Perhaps you are interested in buying a Persian cat but clueless about which type you should choose. If this is the case, I suggest that you consider looking into the famous and unique-looking grey Persian cat!
Gray is just one of the many color variations of the Persian cat. Aside from their noble and confident looks, what other unique things do grey Persian cats have? Find out the answers in this article!
What Is a Grey Persian Cat?
The grey Persian cat is a coat color variation of the Persian cat breed. It is characterized by a grayish to bluish solid body pigmentation. Interestingly, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) registers Persian cats with this color variation as blue Persian cats instead of grey.
The grey coloration was once the apex variant of the Persian cat breed. Grey Persian cats became more popular when Queen Victoria owned several of them.
Although they have different coat colors from other Persian cat varieties, grey Persian cats are still the gentle, quiet, noble, and docile Persians we all have known.
In terms of appearance, grey Persian cats look similar to other Persian varieties except for the fact that they have grey coats. Their overall appearances portray nobility and sweet expression.
Grey Persian Cat vs. Blue Persian Cat: Are They the Same?
If you look at the Persian cat breed standard of the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), you will not see “grey” in the official list of solid colors for Persian cats.
Does this mean that there is no such thing as grey Persian cats? No.
Basically, grey Persians and blue Persians are just the same types of cats. It’s just that cat fanciers and feline clubs prefer using “blue” to refer to the gray coloration of Persian cats.
Due to shade variations, some grey Persians, especially those with darker shades, appear to be blue. Hence, grey Persians are also called blue Persian cats. This kind of color naming system also happens for other gray cats.
Are Grey Persian Cats Rare?
Grey is actually a common color for Persian cats, along with white and black solid color Persians. A lot of breeders specialize in breeding these specific Persian colors because of high demand.
However, this does not make grey Persian cats inexpensive at all. Although grey Persian cats are common, they are still more pricey than other cats.
Meanwhile, the rare solid colorations for Persian cats are chocolate and lilac solid pigmentations.
Grey Persian Cat Appearance: What Does a Grey Persian Cat Look Like?
One thing that cat fanciers love about grey Persian cats is their noble and confident appearance.
The gray colorations of grey Persian cats may vary with shades. Some may have a very light grayish pigmentation, while others may exhibit deep rich gray color that looks bluish to the eyes.
In conformation shows, though, darker shades of gray are considered to be more desirable than light gray tones.
The CFA Persian breed standard specifically mentions that blue or grey Persian cats should have bluish nose leather and paw pads. Their eyes should also be brilliant copper in color.
Grey Persian cats also exhibit the thick, long, silky, fine coat of the Persian cat breed. The fur in the body should be long, and the ruff should create a long frill between the front legs.
Generally, grey Persians have massive circular skulls. Their faces are round with short snub noses and muzzles. Their ears are small with spheroidal tips, while their eyes are big and round.
The round and soft features of the grey Persian cat show a well-balanced and sweet overall expression.
Nonetheless, you should expect your grey Persian cat to show pointier features if it comes from the lineage of “traditional” and “doll-face” Persian cats.
In terms of size, grey Persian cats are considered to be medium-sized felines. They grow somewhere around 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 7 and 12 pounds.
They are heavy-boned, sturdy, and thick. They have short thick legs, which makes them not good jumpers.
If you are not convinced about the cuteness of grey Persian cats, just watch this video of a grey Persian cat kitten:
So Sweet and Precious ...Those 3 Week Old Persian and Himi Babies<a href="https://youtu.be/NOn6eX7mmbs" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FNOn6eX7mmbs%2F0.jpg" alt="So Sweet and Precious ...Those 3 Week Old Persian and Himi Babies" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Grey Persian Cat Color Genetics: What Makes a Persian Cat Grey?
Basically, all feline coat colors and patterns come from two basic pigmentations, eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (red). These pigments are produced by cells called melanocytes.
The other colors, such as blue, gray, lilac, cream, etc., are produced when certain genes in the body modify the two basic pigments, which are black and red.
There are genes that turn the basic pigments (black and red) into lighter or darker colors. Meanwhile, other genes can also alter the pigmentations to produce coat patterns such as tabby, tortie, torbie, and calico.
In the case of gray Persian cats, the dilution gene (d gene) is responsible for turning the coat color of a Persian cat into grayish or bluish.
What the dilution gene does is alter the distribution of eumelanin or black pigment in the hair shaft, giving the coat a lightened, washed, or diluted gray color.
On the other hand, red Persian cats with the dilution gene may become orange, cream, and yellow coated.
Since the dilution gene is recessive, a black Persian cat should inherit the dilution gene from both of its parents to exhibit a gray or bluish coloration. If only one dilute gene is present, the Persian cat will come out as black.
