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05.07.2022

The blue Persian cat—tips and tricks to help you raise a happy kitty

The blue Persian cat is one of the most sought-after kitties in the world. They’re nicknamed “blue longhairs” for their luscious, mesmerising blue coat, but their flat faces and large eyes are equally appealing. 

Learn about this friendly feline’s history, their physical and psychological traits, and the best way to take care of them so that they grow into healthy and happy Persians. 

The history of the blue Persian

This gorgeous kitty’s history can be divided into three main parts:

  1. The earliest records
  2. Gaining popularity
  3. Formal recognition

The earliest records of blue Persian kittens

Persians are ancient cats originating from Mesopotamia, later known as Persia—hence the name. It wasn’t until European explorers smuggled them out of Persia in the 17th century that they became popular in the rest of the world. 

Once the word about beautiful and exotic Persians got out, they became symbols of opulence in the West. Over the years, their original features have become more prominent—their head and eyes got rounder, and their ears smaller. 

How did blue Persian cats gain popularity?

Once they made their way to Europe, Persians gained popularity among royals, including Queen Victoria. In the years to come, Persians have also gained popularity with historical figures and celebrities, including Florence Nightingale and Marilyn Monroe. They even made a big-screen debut (the villainous Blofeld in the well-known James Bond franchise). This made both breeders and the general public interested in the breed.

Formal recognition of blue Persian cats

Persians first became accepted by certain cat fancier organisations in the late 19th century. They were one of the earliest pedigreed felines and took part in the first cat show ever (in London’s Crystal Palace in 1871). 

Sure, you got me a cat tree, but I’m certain that the queen designated an entire garden for my ancestors back in the day!

Source: sr.lucascat

Physical traits of blue Persian kitties

The blue Persian, along with all other colour variants of this breed, are beloved for their striking looks. Here’s a quick overview of blue Persian physical features:

Features

Description

Body type and size

  • Chubby and short
  • Sturdy legs
  • Thick neck 
  • Pronounced muscle tone
  • Medium to large-sized (3–6kg)

Coat texture and length 

  • A thick and long coat (they shed frequently)
  • Two layers (a short undercoat and a long topcoat)
  • Not hypoallergenic
  • Prone to matting and greasiness (this can cause skin problems and hair loss)

Head and face

  • Large, round head
  • Flat face
  • Small nose and ears
  • Prominent and full eyes

Psychological traits of blue Persian kitties

Persians’ physical features are the first thing that comes to mind when we think about blue Persian cats, but their mild temper and loveable personality make them perfect companions.

Your blue Persian will probably be:

  • Loving and friendly—Blue Persians are devoted and affectionate kitties. They love their cat parents and usually get along with new people. Persians enjoy being held and petted
  • Vocal—These kitties are loud and always show you how they feel. If they’re happy, they’ll purr in excitement, but if they’re dissatisfied, they’ll meow to let you know
  • Laid-back and calm—Persians are relaxed and easy-going felines. They can adapt to almost any environment, but they don’t like loud noises, so you need to designate a place in your home where they can get some peace
  • Not too sharp—Unlike Bengals, Abyssinians, and Burmese cats, Persians aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed. While you may not be able to teach them complex tricks, this trait also has its perks because Persians don’t get into mischief and trouble as much as other cats
  • Social—Some cat parents consider this breed as social as dogs, unlike most other felines who are independent and willful. Persians have sweet and loving personalities marked by the need for affection. They will most likely run up to the door to greet you after a long day 
  • Lazy—A Persian cat’s favourite spot is always their designated nap area, where they can sleep up to 20 hours a day. If they can mix sleep with cuddling and nod off on your lap, there will be no end to their happiness 

You take one 24-hour nap and, all of a sudden, you’re considered “lazy”...

Source: sr.lucascat

Is there a particular care regimen for blue Persian cats?

Regardless of their colour, all Persians have the same care requirements. You need to keep your blue Persian’s coat soft and healthy with:

  1. Regular grooming
  2. High-quality diet

How to groom a blue Persian 

Create a regular grooming schedule to keep your Persian’s coat mat- and grease-free. The routine should include:

  • Brushing—Brush your Persian’s silky coat with a metal wide-toothed comb and remove tangles by gently de-matting the fur with short strokes. If the matting is severe, take your cat to a groomer so that you don’t hurt them
  • Nail clipping—Coat maintenance is easier in indoor Persians, but you’ll need to cut their nails more often if your fluffy friend doesn’t go out. Outdoor felines file their nails on concrete and trees, so they don’t require too much attention. You can also get a scratching post to imitate the outdoor environment 
  • Bathing—Bathe your Persian cat no more than once every two to three months unless they get dirty or matted
  • Eye and ear cleaning—Persians need their eyes and ears cleaned more often than other felines due to their unique facial structure. Use a cotton ball and warm water to gently remove any built-up discharge
  • Teeth brushing—Because of their flat faces, Persians are also prone to dental issues, including tooth loss or gingivitis, so you should brush their teeth daily and give them healthy dental cat food

If you want to continue this little friendship, promise me you’ll never bathe me again!

