The Persian cat has long impressed onlookers with its majestic appearance and stunning coat. They are one of the oldest cat breeds in existence, with a variety of colors, including black. When exactly did black Persian become a thing? To begin with, it is a relatively rare color compared to colors like gray and white!
In this article, we will discuss the Persian breed, how they came to be, and where they are now! Maybe you’ll get to the end of the article and decide it’s time for you to take home one of your own.
Race Overview
Colors:
Black, but they also have any other color you can think of
Suitable for:
Apartment living, multi-pet households, homes with children
attitude:
Gentle, kind, kind
Kind, gentle, and kind, the Persian is sure to steal anyone’s heart. Floppy cats are cephalic, they have a short, pus and snout and shallow globe. It gives way to the classic look, which looks like a pug version of a cat!
They are interesting. They are what attract people, and their personality is what makes people stay. When a Persian comes in stunning black color, it is absolutely gorgeous with their colorful eyes!
Characteristics of the Black Persian
The Earliest Records of Black Persians in History
You would think that if you heard the name Persian, you would assume that they came from Persia (now Iran). Although that is the most popular theory, the truth is that the exact origins are unknown.
Persian cats are also thought to be the result of breeding Turkish Angoras and other long-haired cats. The modern-day version of the Persian cat began to be established in the 1800s. But recently, research has found that modern-day Persian cats are more genetically related to Western European cat breeds, such as British Shorthairs and Chartreux, which makes sense when you look at their similar facial structure.
Black has always been one of the common colors of Persians. It is not its own specific breed, but rather just one color scheme in the versatile Persian lineup.
How Persians Gained Popularity
It is thought that Persian cats eventually made their way to Europe through the spice trade in spice caravans. And what better way to gain fame than to be favored by the queen? That’s right! Queen Victoria favored Persian, which allowed its popularity to rise over the years. The breed has experienced population declines at certain points throughout history, but they have always maintained a fairly decent spread.
Today, many cat lovers welcome Persians into their homes. Other people are going gaga for these kittens, and they are taking the internet by storm. Since they are ranked in the top 5 most popular cat breeds, you can imagine how popular the breed is today.
Formal Recognition of Black Persian
The Cat Fanciers’ Association was the first to formally recognize this ancient breed in 1906. Since then, the Persian has created a registry with a list of criteria for the breed standard. The International Cat Association (TICA) also recognizes the breed, as do other well-known cat organizations.
The Top 5 Unique Facts About Persian Cats
Persians are great for a number of reasons—regardless of color. These cats are one of the oldest breeds in kitty history, so it’s no wonder they have so many interesting facts! Here we go!
1. Persians are brachycephalic.
One of the things you love most about Persians is probably their interesting appearance. Besides having a nice long coat, Persians also have a slightly push-in nose. This gives the Pug-nose look that people admire, but it means they are brachycephalic.
Unfortunately, this can lead to these cats developing respiratory issues related to the breed itself. It can even put a cat at a greater risk for other health issues.
So, while this isn’t necessarily a positive, it’s definitely a breed trait that most people enjoy.
2. The Persians are the stars of the set.
While the color black doesn’t really lend itself to any particular Persian TV star, many Persians in general have made their appearance in movies and TV. A gray Persian played the Duchess in the hit film Babe. The new hit movie Lyle, Lyle Crocodile also features a beautiful silver Persian named Loretta.
But that’s not all! There have been several other Persian cats that have been in movies throughout history.
3. Persians can have health issues because of their appearance.
As mentioned before, Persians are prone to several health issues. A study showed that 64.9% of Persian cats have at least one health issue. Kidney disease was the most common cause of death, while coat disorder was the most common specific issue. Dental problems are also common. Persian cats can also suffer from breathing and eye problems due to their face shape.
4. Persian cats are very cold.
One of the things that many people seem to like about the Persian breed is their easygoing and relaxed nature. These cats tend to be very pleasant and get along with all kinds of creatures, such as dogs and animals of similar size. These cats tend to be very good with children and make wonderful pets for seniors, as they are very easy to please.
5. Persians need extensive repairs.
A Persian is not the type of cat you can get if you expect them to take care of all their grooming needs one hundred percent of the time. In fact, to keep your Persian mat-free, they will need regular brushing.
Does a Persian Make a Good Pet?
A Persian can make a completely unusual pet! If you’re a cat lover, you’ll appreciate their wonderful nature and enjoy brushing their long coats to keep your things from falling out!
These cats are wonderful additions to bring into almost any situation. They make great apartment cats, companions for multi-pet situations, and can be a great emotional support animal.
If you are thinking about getting a Persian cat, you can find them from local breeders or rescues and shelters. Since this is a fairly popular purebred cat, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding one in your state. Definitely look around for different options and don’t be afraid to check to see if Kitty needs a second chance at a good life.
Conclusion
Now you understand black Persian better. You know that coat color does not define anything about personality and depends on the individual breed to show the characteristics. Black is one of the most beautiful of all Persian colors, and is quite rare to find.
If you want a black Persian in particular, you can contact a local reputable breeder to see the availability of upcoming kittens. Remember, purebreds go to shelters too! You can always check local rescues and shelters, or sites like Petfinder, to find the cat of your dreams.
Featured Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock
