Do Persian Cats Make Good Pets?

If you’re wondering do Persian cats make good pets you’ve come to the right place. In this post you’ll get a brief introduction to this breed, as well as the pros and cons of adopting a Persian cat.

Firstly, Persians are a very old breed of cat dating back to ancient Egyptian times. It’s believed they were first brought into Europe around the early 1600s and are one of the most popular breeds around today.

However, with their silky long hair and dense undercoat do Persian cats make good pets or are they hard work? The answer is yes, they do make excellent pets but you will also need commitment.

Once you’ve set your eyes on a Persian cat it’s easy to fall in love
with their appealing large round eyes and beautiful coat. This breed is irresistible, but be warned though, these cats need a lot of grooming!

In my mind the pros of owning a Persian cat greatly outweigh the cons, but of course it depends on your situation. As I’ve outlined both in this article it will help you make an informed decision.

The pros of owning a Persian cat

1. They’re very affectionate

Persian cats are very affectionate and loving with a sweet nature. Whether you live alone or have a family, you’ll find this breed will easily fit in. They love nothing better than curling up on the sofa or on your lap, and enjoy being cuddled

2. Good with children

Unlike many breeds of cat, Persians are perfectly fine with children. As long as your kids are not too noisy or boisterous, a Persian kitty will be fine.

In fact, if you have young children you’ll probably find a Persian will join in their games. Not only is this breed playful but patient and gentle as well.

They crave company and whether your children are a bit noisy or quiet, you’ll find a Persian cat will quickly adapt. Though, bear in mind both humans and cats only have so much patience!

Always supervise young children around cats, and make sure you teach them not to play rough. Small children don’t understand and though this breed are noted for being calm and patient, you don’t want to take risks

3. Quiet with a soft voice

If you decide to adopt a Persian cat you’ll soon notice how quiet your kitty is. Unlike the loud voice of some breeds such as the Siamese, this one has a soft melodic tone, and doesn’t meow a great deal. However, they also love purring and are a great antidote to stress!

If you love cuddling a purring cat on your lap this is your ideal breed. There’s nothing more soothing at the end of a stressful day than being in the company of a purring kitty. It’s also good for your blood pressure, so maybe one day doctors will prescribe Persian cats instead of pills!!

4. Undemanding

One of the good things about Persian cats is their passive, undemanding nature. In fact, you’ll rarely be bothered by the usual demands of a cat waiting to be fed. As long as you provide food, water, a place to sleep, and a bit of loving care, a Persian will be a very contented kitty!

5. Good with dogs

You’ll be pleased to hear that Persian cats get along with dogs. As long as your dog isn’t too boisterous you should be fine. Large, noisy dogs that love chasing cats may not be a good fit though! As mentioned previously, Persians have a calm, quiet nature so would be better suited to a canine with a similar temperament.

It’s not the size of the dog that matters, but how it behaves around cats. There are many great friendships made between cats and dogs, but give consideration to your dog and think how she or he will adapt to sharing their home with a feline.

The cons of owning a Persian cat

There are a few traits you should know about before adopting a Persian cat. Though not bad in any way they still need consideration. You should always understand a little bit about any breed of cat before thinking about adoption

Persian cats aren’t the sharpest tools in the box!

When it comes to training your kitty, many if not most breeds have a fairly high level of intelligence. In fact some such as the Siamese are super smart. However Persians tend to have problems grasping things such as how to use a cat flap! That being said, every cat is an individual and just like people, some are brighter than others.

2. Trusting nature

While a trusting nature is a positive thing it does mean Persian cats are best kept indoors. If this is a problem I’d advise against adopting one. A beautiful Persian kitty wandering outside could be an easy target for a thief. It wouldn’t take much to entice a not very bright, but pretty cat! In addition, their high value could make an unscrupulous breeder a lot of money.

On the positive side though, your house guests will get plenty of love and attention! After being enthusiastically greeted at the door, they’ll have their very own lap cat!

High maintenance

Even though Persian cats are very peaceful and won’t disturb you with demands for play or food, they do require a bit of work. As long as you’re ok with daily brushing you’ll be fine though.

Frequent grooming is one of the things that puts many people off owning a Persian cat as it can be time consuming. Even missing a few days can result in tangles and mats. In addition, many owners use professional pet groomers at least several times a year

Persian cats are at a higher risk of health problems

Unlike most domestic cats, Persians are prone to health problems. In fact it’s been found that over two thirds require regular veterinary treatment. Their flat faces and snub noses may look cute but it makes this breed at risk of respiratory problems including brachycephalic airway syndrome.

In addition, hairballs could become a problem if the cat isn’t brushed frequently enough. Also, the Persian’s flat face can cause problems with tear ducts, leading to conjunctivitis. One way to help prevent this is by cleaning the eyes on a daily basis.

Polycystic kidney disease is another fairly common health problem among certain breeds of cat including the Persian. It can be managed though with many living into their mid teens or older.

In conclusion

I hope I’ve helped answer your question “do Persian cats make good pets?” Knowing some of the pros and cons can at least help you make an informed decision.

Persians are a stunningly beautiful breed and can easily win hearts. But, if you’re prepared to have a loving indoor kitty that needs a bit of regular grooming then this could be the perfect breed for you.

However, you will also need to ensure you have enough funds to cover the cost of vets bills and regular visits to a pet groomer.

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Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy