The Breed History
The early Persian type cats likely reached us via European trade
originating in Iran (formerly Persia) during the 1600s. The
Himalayan was the result of crossing Persian with Siamese later in
breed development (1920s-1930s) to add the colorpoint pattern,
and is a division of Persian in some registries-a separate breed in
others (see Himalayan chapter).
The Persian cat is always amongst the most popular of cat breeds.
Historically, Persian cats had a less foreshortened face. The
current British Longhair (Persian) standard has more moderate
facial features. Persians were first registered in CFA in 1909. No
out-crossing is allowed.
Physical Characteristics
Weight: 8-15 lb (3.5-7 kg)
Coat: The thick soft undercoat is overlain by a profuse standoff
outer coat of long soft hairs. Well-developed ruff and frill, and tail
is heavily haired. Coat texture should not be wooly.
Eyes: The large wide-set eyes are copper or orange. In shaded
silver, golden and chinchilla, they are blue-green or emerald green.
In Europe, a copper-eyed shaded silver is termed Pewter. Variable
colored eyes are present in Persian white cats.
Points of Conformation: Persians have a heavy cobby build, small
ears with rounded tips. A very short upturned nose and muzzle, with
a well defined stop or break between the eyes is present. Persian
cats have a large rounded broad head. Paws are rounded, tufted, and
large. Tail is short, and carried low. The neck is short. Peke-faced is a
subtype that is extremely foreshortened, similar to a Pekingese dog,
while doll-faced cats are more moderate in their brachycephalic
head conformation. The Peke subtype is specifically described in only
certain registries. In ACFA for example, the Peke-faced is recognized
as a head indented between eyes, creases following cheekbone;
forehead, nose and chin form a perpendicular line.
Grooming: High grooming requirements are typical for Persian
cats. Once to twice daily grooming to prevent matting is helpful;
allow 15 minutes minimum daily. Regular baths are also used to
help maintain the coat in excellent condition. Daily removal of tears
to prevent staining and dermatitis in medical canthus area and
facial folds may be required.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: Gentle, easygoing, placid,
affectionate, quiet voiced, adaptable, playful, not big jumpers and
climbers, get along well with children and other cats, and best as
indoor cats. Himalayan cats are considered on average a bit more
active than Persian cats due to infusion of Siamese blood.
Normal Breed Variations
Need to watch food intake and exercise to prevent obesity.
Heavy shedding especially when coat changes.
B Blood Type: There is geographic variation in prevalence of B
blood type cats, but overall, the trait is present at sufficient rates
that blood typing should be done prior to mating or transfusions. In
a study of blood type distribution in the USA, Persian cats (n=230)
had 9.6% type B blood. In another American study, 41/170 or 24%
were B type. Prevalence of 14% type B was also reported.In a
small UK survey, 12% were type B cats.
Epiphora: Secondary to face conformation rather than due to any
unusual anatomic defects in the lower punctum.
B Blood Type: There is geographic variation in prevalence of B
blood type cats, but overall, the trait is present at sufficient rates
that blood typing should be done prior to mating or transfusions. In
a study of blood type distribution in the USA, Persian cats (n=230)
had 9.6% type B blood.In another American study, 41/170 or 24%
were B type. Prevalence of 14% type B was also reported. In a
small UK survey, 12% were type B cats.
Epiphora: Secondary to face conformation rather than due to any
unusual anatomic defects in the lower punctum.
Hair coat genetics: The long hair phenotype in cats is a recessive
Mutation (AM412646:c.194C>A) Somali, Persian, Maine Coon,
Ragdoll.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported in the literature
Inherited Diseases
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD): This
condition leads to formation of cysts within the kidney parenchyma,
and is often associated with eventual renal failure. Cyst size and
number gradually increase over time in most cats. PKD is the most
commonly seen inherited disorder in cats, affecting approximately
38% of Persian cats worldwide, and since there is a large population
of Persian cats (Persian and Persian-related cats are about 80% of
the cat fancy), about 6% of all cats have this disorder.
Recently the gene for autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) has
been identified. No homozygotes have been seen which suggests two copies of this gene lead to in utero lethality. A genetic test is
available.
