With its glorious long-flowing coat and sweet face to match its disposition, it is no wonder the Persian is the favorite cat among all pedigreed breeds. Persians require a secure, serene environment, but once they feel safe, they will be a constant source of pleasure to the lucky household that is owned by a Persian.

This Persian cat gallery has been recently updated with several new photos of Persian cats. Pictured here is Mika, one of the new additions.
_{Photo Credit: © Laura Gaffney}

The origins of the Persian are as varied as the number of people describing them, but it is fairly well accepted that some early Persian cats came from Persia (now known as Iran), and Turkey, and were introduced to England by early European travelers, and during the time of the Crusades. Some historians believe that the Persian may have mated with Angoras in Italy during the 16th Century.

Everyone agrees that the Persian was high on the list of esteemed "possessions" by royalty, from the king of Persia to the kings and queens of England.

In the late 19th century, North America discovered the Persian cat, and it soon reached the zenith of being the most popular cat in the United States, an honor it still holds today. Pictured here is one-year old Mya, sporting a "lion cut" for summer.
_{Photo Credit: © Jennifer Silva}

More About Persian Cats

Himalayan Breed Profile
CFA Breed Profile - Persian
Persian Cats Picture Gallery