are all persian cats flat face

Persian Cats Haven’t Always Had Flat Faces

Breeders took to the new look and used selective breeding to get that Persian show cat “peke-faced” look. The traditional Persian cat, also known as the doll face, doesn’t have that flat silhouette.

Common health problems in flat face Persian cats

Brachycephalic Persians experience many issues because of their facial structure. You can check them out in the following table:

Features	Potential health problems
Shorter skull	Facial bones develop abnormally
Small and narrow nasal passage	Restricted airflow
A soft palate (roof of the mouth)	Trouble with breathing and swallowing
Narrow tear duct	Eye and skin issues
Large, protruding eyeballs	Sensitive eyes
Entropion eyelids (turned inwards)	Eye problems, including ulcers, perforations, and infections
A raised and rotated upper jaw	Dental and tear duct issues

Flat-faced Persians often experience the brachycephalic obstructive airways syndrome (BOAS), aka breathing issues. Research shows that the size of cats’ noses affects the severity of this condition.

These Persians don’t get enough airflow because of their elongated soft palates, tiny internal nasal chambers, and thin nostrils. The symptoms include:

Coughing
Heavy breathing
Snoring
Low oxygen levels
Swelling of the airways
Fainting

The BOAS entails anxiety, lethargy, and insomnia.

In addition to respiratory issues, Persian cats with flat faces are vulnerable to common respiratory conditions like:

Colds
Sinus infections
Asthma
Allergies
Contagious feline viruses

Though it may be charming, this small nose makes breathing difficult.

Persians make passive lap cats, but because of the restricted airflow, flat-faced cats also find it difficult to exercise. They quickly get tired and struggle to catch their breath. Their bulky coats are a hindrance, particularly in the summer when heat stroke is a serious risk.

Restricting their physical activity can mitigate respiratory problems but raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Although their long, opulent coats, flat faces, and large eyes are perhaps the most well-known features of Persian cats, there are many more interesting facts about these animals to discover. There’s a lot to know (and love) about Persians, from their fascinating and somewhat enigmatic origins to the genetic mutation that led to their well-known flat faces back in the 1950s.

Here are 14 amazing facts about Persian cats, along with some incredibly adorable photos, whether you’re thinking about getting one for your home, already have one, or just want to learn more about one of the oldest and most well-known breeds in the world.

Create a peaceful environment

Cats with flat faces go through a lot of physical discomfort, which exacerbates their breathing issues and can cause anxiety. Creating a peaceful space with a secure area for your pet to retreat to when they need some alone time is the best way to ensure their comfort.

Try to prevent respiratory problems by:

Eliminating common allergens such as pollen, dust, and cat food that contains grains and vegetables
Vaccinating your cat against common viral infections
Visiting the vet regularly

I suppose we’ll visit the man in the white coat once more.

FAQ

Do Persian cats have different faces?

Some may have round faces or other facial features. In fact, the American Cat Fanciers Association (AFCA) recognizes 4 distinct types of Persian cats: traditional doll-face Persians, extreme flat faces, ultra-types, and teacup Persians.

How can you tell if a cat is Persian?

The Persian cat is immediately recognizable by their flat face with full cheeks, large round eyes, a short muzzle and a short snub-nose, round cheeks, a firm chin, medium-sized ears, and large, round eyes, creating a sweet expression.

What does original Persian cat look like?

Persian cats have round faces with full, puffy cheeks. Meanwhile, the ears tend to be very small and round-tipped in appearance. While many Persian cats tend to have flat faces, there are variations. Some Persians have a more rounded facial shape, which breeders often refer to as a doll-faced Persian.

How do you tell the difference between a Persian kitten and a normal kitten?

Persian cats are normal cats, just a specific breed. They are very long-haired and need to be brushed daily in order to keep their coats from matting. They also have a “pushed in” face that makes them highly likely to develop respiratory issues. They tend to have a relaxed and quiet personality.