Persian Cats come in a variety of colors, and each type of coat has its own unique charm and appeal. White Persian Cats are some of the most popular. They are known for having a luxurious appearance, and many cat lovers are drawn to their soft, long coats.
Along with their adorable looks, white Persian Cats have sweet personalities and love to give and receive affection. This combination of characteristics has made them one of the most popular and recognized cat breeds.
Race Overview
Suitable for:
Families with children, seniors, families with many pets
attitude:
Loving, light, friendly
Other than appearance, there are no specific characteristics that differentiate white Persian Cats from Persian Cats with other coat colors. White Persian Cats are charming pets that break many negative cat stereotypes. They are known to be extremely friendly, and many are not shy around strangers. These sweet cats also have a light and kind personality, so it’s no wonder they are popular pets.
Characteristics of the White Persian Cat
The Earliest Records of White Persian Cats in History
It is not clear when the first white Persian Cat appeared. However, Persian Cats are generally recognized as an old cat breed that existed around the 1600s. They originated in Persia, now modern-day Iran, and were introduced to Europe in the 1800s when they are thought to have arrived on spice caravans during the spice trade.
White Persian Cats arrived in the US in the late 1800s. White Persian Cats are also involved in the breeding of new cat breeds. Exotic Shorthairs and Himalayan Cats are both examples of cat breeds that involved white Persian Cats in their development.
How White Persian Cats Gained Popularity
White Persian Cats always seem to be popular. But they became very popular after they gained the favor of Queen Victoria, who owned several Persian Cats. They were also exhibited at the world’s first organized cat show.1 This cat show was held at the Crystal Palace in London in 1871, and a Persian Cat took the crown for “Best in Show.”
It is possible that white Persian Cats continue to remain popular due to the large number of celebrities and public figures who are fans of Persian Cats. Elizabeth Taylor, Freddie Mercury, and Martha Stewart are just a few of the celebrities known to love Persian Cats or own one.
In 2008, Persian Cats were the most popular cat breed in the US. The breed continues to be among the most popular cat breeds, with the white Persian Cat being the most recognizable of the Persian Cats.
Formal Identification of White Persian Cats
White Persian Cats are recognized by many cat clubs and associations around the world. They were formally recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1906 and The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979.
While most organizations recognize Persian Cats as a distinct breed, their categories differ for Himalayan Cats and Exotic Shorthairs. Some organizations classify these breeds as variations of Persian Cats, while others recognize them as distinct breeds. For example, TICA categorizes Himalayan Cats and Exotic Shorthairs as variants of the Persian Cat. Meanwhile, the World Cat Federation (WCF) recognizes Persian Cats and Exotic Shorthairs as distinct breeds.
Top 3 Unique Facts About White Persian Cats
1. White Persian Cats are not always flat-faced.
The appearance of white Persian Cats changed in the 1950s. Kittens in a litter of Persian Cats had a gene mutation that gave them flat faces. This look gained favor, and more Persian Cats with flat faces appeared through selective breeding. This appearance was eventually accepted and included in the official breed standards.
2. White Persian Cats may be more prone to sunburn.
White Persian Cats may have a higher risk of developing sunburn than other types of Persian Cats. This is because animals with white hair and pink skin produce less melanin than animals with darker skin tones.
3. White Persian Cats are among the largest cat paintings in the world.
Austrian artist Carl Kahler’s “My Wife’s Lovers” holds the record for the world’s largest cat painting. The painting depicts 42 cats and is a mix of Persian Cats and Turkish Angoras. You will see many white Persian Cats painted in different poses throughout the canvas. Before this painting, Kahler had never painted a cat. So, he studied the poses and behavior of cats for 3 years before starting this masterpiece.
Do White Persian Cats Make Good Pets?
White Persian Cats make great companion pets, and they can be a great choice for new cat owners, seniors, and apartment dwellers. White Persian Cats have a gentle and easygoing behavior. They are not the most active or playful cats, and they are not known for climbing very high. They prefer to cuddle and be lap cats.
Although white Persian Cats are not aggressive, they may not always be suitable for families with particularly young children. They don’t like loud noises and activity, and things like kids running around the house can stress them out. Therefore, children should learn how to be respectful around cat boundaries because too much noise or activity can stress white Persian Cats.
Conclusion
White Persian Cats seem to have been popular since they were first bred. This is not surprising because they are very charming and gentle cats. They enjoy human company, but they are not overly needy or demanding. They just want to be with their favorite people and give love and attention as they receive from their family members.
Featured Image Credit: Suriyawut Suriya, Shutterstock
