Original Longhair

Traditional Persian, or the Original Longhair, is one of several names for a group of cats thought to be the original breed of Persian cats before they were selectively bred to have extreme features. Doll Face Persian, Classic Persian, Old Fashioned Persian, Long-nosed Persian, Old-style Longhair, Traditional Longhair, and Original Longhair are some other common names. Here’s what you should know about the Original Longhair breed.

Original Longhair

Length:

14 - 18 in

Original Longhair

Weight:

7 - 12 lb

Original Longhair

Origin:

Mesopotamia (Persia)

Original Longhair

Life Expectancy:

10-15 years

Breed History

It's impossible to talk about the history of the Original Longhair breed without mentioning the Persian. Mesopotamia, the birthplace of civilization, was the home of these cats. The region was known as Persia after Mesopotamia, and it is now known as Iran. As a result, the Persian is a centuries-old breed. They were unknown in Europe until the middle of the 17th century when an Italian nobleman named Pietro Della Valle introduced them to Italy. Persians took nearly two centuries to cross the Atlantic and enter the United States. They were first introduced to cat lovers in the United States in the late 1800s. Its endearing appearance contributed to its popularity. It has surpassed the Maine Coon as the most popular longhaired breed among American pet owners.

Cat Breed Characteristics

Energy Level
Amount of Shedding
Social Needs
Affection Level
Playfulness
Kid Friendly
Pet Friendly
General Health

The medium-sized cat has a semi-cobby body with low legs that are proportionate without being coarse. These cats have a medium bone structure. They have short legs that are proportionate to the rest of their body. Their paws are round, firm, and tufted, and their forelegs are straight. Here are the rest of the Original Longhair breed's essential characteristics.

Coat

The coat of the Original Longhair is dense and long on the body, with a full ruff and brush. Their hind legs should have a trousered appearance from the back. The texture of the coat is fine, soft, and silky, with a glossy appearance that stands apart from the body.

Coat colors

The Original Longhair, like many other cat breeds, has a standard that allows for all coat colors. This is not uncommon, as many cat breeds are available in nearly every coat color available in the feline kingdom.

Size

The Original Longhair is classified as a medium-sized cat breed. These cats should weigh 7 to 12 pounds and measure 14 to 18 inches without the tail. Because of their thick coats, they often appear larger.

Temperament

Original Longhair cats are calm and quiet. They have beautiful musical voices and the ability to adapt to any new situation. They enjoy being the center of attention and are affectionate. Because they can become quite attached to their owners and require a lot of grooming, they are better suited to mature families without children. Original Longhairs are even less playful than modern-day Persians.

Health

Regardless of the type of cat you have at home, they may be prone to health issues. Because it has a different face than modern-day Persians, the Original Longhair is less prone to respiratory problems. The following are some of the most common health issues observed by cat owners and veterinarians:

  • Excessive tearing
  • Cherry eye
  • Entropion
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Seborrhea oleosa
  • Prone to ringworms
  • Dental malocclusions

World Cat Finder Team

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Updated at13.03.2022.

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