Persian Cat's first ancestors were imported to Italy from Persia (Iran today) in the seventeenth century by Pietro della Valle. Later an advisor-Nicolas Fabri de Peiresec, to the Parliament at Aix-en-Provence in France returned with some Turkish Angoras, which were highly prized by European Aristocracy. In the first half of the ninetenth century, a number of Persians were bred in Italy and itroduced into France and Britain and were crossed with Persian Cats of Turkish Angora origins. The results of this breeding was exhibited at London's Crystal Palace in 1871.
Around this same time British breeders set up a selective breeding program. Cross breeding with Angoras was practiced to improve Persain Cat's fur. At this time breeders began to broaden the colors and patterns, and today there are over 300 varieties. In 1872 the smoke Persian Cat was the result of matings between black, white, and blue Persian Cats. Silver was the name for the first Chincilla Persian (like the Facy Feast Persian Cat commercials) shown in London in 1888. Color point persians also called Himalayans appeared around 1920. Tabby Persian Cats appeared over a century ago and sometimes called "tiger" pattern. In the nineteenth century, Britsh breeders selected the sturdies, roundest cats as their ideal. By 1930 United States breeders obtained a squat "peke" face style of Persian cat.
Peke generally means snub nosed or what some people refer to as "smooshed" face. Persian Cats are the Number 1 pedigreed cat registered with the Cat Fanciers Association CFA.
Persian Cats with their long flowing coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity. Persian Cats have sweet, gentle personalities that blend into most households once they feel secure in their new environment. Creatures of habit, Persian Cats are most at home in an atmosphere of security and serenity, but with love and reassurance, can easily adapt to the most boisterous of households. Their quiet, melodious voices are pleasant and non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully with their large expressive eyes and make charming pets for all ages. Persians have short heavily-boned legs to support their broad, short bodies. They like to have their feet firmly planted and are not given to high jumping and climbing. Playful but never demanding, they love to pose and will drape themselves in a favorite window or chair, enhancing the decor in much the same way as a treasured painting. Persian Cats are tremendously responsive and become a constant source of joy and delight to their owners. Pleasurable as an unexpected sunbeam, their companionship is close and enduring.
Persian Cats with their long flowing coats require proper maintenance. A daily run-through with a metal comb to eliminate the potential of tangles and hairballs is helpful. An occasional bath, attempted only after a complete comb-through and clipping of their nail tips, will keep the coat clean, healthy and beautiful. It is wise to establish a routine of bathing when they are young kittens.
Persians Cats are divided into seven color divisions for the purposes of competition. These divisions are established on the basis of color pattern. Red peke-face Persians Cats, with more extreme facial conformation, appear in both the Solid and the Tabby Division. Solid chocolate and solid lavender Persians Cats are known as the Kashmir in CFF. It is still called by this breed name in some older cat breed books.