Cats / Getting Started
When care.com set out to determine Ireland's most Googled cat breed, Persians came out on top. Originally from Iran and sometimes called Longhairs, Persians are instantly recognisable by their round f
Adapted from a Pet Sitters Ireland feature on the Persian cat breed.
When care.com set out to determine Ireland's most Googled cat breed, Persians came out on top. Originally from Iran and sometimes called Longhairs, Persians are instantly recognisable by their round face, large eyes, and flowing coat. If you're weighing up whether to bring one home, here's what's worth knowing first.
Persians sit firmly on the high-maintenance end of cat ownership, and shedding is a big part of why. A few habits keep it in check: daily brushing to remove loose hair before it spreads around the house; professional grooming, including the popular 'lion cut,' which trims the body short while leaving the head and tail tip at regular length for a manageable, if slightly comical, look; and regular bathing to head off matting, which their thin, long coat is especially prone to.
Persians typically live 12–17 years. A balanced diet of wet and dry food, along with plenty of water, supports that lifespan, and environment matters too — indoor cats generally live longer than outdoor cats, who face more risks from traffic, other animals, and disease.
Persians aren't considered an aggressive breed — they tend to be laid-back and fairly lazy. Like all kittens (and puppies), they will bite during play, but early, consistent boundary-setting reduces the habit over time. Some owners find a brief ten-minute cooldown, ignoring the cat after a nip, discourages the behaviour, since Persians tend to crave attention.
As a pedigree breed, Persians don't come cheap. In the US, kittens typically run $500–$700 depending on coat colour, with similar pricing in Ireland. It's always worth checking local rescues and pounds first, since plenty of cats there are waiting for a home.
Blue is one of the most striking Persian coat colours, but it's far from the only one — black, cream, cameo (red), smoke tortoiseshell, and blue-cream smoke round out the main options.
Persians are calm, non-hyperactive cats, often happiest relaxing rather than racing around. Their diva-like reputation in film and TV isn't entirely unfair — but as mentioned, that laid-back nature comes bundled with higher grooming needs and a greater chance of health issues.
Some Persian health issues trace back to the shape of their face. As a brachycephalic breed, Persians have flattened noses and prominent round eyes (doll-face Persians, with slightly longer noses, tend to have fewer eye problems). Their eyes don't drain properly, which can lead to discharge — and in white or light-coloured cats, bacteria in that discharge can stain the fur beneath the eyes a rusty brown. It's generally more of a nuisance than a genuine health risk. A few tips for managing it:
Commonly recommended options for Persians include Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Persian Kitten Dry Food, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Persian Dry Food, Purina Pro Plan Focus canned food, Wellness Healthy Indulgence grain-free wet food, and IAMS ProActive Health Adult dry food.
Owning any cat comes with a responsibility to keep dangerous foods well out of reach. Alcohol (even in tiny amounts), chocolate, dairy (adult cats are largely lactose intolerant), raw meat and fish, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and avocado should all stay off the menu.
Antifreeze deserves a special warning here too — it's a common household item that's highly toxic to cats and dogs, and even a small amount can be fatal. Vomiting and a dizzy, disoriented appearance are red flags; without treatment, antifreeze poisoning can turn fatal within around 12 hours, so it calls for urgent veterinary care.
Alongside Persians, Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Exotic Shorthairs also rank among Ireland's most-searched breeds. For anyone specifically after a loyal companion cat, Egyptian Maus and Maine Coons top that particular list.
Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.
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