How Many Different Types of Persian Cat are There?

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Persian cats are some of the most popular, most beautiful cats in the world. Named after where it is believed they originated from many centuries ago, they are animals that are lovely and make wonderful pets for anyone. One of the most prominent questions people ask before getting a Persian cat of their own is how many different types of Persian there are.

While there is only one Persian cat breed, there are seven different types, each one a different division. Additionally, there are endless mixed Persian breeds in the world, but they can’t be described as Persians because they are not recognized by any cat associations. Additionally, it would become impossible to count the sheer number of different Persian mixed breeds in the world based on the number of different cats that a Persian could potentially mate with and produce a litter of mixed Persians. For that reason, we recognize only the different divisions, and of those there are approximately 7.

Bicolor

This division refers to Persians with only two different color patterns in addition to white on the body of the cat. There are several different color combinations possible, though most have white legs to accompany their other two colors. This can include anything from red to black to white to cream to chocolate and even lilac. The notable and telltale sign that this is a bicolor cat is the presence of only two other colors in addition to white. There aren’t too many color patterns here, and it’s sometimes difficult to tell it apart from other colorful Persians, but just remember there will be only white and two more colors associated with a bicolor.

Himalayan

The Himalayan division was bred by mating a Persian with a Siamese cat. The result is a lovely cat with a number of color patterns that can include any of 19 different colors, patterns and shapes. Their different appearance, yet their very Persian like appearance is what sets these cats apart from the others in its breed and makes it so noticeable to those looking at the cat. This particular division is a very popular one that many people find they want to have at home, which is what makes them such an expensive cat that is not always simple to find. These are large cats, often in charge and very difficult to dismiss as anything other than lovely.

Tabby

The Tabby division is not one that’s singular to just the Persian breed. In fact, any cat can be a tabby based on color and pattern. The Persian tabby division is one that features three different patterns. Mackerel, patched and classic are the three different patterns these cats have, and each one is very noticeable. It simply refers to the color and pattern of the Persian and not anything else to do with its breeding or its heritage. It’s a lovely cat, by nature, but the tabby Persian is not one of the most popular divisions in the eyes of most cat owners. Perhaps the reason for this is the fact that this cat is one that’s designed to be a little bit different in terms of appearance, and when it has the same look as any standard cat it sometimes turns off potential owners. They’d prefer a more exotic color pattern.

Shaded and Smoke

Perhaps one of the easiest divisions to recognize, the shaded and smoke Persian is very noticeable. What makes it so noticeable is the fact that this particular cat is a shaded smoke color with underlying white or cream colors and a slightly smokey color mixed it. It looks a bit like, well, smoke and shade. That’s where the name of the division came from. This cat will not have much in terms of color as it only has six different shades to work with, but it is the most striking of all the Persians because of this unique and desirable appearance.

Particolor

This particular division is typically a tortoiseshell cat. This just means it’s a black cat with patches of red throughout its coloring, and it can actually have a bit of lilac and blue throughout. It’s a very noticeable pattern and look, though it’s nowhere near as striking as the pale and lovely shade of the shaded and smoke division. This is a very popular division as so many Persians come in this color and this pattern. It’s very desirable because of its exotic nature and its sophisticated air of luxury. Many who own a Persian choose to have one in this division because it is a bit mysterious and a bit exotic.

Silver and Golden

By far the most beautiful and most desirable of all Persians, this is a difficult cat to track down. You will likely pay more for this chinchilla cat than any other in the Persian family, and for good reason. This is a cat that appears to be completely white with blazes of silver and gold throughout its tips. It’s almost impossible to tell that this is a real cat from a distance, and that’s what makes it so amazing. Ethereal is the word we’d use to describe this particular breed of Persian, and it seems so fitting when you see one of these beautiful, stunning cats in person.

Solid

Just as it sounds, the solid division is solid. This is a cat that is all one color; and there are many one-color solids to choose from. But each one has a distinct look that makes it just as amazing as it sounds. The solid white Persian has three different possible eye colors. For example, a solid white division might have deep blue or copper eyes, and some have one of each. The solid divisions that are not white could come with only copper color eyes. To see if a Persian is a solid, you must check for any other markings. There will be none. There will not be a shade of fur lighter or darker than any others; they will be completely the same all the way around. This brilliant cat is one of the most popular.

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