Signs of the condition are variable in age of onset and degree of
expression/rate of progression. Even within closely related families,
expression can be significantly different. Multiple cysts may be
found in both medulla and cortex. Smooth and round, and of
variable size, these hypoechoic structures can be easily visualized
with ultrasound using a 7.5 MHz transducer (10 MHz in kittens). By
ultrasound evaluation, it was determined that in some kittens as
young as 7 weeks old, cysts were already present. Many cats have
good longevity, while about one quarter of seriously affected cats
die before 5 years of age. Those living a full lifespan may harbor
a few small cysts, so normal health does not preclude presence of
cystic condition.
Age of onset of clinically significant renal disease ranges from 3-10
years, with a mean of 7 years of age. Concurrent tubulo-interstitial
nephritis of variable severity and distribution occurs. Neither the
brachycephalic head conformation nor longhair genes segregate
with the PKD gene. No increased probability of hypertension was
reported associated with ADPKD.
Another study reported increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and
aldosterone:renin ratio in Persians over 4 years of age with PKD.
Note that absence of cysts at 6 months of age is strongly correlated
with a low risk of development of cysts in the future. Note that
cysts may also be found in the liver and pancreas in some cats. In a
study in the Netherlands, of 27 affected cats, 68% had cystic changes
in the liver or congenital hepatic fibrosis, and pancreatic cysts or
pancreatic fibrosis. One report mentions associated peritoneopericardial
hernias. That same report suggests that for screening
purposes, the cutoff for positive PKD status be set at three or more
cysts found in two kidneys by US evaluation. Cysts range in size from
1 mm to over 1 cm, and as they grow, pressure on the surrounding
tissues leads to dysfunction-renomegaly and renodynia may occur.
Late stage, the surface of the kidney may become irregular. Cysts
derive from both distal and proximal nephron. Persian cat ADPKD
strongly resembles ADPKD in humans.
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): The pattern
of inheritance is unclear in this breed. Left ventricular outflow
obstruction, left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, LV wall/
septum hypertrophy, myocardial hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis
and ischemia lead to typical signs of heart failure; also may see
aortic thromboembolism. Dyspnea and crackles, arrhythmias, and
murmurs are typical findings.16 Persian cats are overrepresented
so perhaps there is a genetic influence. Average age of onset is
6.5 years. Over 75% of cases are in males, usually sudden death
or acute left sided heart failure is the terminal event. Concurrent
pulmonary edema is distributed in a patchy pattern diffusely
through the lung field (not necessarily perihilar, as is typical in
dogs), and they are not usually hypothermic. Histologic examination
shows one quarter of cats have myofiber disarray. Growth hormone
excess may play a role in this condition.
In a study of a partially inbred colony of cats with Persian ancestry,
plasma atrial natriuretic factor was elevated; an autosomal
dominant inheritance was suspected.
PDA: Increased breed incidence was reported; may be associated
with septal and valvular defects.
Congenital Portosystemic Vascular Shunts: Persian and
Himalayan together accounted for 16% of cases out of 98 cats
in one report. Signs were noted by 6 months of age; a single
extrahepatic portocaval anomaly was the most common type of
defect seen.
Neonatal Isoerythrolysis (NI): Prevalence of B blood type makes
NI a concern in this breed. All B type cats have circulating anti-A
antibodies and even primiparous queens carry these. Type B queens
bred to type A toms can result in fatal red cell lysis in A blood type
offspring with undetected NI. Kittens with NI can be distinguished
from other fading kittens because of pigmenturia; anemia and
icterus will also be present; not all kittens at risk for NI will develop
overt clinical symptoms. The proportion of matings at risk for NI
was reported to be 0.12.
FIP Susceptibility: Pedigree analysis indicated a high heritability
(> 0.54) in a selection of catteries, with perhaps a polygenic trait
controlling susceptibility to development of clinical FIP. There was
no correlation between FIP death and inbreeding.
FeLV Susceptibility: Feline leukocyte antigen (FLA), important for
control of immune response, is represented by a set of genes and
polymorphism here may play a role in susceptibility.