Source: jackandjohnthepersians

What’s the best diet for your blue Persian kitty?

Your Persian’s coat and overall health depend on their diet, which should be high in protein and other essential nutrients. 

Adequate amounts of healthy cat food should:

  • Improve and maintain coat quality
  • Prevent allergies
  • Reduce shedding
  • Boost overall health

The perfect diet for your Persian should contain over 50% animal protein and up to 20% animal fat derived from high-quality meat and fish. 

Vegan and vegetarian meal plans won't work for your Persian because cats are obligate carnivores. They lack the enzymes to metabolise and absorb plant-based proteins derived from vegetables such as carrots, peas, sweetcorn, and soya. These ingredients can also cause digestive problems, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and IBS.

Check out the necessary micronutrients, their benefits, and the best cat food ingredients in the table below:

Micronutrient

What it promotes

Suitable sources

Taurine

  • Foetal development (essential for pregnant kitties)
  • Inflammation control
  • Heart function maintenance
  • Regular digestion and good vision
  • Healthy immune system

Collagen

  • Bone density
  • Skin hydration
  • Fish
  • Chicken
  • Pork
  • Beef
  • Bone broth

Vitamin E

  • Cell protection (from oxidative damage)
  • Improved immune function
  • Chicken thigh
  • Chicken breast
  • Raw bacon
  • Ham
  • Salmon
  • Trout
  • Shrimp 
  • Prawns

Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids

  • Hair follicle strength
  • Prevention of inflammatory diseases (arthritis, allergies, cancer, kidney disease, and heart problems)
  • Mackerel 
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Sardine

Hydration is crucial for a healthy coat

An essential dietary rule is to always keep your cat hydrated. Since they dislike water and won’t drink it often, you must ensure that your fluffy friend’s meals contain enough moisture to meet their need for hydration. 

Opt for wet food because it usually contains better ingredients than dry food, and its moisture content is much higher (kibble usually contains around 10% of moisture, while wet food has upwards of 70%). 

Mixing kibble with broths and soups will increase the moisture content, but dry food often contains dodgy ingredients filled with carbs. It is also high in calories, so it'll work better as a treat or snack. Stick to canned meals to ensure optimal weight and health maintenance. 

Canned food, you say?

Source: sr.lucascat

How can Untamed help?

Untamed will help your Persian maintain a gorgeous coat well into their senior years! 

Our jelly and gravy formulas are rich in healthy, human-grade meat and fish and free of any:

Untamed has everything needed for your blue Persian’s shiny coat and health maintenance. 

Image (c) Untamed

Our products contain everything your cat needs for a healthy and long life because we:

Untamed meals are gently steamed to ensure all the healthy nutrients and delicious flavours stay preserved while the pathogens are destroyed. If your Persian kitty is a fussy eater who turns their nose up at wet food, Untamed will change their mind.

Take our Try Now quiz, explore our menu, and sign up for our cat food subscription at a competitive price!

How to get a trial pack

Ordering our tailor-made taster pack is easy. All you need to do is:

  1. Take our Try Now quiz
  2. Share some details about your Persian 
  3. Place your order

We’ll deliver the goods in a day. 

Once your Persian wolfs down all the dishes and chooses their favourite, we’ll ensure you don’t run out with regular monthly deliveries.

Join the Untamed family and witness the benefits our food offers:

Timeframe

The Untamed effect

First week

  • Seamless digestion
  • Tidier litter tray
  • Easy hydration

After two months

  • Balanced energy levels
  • Stronger joints
  • Improved muscle mass

After four months

Life-long

  • Fewer health issues
  • Easy weight management
  • Efficient immune response

Other colours of Persian cats

Persians come in many shades (all equally beautiful) divided into seven colour divisions, as follows:

Colour division

Colours

Solid

White, black, blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, red

Silver and gold

Silver and gold in two variants (chinchilla and shaded)

Smoke and shaded

Cameo, cream, tortoiseshell, blue-cream

Tabby

Blue, blue-silver, brown, cameo, cameo-cream, cream, red, silver

Particolour

Blue-cream, lilac-cream, chocolate tortoiseshell, tortoiseshell

Bicolour

Black, blue, red, cream, chocolate, and lilac mixed with white, and white, chocolate, lilac, and dilute calico combined with calico

Himalayan

Blue point, blue-cream point, chocolate point, chocolate-tortie point, cream point, flame point (red), lilac point, lilac-cream point, seal point, tortie point, seal lynx, blue lynx, cream lynx, tortie lynx, red lynx, blue-cream lynx, lilac lynx, chocolate-tortie lynx, and lilac-cream lynx