Persian cats are thought to be one of the oldest cat breeds, dating as far back as the 1600s. They appear in Persian historical records as “the long-haired beauties,”. Cat-lovers and historians alike say Persians roamed the world as popular companions on caravans and alongside world travelers. Even Queen Victoria had two Persians, and in 1871 the sought-after breed made a show-winning appearance at the very first modern cat show. Today, Persian cats continue to charm their way to the top of popular breed lists. While they come with a fair share of fur maintenance, Persians are docile, intelligent, and make great companions in mellow households. And while they come in over 50 shades and color combinations, Persian cats are easily identified by their smooshed-in faces, big eyes, and lustrous coats. They have stocky bodies, averaging 10–15 inches in height and weighing 7–13 pounds. Persians didn’t always have flat faces, the trait is a result of a random genetic mutation that quickly became popular among breeders who wanted a "peke" look, similar to Pekingese dogs. Although their flat faces make them popular pets, Persians require specific grooming and medical care. Cute and sweet-tempered, it’s easy to see why anyone would want to snuggle up with a Persian cat. However, Persians are typically reserved and wary of new people. Once they warm up they form deep bonds with their family members. They are known to be relaxed and to enjoy bonding by sitting with humans,and being petted rather than showing love through play, though they certainly do have occasional bursts of energy. Persian cats as habitual creatures who prefer a calm and quiet lifestyle. They’re especially susceptible to changes in the environment around them. Persians are better suited for households with older children than those with toddlers or babies. While Persian cats can coexist peacefully with other cats and friendly dogs who don't chase or play rough, introductions to new pets should be done slowly and with care. While some cats, like Siamese, are rather chatty, Persians don’t typically have a lot to say. But when they do, they have a very soft and sweet meow. Most enjoy lackadaisical play sessions rather than rambunctious ones, although playfulness may vary with age. Typically, you’ll mostly find your Persian lounging in a sunny spot or birdwatching from a window. While beautiful, Persians have thick and oily coats that are prone to matting. To prevent matting, comb and brush your cat every day, making sure the teeth of the comb reach the thick undercoat. Skipping at-home grooming sessions could result in large, painful mats that require professional grooming—aka, shaving your Persian.