Disease Predispositions
Corneal Sequestration (SYN: Black body or cornea nigrum):
In early phases, an amber colored corneal stromal opacity may be
noted. It gradually develops distinct raised borders; the surrounding
cornea is cloudy and neovascularized; chemosis, blepharospasm,
mucopurulent ocular discharge, and hyperemic conjunctivae may
also be noted. Surface of sequestrum does not stain with fluorescein
dye but does retain rose bengal stain. Exophthalmic conformation is
thought to play a role in susceptibility. It is central or paracentral in
distribution, and Persian cats are over-represented. When matured,
this is a brown to black pigmented lesion; often surrounded by
a loose collarette of poorly adherent corneal epithelium. Lesions
may extend into shallow or deep stroma, or even to Descemet's
membrane. Sloughing and corneal healing may take 2-6 months;
surgical debridement is an option. Most often they are unilateral,
but can be bilateral; it is a corneal stromal necrosis.
Topical glucocorticoids are contraindicated; some cases may be
associated with feline herpesvirus infection; if suspected, do a
PCR test for the virus on excised black body tissue. Recurrence, or
involvement of the second eye in previously unilateral cases may
occur. Mean age of affected Persians is 5 1/2 years.
Non-healing Corneal Ulcers: In a retrospective study of cats with
refractory ulcers, the Persian was found to be overrepresented.
These indolent ulcers involve only the superficial epithelium and
unless complicated, do not extend into the stroma. During extended
treatment regimens averaging 5 weeks, the same cats were also
predisposed to corneal sequestration.
Cervical Neck Lesions: Increased risk for Persian cats was reported.
Of cats with in one study, 47% afflicted were Persians.
Lower Urinary Tract Disease: Increased risk of calcium oxalate
urolithiasis was reported. A retrospective study (3,498 urolithiasis
cases) found increased risk for calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths but
reduced risk for forming Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate (MAP
or struvite) crystals. Persian cats were found to be 3.2 times more
likely to develop CaOx stones, and 1.4 times as likely to develop
MAP as cats of other breeds in another report.
In a retrospective analysis of 22,908 LUTD cases (1980-1997),
Persian cats were reported to be at increased risk of congenital
defects as well. A new type of uroliths was reported, consisting
of Mg, K, and inorganic pyrophosphate; a possible dysfunction of
the pyrophosphate-hydrolyzing alkaline phosphatase enzyme was
proposed (perhaps a genetic defect) as a reason for the novel stone
structure.
Dystocia: A survey of 2,928 litters of multiple cat breeds was
carried out to ascertain prevalence of dystocia, and over-representation
of Persian breed cats was found. There were 939 Persian
litters analyzed. Average dystocia rate in a mixed breed colony was
0.4%, and 7.5% in the Persian group.
Cryptorchidism: There is some variation between practitioners
on the cutoff age to be considered failure to descend. A common
definition of cryptorchidism is when testes fail to descend into the
scrotum by 7-8 months of age. Persian cats were the breed with the
highest reported incidence of cryptorchidism, accounting for 20%
of cases in one study. In a study (1980-89) of 1,345 cats admitted
for orchiectomy, 29% of Persians were cryptorchid versus 1.4% in
non-Persians.
Brachycephalic Syndrome: A flat-face conformation and rounded
skull can result in stenotic nares, jaw changes, elongated soft
palate, and distorted nasopharynx. Because of the sedentary
lifestyle of cats, many cats can live with this conformational defect,
but in severe cases surgical therapy is required.
Transfusion Reactions: Due to prevalence of B blood type, natural
allo-antibodies markedly increase the risk of transfusion reactions
so donors and recipients should be blood typed.
Idiopathic Facial Dermatitis (Dirty Faced Persians): In the UK,
and sporadically in the US, black exudates that mat in hair and
on skin, with frequent self excoriation secondary to pruritis, and
associated skin erythema have been noted. Often ceruminous otitis
externa is present simultaneously. A genetic basis is suspected;
histology shows dyskeratotic basal epithelial cells, acanthosis
and crusting with mixed inflammatory infiltrate and sebaceous
hyperplasia. Mean age of onset is 1 year of age, with a symmetric
pattern around eyes, mouth, chin and ears, and may be associated
with submandibular lymphadenopathy. Mucoid ocular discharge
may be noted. Though inflammatory cells are often noted, and
bacteria and yeast may be isolated, the condition is not antibiotic or
glucocorticoids responsive.
