April
11th 2011: This article is about the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
breed standard for the contemporary flat faced Persian cat. This cat is
sometimes referred to as the "Ultra Persian" in recognition of selective cat breeding to an extreme degree (e.g. "ultra").
I am indebted to the celebrated cat photographer, Helmi Flick for her photograph of a contemporary pointed Persian cat to illustrate the breed standard. Pointed Persian cats are called Himalayan cats. The CFA treat them as part of the Persian cat breed.
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See Persian cat breeding
for information on the creation of the flat face that is enshrined in
the breed standard. It is obligaotry and it wasn't always that way.
Click on the following page for more on the Persian cat and its
development: Persian Cats.
There is not a lot more to add that is not already on the photograph
above. This cat is meant to show, "balance and refinement". The whole
should be "harmonious". I must make a comment on that. This cat can
neither be refined nor balanced as it is overbred. A refined cat does
not have health problems bred into it - sorry. I don't want to be
critical but the state of affairs compel me to be.
The coat should be long and thick; it softens the contours of this cat.
The coat accentuates the cat's roundness, a word often used in the
breed standard. If roundness is required why is the face got to be
flat!? The breed standard for the face is as stated in the photo - it
has to be flat. Flat is not round! Please note, though, that there is a
large following for the natural looking traditional Persian cat, which
truly is refined and balanced. You can see where my sentiments lie. Seveny-five percent of the population agree with me.
The "short, snub and broad" nose causes health problems. You can read about them on this page: Persian cat health problems. The most obvious health problem is tear duct overflow staining the face.
The Persian has the classic "cobby" body.
One of the most outstanding parts of the Persian cat breed standard is
the huge number of coat colours and patterns that are allowed. You can
see the list on the CFA Persian cat breed standard
page (opens in a new window). Please also note that over time the breed
standard may change. That would make some of the comments here
redundant. I hope that happens.
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