Although its appearance is not to everyone’s taste and its health is not very robust, many people adore this breed of cat. Surely you know it, but did you know that several types of Persian cats are known and are officially classified?
Indeed, these beautiful cats with long hair and flat faces also have differences between them. Even so, it is not difficult to differentiate them, you will only have to pay attention to the shape of the head and body, as well as their color. In this space, we help you in the process, so do not stop reading.
Persian cat characteristics
In general, you will not need classes to recognize a Persian cat, whatever type it is. Their wide face, their flat nose and their large eyes (sometimes even bulging) are enough to identify them. His fur is also long and silky.
Regarding their character, the different types of Persian cats tend to be quite demanding when it comes to their relationship with their guardian. They are very sociable and often seek attention, bordering on dependency. They don’t do well to be left alone for long periods of time.
On the other hand, his health is quite delicate. They are prone to kidney and heart disease, as well as eye, respiratory, digestive, and blood disorders. That is why they require thorough periodic check-ups at the vet and special care, such as daily brushing.
How many types of Persian cats are there?
At present, 7 types of Persian cats are recognized that differ in several characteristics, although at first glance they do not seem so. Here you can meet them all.
1. Silver & golden
Gold and silver Persians (or chinchillas) fall into this category. It is not entirely easy to identify these colors, since silver & golden is the one with the least defined tones.
To recognize it, you should look at its limbs, face, and tail. At the end of each one of them, you will find darker fur, as if it were that of a chinchilla (hence its name). His eyes, in addition, are usually green or pale blue.
2. Tabby
Coat patterns such as brindle or mackerel are found in this Persian. Colors, on the other hand, vary between silver, blue, chocolate, red, cream, cream cameo, and cameo. His eyes, unlike the previous one, are usually hazelnut or green.
This variety of Persian is credited with greater sociability than the rest.
3. Smoke & shaded
This name, which translated would be something like “smoky and cloudy”, comes from the interesting color effect it has on the coat. Although at rest it seems to have a solid hue, when moving a kind of “smoke” of different colors is observed: black, blue, cream, red, smoked tortoiseshell, smoked blue, and smoked cream, depending on the specimen.
4. Himalayas
This is probably one of the types of Persian cats that anyone would easily recognize. It is characterized by having the same color pattern as a Siamese cat: white or beige throughout the body, except for the facial mask, ears, tail, and limbs. At these points, the hair darkens in shades of red, blue, gray, lilac, and chocolate.
The eyes, like the Siamese, are a light and intense blue.
5. Solid color
These cats have a flat, uniform color throughout their entire coat. They do not usually present patterns or patches of different shades, nor do they have shadows or lighter areas. You will find white, black, chocolate, cream, lilac, blue, or red Persians.
His eyes are always copper color. However, for white Persian cats, there is an exception since they can present blue tones or heterochromia.
6. Bicolor
As their name indicates, these Persians have 2 main colors, except for the white torso and somewhat darker extremities. The most common combinations include black, blue, red, lilac, chocolate, and cream tones.
His eyes are usually always copper in color.
7. Particolor
Of all the recognized types of Persian cats, this particular is the only one that admits patches of different shades. Thus, known combinations can be found, such as calico, tortoiseshell, smoke, chocolate shell, tortoiseshell, cream blue and cream lilac.
The particular should not be confused with the tabby, since the latter present patterns in the fur, while the former refers to patches of different colors. The eyes, on the other hand, are always copper in color.
Considerations before adopting
Finally, it is good to make a reminder about the special needs that these cats have. Although they all need an adopter, remember that choosing them for their appearance often leads to health problems resulting from artificial selection.
Therefore, never forget their daily brushing, visits to the vet, and the attention and affection that they demand so much. These aristocrats of the feline world are finicky, so make sure you can give them a good life before including them in your family.