Separation Anxiety Syndrome: Of a study group of 136 cats,
Persians accounted for 12% of the cats. Associated clinical signs
in Persians were that females urinated, and males urinated and
defecated out of place.
Hereditary Deafness: Is associated with the dominant gene for
white cat (W); may be found in white cats of this breed.
Hip Dysplasia (HD): This condition is much more prevalent
than was previously thought. In a 1998 report, in a nonrandom
group of 78 cats of different breeds, 32% of this pooled group
of cats, and 60% of Persians had HD using OFA-like criteria. A
positive correlation with joint laxity and HD was identified. A
study (1991-1995) found that based on VD hip radiographs, (684
Cats, 12 breeds) HD prevalence was 5.8% in unregistered versus
12.3% in purebred cats. Persian cats had a 15.8% rate (3/19).
Classic radiographic signs were found to be different than in dogs,
with minimal remodeling of the femoral neck. Instead, shallow
acetabulum and remodeling of the cranio-dorsal acetabular rim
were noted.
Rare and Isolated Reports
Chediak-Higashi Syndrome: Chediak-Higashi has an autosomal
recessive inheritance pattern. This condition affects dilute blue
smoke Persian cats. Iris is pale and yellow-green, thin, and the
fundus hypopigmented due to loss of retinal pigmented epithelial
cells. CHS also leads to tapetal cell dysmaturity and gradual loss of
tapetal cells leading to lack of visible tapetum. Cataracts may also
form. A membrane defect is thought to be the underlying defect in
CHS, leading to increased unsaturated fatty acid levels.
Essentially a lysosomal defect is associated with this dilute partial
oculocutaneous albinism. CHS is associated with bleeding tendency,
and granules staining pink to magenta with Romanowsky stain
in leukocytes. Also granules are present in melanocytes. Bleeding
tendency is due to a platelet storage pool deficiency. Cats may be
photophobic, and mild neutrophilia may also occur. Cats with this
condition should not enter breeding programs. Normal lifespan is
expected.
Alpha Mannosidosis: Lysosomal enzyme О±-mannosidase
deficiency, an autosomal recessive disorder, leads to progressive
storage disease. Leukocyte morphology changes include vacuolation
of lymphocytes and monocytes. Cells such as neurons accumulate
partially processed N-linked oligosaccharides.46 Signs begin in
the first month of life and are progressive, with death frequently
occurring a few months later. Tremors, facial dysmorphia, ataxia,
seizures, reduced vision (cataracts), organomegaly, behavior
changes and skeletal deformities may occur. Three families of
Persians have been reported with this rare storage disease (in the
USA, Switzerland, and Belgium). The mutation was characterized,
and resulted in zero enzyme activity.
In DSH cats, milder phenotype and 2% enzyme activity has been
reported.
Corneal opacification may result in frosted appearance of the eyes
by 11 weeks of age; marked pathology occurs in the RPE, but is not
visualized clinically. Lens shows characteristic Y-suture pattern of
cataract-appearance is granular to feathery.
Entropion: Suspected to be hereditary, present at an early age;
high prevalence in Persian; all or part of lower palpebral margin is
affected, and is often bilateral.
Eyelid agenesis: Most commonly seen in the temporal upper
palpebral.
Cataracts: Congenital or juvenile cataracts have been reported.
Heterochromia Iridis: Variations in iris and retinal pigment
epithelium and choroid may occur.
Retinal Degeneration: Begins as foci of hyperreflective tapetum,
then coalesce to become generalized; leading to blindness.44 In one
report, two litters from the same parents developed visual deficits,
and fundus abnormalities on ophthalmoscope exams were noted
by a few months of age. Diffuse outer segment degeneration
occured.
A recent report strongly suggests this is an autosomal recessive rod
cone dysplasia. By 3 weeks of age in offspring of homozygous cross
with heterozygous parents, pupillary light reflexes were abnormal,
by 6 weeks the tapetum hyperreflective, and by 15 weeks of age, the
retinal degeneration was advanced; all were blind by 16 weeks old.
Hyperlipoproteinemia/Hyperlipidemia: Pattern is familial. High
circulating triglycerides and hyperchylomicronemia occur. Signs
may include: iridocyclitis, lipemia retinalis (pink or creamy retinal
vasculature), xanthomata (lipid granulomas of skin), and lipid
aqueous humour. Nerves may become impinged due to xanthomata,
leading to paresis or paralysis.
