a sofa or cushion to jumping high. It is soft-voiced and docile, and is more at ease with a steady, quiet routine than in a noisy home.
Coat care and daily care
It needs brushing every day. Skipping even one day can leave mats under the legs and on the belly. The flat face causes a lot of tearing, so wipe around the eyes daily, and keep the room cool in summer.
Health problems Persian keepers should know
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)A well-known inherited disease in Persian lines. A genetic test can confirm it.
- Flat-face (brachycephalic) problemsExcess tearing, a blocked nose, noisy breathing and crowded teeth can occur.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Regular check-ups are recommended.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Persian photos from cat keepers
Photo tip Right after brushing is the best moment. Let soft light fall from the side to show the flow of the coat, and wipe the eyes first.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryPersian questions and answers
- How long do Persian cats live?
- An indoor Persian typically lives about 12–17 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Persian weigh?
- A fully grown Persian usually weighs 3–5.5 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Persian cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is heavy. Long, full double coat. It needs brushing every day. Skipping even one day can leave mats under the legs and on the belly. The flat face causes a lot of tearing, so wipe around the eyes daily, and keep the room cool in summer.
- What is the Persian personality like?
- It prefers resting on a sofa or cushion to jumping high. It is soft-voiced and docile, and is more at ease with a steady, quiet routine than in a noisy home.