longhair
Peke-Faced Persian
Origin: United States
The most extreme of the flat-faced Persians, named for its resemblance to the Pekingese dog. A gentle, sedentary cat — and a breed whose facial structure carries real health costs.
- Origin
- United States
- Category
- longhair
- Lifespan
- 10–15 yrs
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3.5–6 kg
- Coat
- Very long, dense and flowing
- Colours
- Historically red and red tabby; now seen in many colours
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The peke-faced type appeared in American Persian lines in the 1930s as a spontaneous mutation producing a markedly flatter face, a deeply indented nose break and a domed skull. It was recognised by the CFA as a distinct red and red tabby Persian variety in the 1950s and became fashionable in the show ring, driving Persian breeding towards ever flatter faces. The separate classification was eventually discontinued, but its influence persists: the modern 'ultra-typed' show Persian descends from this line, while the older, longer-nosed cat is now distinguished as the doll-face Persian.
🧼 Care & grooming
Daily grooming is non-negotiable — the coat mats within days if neglected. The flattened face means tears drain poorly, so the facial folds need wiping clean every day to prevent staining and skin infection. Many cats of this type struggle with ordinary food bowls and eat more comfortably from a shallow, wide dish. Keep them indoors, at a lean weight, and out of hot weather.
🩺 Health notes
This is a breed where conformation and health are inseparable. Brachycephalic airway syndrome causes noisy, laboured breathing and heat intolerance; the shortened muzzle produces dental crowding and misalignment; blocked tear ducts and eye problems are routine; and difficult births are common. Persians as a group also carry a high incidence of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), for which DNA testing is available and strongly recommended. Prospective owners should seek breeders who prioritise an open nostril, a functional muzzle and PKD-tested parents.