Persian
Persian: sweet, affectionate, quiet. Stocky body, long full coat, round head with a short nose.
Updated October 15, 2026 · 8 sources · see sources
| Weight | 7–13 lb [1] |
|---|---|
| Height | 10–15 in [1] |
| Lifespan | About 10–13+ years on average [1] |
| Coat | Longhair [2] |
| Look | Stocky body, long full coat, round head with a short nose [2] |
| Personality | Sweet, affectionate, quiet [2] |
| CFA popularity (2025) | No. 3 pedigreed breed [3] |
Activity and exercise
Playful yet placid; CFA says they'd rather receive attention than climb the drapes. [2]
Grooming
CFA says owning a Persian calls for a serious commitment to regular grooming (a steel or Teflon-coated comb is essential), occasional baths, and cleaning the large eyes, which may stain. [2]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Hydrocephalus, Brachycephalic airway syndrome, Skin and coat disorders, Polycystic kidney disease, Progressive retinal atrophy, Dental disease. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [4] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [5] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [6] |
| Cat dental cleaning (owner bills) | $350–$1,450 | [7] |
| Cat kidney disease (CKD) care | $600–$3,500 total | [8] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- In 1626 an Italian trader, Pietro della Valle, returned from Persia with a heavily coated longhaired cat, one of the earliest records CFA cites for the breed. [2]
- Persians were one of the six foundation breeds CFA established at its start in 1906. [2]
- The first Persian imports reached the US in the late 1880s, according to CFA. [2]
- CFA calls the breed one of the easiest to train, partly because kittens must learn to accept grooming early. [2]
Good fit for
- ✅ Quiet, calm households (CFA)
- ✅ Owners ready for daily grooming and eye cleaning
Common questions
How long do Persian cats live?
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide gives a lifespan of about 10–13 years on average.
How big does a Persian get?
PetMD lists a weight of 7–13 lb.
More cat breeds
Sources
- PetMD – Persian cat breed health and care (vet-reviewed)
- CFA – Persian breed profile
- CFA – Most Popular Breeds for 2025
- VetReceipt – Cat Routine Vet Visit Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- VetReceipt – Cat Dental Cleaning Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Cat Kidney Disease (CKD) Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)