Persian
Medium cat (10–25 kg), typically living 12–17 years. This is a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, so take extra care in warm weather.
Typical adult weight
Males: 4–6 kg
Females: 3–5 kg
Individual pets vary. Body condition matters more than the number on the scales.
At a glance
Typical lifespan
Median lifespan for a Persian is around 11.5 years, based on an estimate built from this breed's size, type and published lifespan range. Try our cat age calculator to convert your cat's age into human years.
Life with a Persian
The Persian is a relaxed cat that's happy to spend most of the day resting. As a medium cat, its adult weight typically settles at 10–25 kg, and its coat needs regular, careful grooming and many owners brush daily.
In terms of coat care day to day, this breed is a heavy shedder year-round. Around the home, the Persian is usually good with children and tends to be tolerant and tends to get along well with other cats and pets, though every individual cat has its own personality shaped by early handling and socialisation.
This breed generally doesn't cope well with warm weather and appreciates cool, shaded spots. Being flat-faced (brachycephalic), it can be more prone to breathing and eye issues, so keep an eye out for noisy breathing or overheating. The tools below are pre-loaded with typical figures for the Persian so you can get a quick, personalised estimate for feeding, age and cost.
Kitten growth guide
Estimated weight by age, based on an adult weight of around 4.5 kg (the midpoint of typical males and females). Real kittens vary by ±15% or more.
| Age | % of adult weight | Expected weight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 10% | 0.5 kg |
| 2 months | 20% | 0.9 kg |
| 3 months | 35% | 1.6 kg |
| 4 months | 50% | 2.3 kg |
| 6 months | 70% | 3.2 kg |
| 9 months | 90% | 4.1 kg |
| 12 months | 100% | 4.5 kg |
Feeding guide by weight
Rough daily amounts for a neutered adult Persian, using the standard 70 × weight0.75 formula and a typical dry food energy density of 3800 kcal/kg. Always check the exact figure on your own food's packaging.
| Body weight | Daily calories | Roughly dry food |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | 191 kcal | 50 g |
| 4.5 kg | 260 kcal | 68 g |
| 6 kg | 322 kcal | 85 g |
For a figure tailored to your cat's age, activity and neuter status, use the cat food calculator.
Estimated UK costs
Ongoing costs (food, insurance, routine vet care, flea/worm treatment and extras) for a Persian typically run to around £106–£143 a month, or roughly £17,808–£24,024 over an average 14-year lifetime, not including one-off costs like purchase price, neutering or equipment.
Insurers price on breed. Flat-faced breeds (breathing and eye surgery) and large or giant breeds (joint surgery) usually cost more to insure and to treat.
These figures are UK averages and will vary by region and lifestyle.
Health conditions to be aware of
Like all breeds, the Persian has its own set of conditions vets keep an eye out for. Knowing about them ahead of time means you can ask the right questions, consider health screening, and choose insurance cover that suits.
- BOAS
- PKD
- Eye discharge
A breed being prone to a condition does not mean your pet will get it. Ask your vet about screening and insurance.
Calculators for your Persian
Estimates only – not a substitute for advice from your vet.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026