Persian cat: the history of the breed

The first longhaired cats were imported to the Europe by Italian traveller Pietro Della Valle in the beginning of the XVI century from the province Hurassan, what was situated in Persia. The appearance of these cats was quite different than modern Persian cats had, and sooner reminded todays Angoras or Vans. Today you can see how first eastern beautiful-Persians looked like only on the ancient medieval pictures and engravings. It is interesting that in different countries the fluffy cats were called in different ways: Asian cat, Chinese cat, Indian and even Russian. Their name cats recieved from that country and region, from where they were imported. Many travellers delivered fluffy cats from Asia and asserted that they descended from wild Sand cat and Pallas cat. But the name 'Persian cat' consolidated their grip on longhaired cats and remainded till present days. Probably, this name doesn't show on true origin of these animals, but just it is a tribute to the fashion.

Most likely long, ornamental hair was formed as a result of accidental mutation (mutation is a sudden appearance of new, earlier absentee in the breed, feature in one individual) or was as a result of selective work and concerns simpliciter with sharp distinctions of this breed from others. The existance of Persians similar with them in the look, derived by interbreeding of indigenous (local) individuals with fluffy Asian cats, tells about it.

In XIX century in Britain all longhaired cats were conditionally divided into Angoras and French. The last one differed by short hight - they were heavyset, had massive skeleton, rounded and heavy head with big and straight delivered eyes. In Germany some of selectionists tried to grow a longhaired, massive cat on basis of local 'Longhairs' and Angoras cats. Probably in this way modern Persian was formed, who is the most famous and the most popular breed today.

The XX century turned out a turning-point for persian breeding - thanks to the achievements of american selectionists modern Persian got an unforgettable face. Besides the chik, long hair all look of Persian was brought to extreme parameters. It became a real revolution in the breed. In one time two types of Persian cat parallel existed: the old (in Russia it is called 'classical') and extreme (american). The face of Persian gradually was going through the metamorphoses and today they say about it like about child's that is kind, tender and looking at the wold with wide opened naive eyes. Besides this sweet muzzle, today's public's favourite Persian has well-formed, strong body on fat and short pads, long, silky, splendid hair.