Few cat breeds have as unique and impressive of an appearance as the Persian. Once you witness that broad face and short muzzle of this longhair beauty for the first time, there’s no forgetting it. And there’s a good reason why cat aficionados love them so much: besides their grand and luscious physical appeal, they’re very amiable around people they trust. And, as you already know, getting affection from a feline is hardly the easiest thing in the world.
Among these Persians, there is one representative that stands out: the black Persian cat. Now, this is a sight to behold. As the title suggests, these pets look and behave like true aristocrats, as if they left their royal palace merely to entertain you for a few hours. This is no arrogance or meanness on their part, mind you: they just happen to be natural royalty in the cat world.
Below we’ll cover some important traits of the black Persian cat so you can have a better understanding of what this furball brings to the table.
Going Way Back
This breed is considered one of the oldest ones in the world. While it’s impossible to determine the exact origin story, it’s commonly accepted that Persian cats originated from the Khorasan province in Iran (former Persia, hence the name), and arrived in Italy for the first time around 1620 or so. Due to their exotic looks, they gained popularity very fast all over the continent.
Black Persians didn’t look the same then as today. They had more slender faces, not as flat, and started morphing into their modern look in 19th-century Britain. Seeing how there were almost no shorthair breeds at the time, the Persian stood out as luxurious and quite special. As a result, owning one was considered fashionable, and black Persian cat owners were admired. Of course, cat shows played a huge part in popularizing this and other unusual (for the time) breeds.
Upon their arrival in Europe, before they were recognized as a separate breed, owners combined them with the Angora, another famous Middle-Eastern longhair. After some time though, they felt the need to have two distinct breeds, and the Persian finally came into its own.
Iconic Looks
This feline has a very distinct appearance, primarily because of its coat and head. It has a sturdy body with short, strong legs. The long-haired fur is thick, smooth, and silky, which is really hard to resist once you pet one of these furballs.
The bushy tail is noncurved, usually tilted upwards, and sometimes even longer than the body hair. As for color, Persians can be black, gold, cream, white, or silver. Today we’re focusing on the black variant, actually the first one to to arrive in America in 1875.
Moving on to the head, probably the defining feature of a Persian. The face is flat, with a snubbed nose, short muzzle, big and round eyes, full cheeks, and a tiny mouth. The eye color varies between gold, brown, sometimes grape, and usually depends on the coat. Because of its facial structure, the Persian strikes many people as mean-looking, but nothing can be further from the truth.
Just take a look at the baby doll, or classic Persian as some call it. If that adorable little face doesn’t cheer you up in an instant, nothing will.
What Are They Like?
If you’re looking for a gentle, playful, and loyal furry companion, it’s hard to beat the Persian. Their regal bearing is only a façade for their soft and loving nature. These felines are generally very calm and collected, and enjoy every moment of your affection, which they always return. They can play till the cows come home without getting bored, especially when they’re young, and love petting more than anything.Naturally, being cats, they do require some alone time, but not for too long. Attachment is hugely important to them as they want to feel safe and secure at all times. If left by themselves too often, they can easily get bored and depressed, usually expressing their needs through soft and chirpy meowing that is always delightful to hear.
Because of their calm demeanor, Persian cats can often clash with pets and children with a more fiery temperament. Choosing other pets for your household is important if you want to avoid fights and objects being turned over or spilled around the house. After all, there’s a reason why the word “catty” means what it means.
It’s hard to make a Persian angry, being the sweet little souls that they are, so try to appease them since they’re not too demanding anyway.
Grooming Tips
Being longhair animals, these require a bit more attention on your part. It’s important to keep a regular grooming routine so the fluffy, luxurious coat won’t get all messy and tangled up. Rest assured, your Persian will certainly appreciate the effort.One obvious tip is to visit the vet regularly. Because of their flat face, Persians have a predisposition for respiratory infections. To avoid this issue, the vet should provide both facial and dental care at all times. Fortunately, provided you don’t expose your cat to other pets too much, or rescued kitties, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Back to the fur: daily brushing is a must if you want good hygiene. Their coat knots up pretty easily, so use a comb or a brush with soft bristles to keep it nice and clean. Bathing, of course, is another no-brainer. You needn’t do it too often, of course, since cats clean themselves quite effectively, but an occasional shower will remove all filth from that majestic, silky fur.
Final Thoughts
Charming you both physically and with their sweet, gentle demeanor, the black Persian cat is more than a welcome addition to any household. Children love it, adults love it, and cat-loving guests will surely enjoy its presence.