Anterior chamber contents may have a creamy or white appearance
when hyperchylomicronemia is present, and opalescence when
hypertriglyceridemia alone is present. Arcus lipoids cornea and lipid
keratopathy can also be seen with hyperlipoproteinemia. Uveitis
has also been described.
Concurrent atherosclerosis of abdominal vessels, aorta and
coronary vessels also occurred. Deficiency of lipoprotein lipase
enzyme is thought to be the underlying defect responsible for the
hyperlipoproteinemias.
In another report of kittens with severe hypertriglyceridemia,
anemia was also evident.
Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: This is a collagen VII defect
leading to reduced anchoring fibrils, so trauma leads to formation
of blisters that progress to ulcers; an easily torn off skin is the
result. Sloughing of foot pads and oral mucosa occurs in addition
to loss of hairy skin.
Primary Hereditary Seborrhea Oleosa: First signs are noted at
only 2-3 days of age and are severe and quickly progressive, with
no coat color predilection. Greasy, scaly skin and a rancid odor are
present. Orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis is found on biopsy. A primary
keratinization defect is thought to be the underlying condition. To
date, no effective treatment options have been reported.
Multiple eyelid cysts: Histology is similar to apocrine
hidrocystomas of humans. In one report, these were described as
multilocular cysts; PAS+, diastase resistant granules were seen
in the cytoplasm of affected cells. Blepharospasm, epiphora and
masses/color changes of eyelids were the chief complaints. In
another case, unilocular cysts in a senior Persian were reported and
were characterized as cystadenomas.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA: Kittens are 2-3 weeks of age at
onset, autosomal recessive. By about 4 months of age, they have
severe photoreceptor loss.
Miscellaneous: Dermatophytosis, Otitis Externa, Umbilical Hernia,
Peritoneopericardial hernia, Portosystemic Shunt, Cryptorchidism,
Lymphocytic Cholangitis, Hemophilia A.
Genetic Tests
Mannosidosis Genetic (Direct) Test
Josephine Deubler Genetic Testing Laboratory, (PennGen) at the
University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital offers testing.
Minimum of 1-2 ml EDTA blood processed within 48 hours. Is
not necessary to cool; and do avoid freezing. Test request form
is available online. Can do concurrent blood typing on the same
sample. Can also submit a pair of buccal swabs for testing.
PKD: Direct genetic test is available at UC-Davis VGL and the
Animal Health Trust.
Ultrasound screening of kidneys should be done with transducer
of 7.5 MHz for adults, 10 MHz for kittens. In older cats, cysts are
larger and thus easier to detect. Typical findings are spherical
cysts with smooth sharp outline, anechoic internally, with through
transmission of larger cysts. Recommend scan breeding stock at
10 months of age in 2 planes; both kidneys, and again at 2 years
old if early US is equivocal (single cyst or a few in one kidney only),
or if negative since may not pick up PKD at 10 months of age if
very small cysts or no changes. In some patients, renomegaly may
be visible on routine radiographs. Because of prevalence, breeding
PKD positive cats to negative cats may be necessary for a while to
prevent gene pool diversity loss.
Blood type before transfusions or mating are recommended.
Miscellaneous
- Breed name synonyms: Himalayan, Himalayan-Persian, Longhair,
Longhaired Exotic, Khmer (historical, Europe), British Longhair
- Registries: FIFE, TICA (separate from Himalayan here), CFA, *ACFA
(separate from Himalayan), *CFF (separate from Himalayan here;
chocolate and lavender are known as Kashmir). GCCF (division
includes colourpoint, exotic SH), ACF (includes colourpoints), WCF
(provisional Persian/Himalayan category), NZCF (colourpoints in
here), CCA (Himalayan separate)
*CFF and ACFA distinguish between Peke-faced and standard
Persian.
- Breed resources: The Atlantic Himalayan Club:
himalayan.org/links.htm
CFA Persian Breed Council: persianbc.org
The Feline PKD Homepage: felinepkd.com/
United Silver and Golden Fanciers Online:
unitedsilverandgoldenfanciers.com/
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