Download This Sample
This sample is exclusively for KidsKonnect members!
To download this worksheet, click the button below to signup for free (it only takes a minute) and you'll be brought right back to this page to start the download!
Sign Me Up
Table of Contents
The Persian cat is a medium-breed and long-haired breed of cat known for its round face and short muzzle.
See the fact file below for more information on Persian cats, or you can download our 22-page Persian cat worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
ORIGIN
- There seems to be no known long-haired specimens of the African wildcat, the ancestor of the domestic subspecies, so it is unclear when long-haired cats first appeared, making the Persian cat’s origin difficult to pinpoint.
- Interestingly, these handsome felines appear to have Western European ancestry, despite the fact that the animal was introduced to Europe through contact with Persia and the Ottoman Empire.
- Long-haired cats were present in Italy during the 1500s. These cats were brought in from Asia. An Italian composer and author, Pietro Della Valle, brought a cat into Italy from Persia in the 17th century to add to the breeding program.
- This cat could have been a Sand Cat, a type of cat that lived in the desert in Persia. This sand cat had a woolly coat, similar to that of a steel soap pad, to protect it from the elements and allow it to live in the sand.
- Persian cats, which became known as Persian Longhairs or simply Longhairs, had surpassed Angora cats in popularity by the 1900s, possibly due to Queen Victoria‘s two blue Persians at the time, and the citizens of the day were strongly influenced by the Queen’s personal preferences.
PERSONALITY
- One of the more typical characteristics of a Persian cat is its desire to attract people’s attention. They like to be admired and loved by everyone. Persian cats are known for being calm and affectionate toward their owners as well as visitors to their homes.
- Persian cats, unlike other breeds, enjoy being picked up and held. If given the opportunity, they would also sneak into a guest’s lap.
- They are not the docile, lazy cats that many people portray them to be. Persian cats are known for being soft-spoken and quiet and they adapt well to apartment life.
- In a study comparing cat owners’ perceptions of their cats’ deep attachment and affection, friendliness towards strangers, cleanliness, predictability, vocalization, as well as fussiness over food, showed that Persian cats are rated higher than non-pedigreed cats.
HEALTH
- Despite the Persian breed being gentle and sweet, it is prone to some genetic health issues, just as humans can inherit certain diseases.
- Many Persians live long and healthy lives, but owners of these cats should become acquainted with their common health issues.
- Because of their facial structure, Persians are prone to malocclusion (incorrect bite), which can impair their ability to grasp, hold, and chew food.
- Even without the condition, the flat face of the Persian can make picking up food tough, so pet food companies have created specially shaped kibble to cater to the Persian.
- In terms of specific disorders in Persian cats, hair coat disorder accounts for 13.8%, dental disease accounts for 13.3%, overgrown nails account for 7.2%, and eye discharge accounts for 5.8%.
- Males are more likely to have dental disease, but females are more likely to have claw/nail problems. Cancer is the most prevalent cause of death in Persian cats, accounting for 18.5% of all deaths, with kidney disease accounting for 23% of all deaths.
- Because Persian cats are prone to obesity, it is critical to provide them with a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that includes real meat or fish as the main ingredient.
- Their owners must consider feeding them foods with added omega fatty acids to help with skin and coat health.
- Persian cats have an approximate life span of about 13 years. They have a very low chance of living past the age of 20, and they also have a very low chance of dying before their tenth birthday. Persian cats are extremely affectionate and require a lot of attention from their owners.
Grooming
- Persian cats are recognized for their thick, long fur. While this fur is lovely, it requires constant care to keep it healthy. Persian cat owners must groom their cats’ eyes, ears, and nails in addition to their fur.
- Persian cats demand more care and maintenance than short-haired cats. However, as long as their owners are consistent with grooming, the process is doable and relatively simple.
- It is not essential to bathe a Persian Cat that is not intended for display since cats are very clean animals that clean themselves frequently throughout the day. On the other hand, the frequency with which they require a bath is determined by their lifestyle and how dirty they are prone to become.
- Bathing them too frequently can strip the natural oils from their coat. As a general rule, once a month is probably best, and no more than three months should pass between baths.
- Brushing their hair coat on a regular basis is essential for keeping their coat free of knots, brushing out excess hair that they might otherwise shed, and removing any food or other debris that may have become caught in their coat.
- It is preferable to use a strong, metal, wide-toothed comb. Avoid plastic options because they can generate static electricity, which can shock the cat and make grooming unpleasant for them.
- A Persian cat’s nails should be trimmed to prevent them from splitting or breaking. It is also advisable for the owner to trim the sharp points of their cat’s nails if the cat is prone to kneading, scratching, and so on.
- Teeth cleaning is also necessary on a regular basis to avoid tartar buildup and dental diseases. Using a toothbrush and toothpaste is one of the most effective ways to promote dental health.
- However, accustoming your cat to a toothbrush can take several weeks to months. In the meantime, dental chews can be used to help protect the Persian’s teeth.
ENVIRONMENT
- Creatures of habit, Persian cats are most at home in an atmosphere of security and serenity, but with love and reassurance, they can easily adapt to the most boisterous of households.
- Persians are introverts. It’s best to keep them inside to avoid overheating or tangling their thick, long coats.
- Persian cats adore their human families, but they don’t mind being left alone for brief periods of time if they are in their own homes, where they feel safe and secure.
- Persians also get along well with other cats and mild-mannered dogs. They enjoy stretching out in favorite spots around the house, whether it’s a plush chair or a sun-filled window ledge, with good viewpoints to keep an eye on what’s going on.
Persian Cat Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Persian Cats across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about the Persian Cat, which is a medium-breed and long-haired breed of cat known for its round face and short muzzle.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Persian Cat Facts
- Kitty Label
- Persian Cat Summarized
- Kitty Line Art
- Persian Care
- A Day in a Catβs Life
- Persian Meal
- Choose a Pet!
- The Furr-long Squad
- Purr-tography
- My Cat
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Persian cats known for?
Persian cats are known for their peaceful, quiet nature. They are exceptionally pleasant cats, but they can be picky about who they accept as a friend.
Are Persian cats lazy?
Persian cats are one of the laziest cat breeds. They often just sit around and don’t move a lot. They are very sweet and gentle, and they prefer calm environments.
Are Persian cats talkative?
Persians are known to be chatty cats. They will often meow in a sing-songy way to their owners. However, don’t think that they are very active animals because they’re not.
Link/cite this page
If you reference any of the content on this page on your own website, please use the code below to cite this page as the original source.
Link will appear as Persian Cat Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, October 8, 2022
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.