The Persian is a medium, cobby cat, usually 7 to 12 pounds, with a round face, small ears, big round eyes and a long, thick double coat. Colors run from solid white and silver to tabby, calico and the colorpoint Himalayan. Faces vary too: traditional or doll-face Persians have a longer muzzle, while modern peke-face cats are very flat, and that difference affects breathing and eye care.
Most Persians are calm, sweet and quiet, and they often live 12 to 15 years. They're heavy shedders, so expect fur on the sofa and plan on a daily comb and face wipe. A rescued Persian may arrive matted or with tear-stained eyes, and each cat's personality still depends on its history and how it settles in.