Grey Persian Cat Temperament: Do Grey Persian Cats Make Good Family Cats?
Gray Persian cats share similar personalities and temperaments with other Persian cat varieties. Coat color does not, in any way, affect how Persian cats behave.
Generally, grey Persian cats are calm, sweet, docile, and gentle felines. They love lounging around with their family, often resting on couches and corners of the house.
Although they are sweet and affectionate to their owners, they are not the type of cats that constantly seek attention. Lying around the house and seeing their family members is enough for them.
Grey Persian cats love quiet environments. Hence, they are very suitable for households with old people or single owners. They can easily adjust to their environment, but loud noises can cause great stress to them.
This doesn’t mean, though, that they are not good for people with children. They can get along pretty well with kids as long as they are properly introduced to them.
Of course, you should also make sure to teach your kids how to properly handle, take care of, and treat cats.
If you are a busy person, the grey Persian cat might just be the perfect cat for you. These cats can be left alone from time to time, and they would still be ok.
Gray Persian cats also live well with dogs, especially with friendly and calm dogs. Although they can manage to live with energetic and playful dogs, a gray Persian cat will surely appreciate a quiet and peaceful environment.
Grey Persian Cat Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Grey Persian Cats Healthy Cats?
Grey Persian cats have quite long lives. With proper care and maintenance, these cats can live between 10 and 17 years.
However, much like other long-lived cat breeds, grey Persian cats are still susceptible to certain health issues which could negatively affect the quality and length of their lives.
Here are some of the common health problems for grey Persian cats:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is a collective term used to refer to a group of degenerative diseases that affects certain cells in the eyes. These eye conditions slowly and gradually lead to the photoreceptor cells’ deterioration which results in blindness.
Cherry Eyes: Grey Persian cats with cherry eyes will have a seemingly pinkish layer of eyelid bulging out from the corner of the eye. Cherry eyes occur when the third eyelid of a cat flips out of its normal position. Surgery is usually needed to correct a cherry eye.
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection: Respiratory infection is a common health issue for feline breeds such as the grey Persian cat. This condition can be likened to cold, although the severity could vary. Some signs of this infection include runny nose, sneezing, fever, drooling, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: This respiratory problem is common for cats with flat faces or short noses. The anatomical structure of their faces causes airway abnormalities which leads to difficulty in breathing and other respiratory anomalies.
It is highly recommended that you take immediate medical action if ever you feel that something is wrong with your grey Persian cat’s health. Be keen on watching for common signs of the aforementioned illnesses.
Regularly taking your cat to the vet and providing healthy meals will surely go a long way in ensuring that it stays happy and healthy.
How Much Does a Grey Persian Cat Cost? Kitten Prices & Expenses
The prices for grey Persian cats typically sit between $1,000 and $3,000. This price range could go lower or higher, depending on several factors such as bloodline, location and reputation of the breeder, and cat condition.
Meanwhile, the adoption fee for rescued gray Persian cats in local animal shelters and rescues costs around $100 to $500.
Aside from the price of the grey Persian cat kitten itself, you should also consider the initial expenses of owning one.
To make it more convenient for you, here is a summary of the initial expenses of owning a grey Persian cat kitten:
If you have noticed, you need to initially cash out around $555 to $1,465 in welcoming your grey Persian cat kitten.
The majority of the items included in the initial expenses are vital for the comfortable transition of your grey Persian cat to its new home. These items are necessary and non-negotiable.
Basic items such as food, beddings, litter, food and water bowls, and grooming essentials should already be bought before even taking your grey Persian cat home.
If you want to learn more about the monthly and yearly expenses of taking care of and owning a Persian cat, you can visit our comprehensive guide about the Persian cat kitten prices and expenses!
Places to Find Grey Persian Kittens for Sale and Adoption
Since the Persian cat is a well-known and in-demand feline breed, looking for a reputable grey Persian cat breeder would not be very difficult.
However, you should still be careful in transacting with cat breeders to avoid fraudulent schemes and scams.
A standard practice in choosing a breeder from whom you’ll purchase a kitten is to check its background, history, and affiliation. You can also ask other cat owners, vets, and breeders for recommendations.
For your convenience, I listed here some of the reputable grey Persian cat breeders in the United States:
Pelaqita Persian Cats – This cattery is recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). They produce show quality and companion-type Persians. The price range for their Persian cats is around $900 to $2,000, depending on whether the kitten is for show, breeding, or companion purposes.
NW Kitten – For seven years, NW Kitten has been breeding and producing top-quality Persian cats of different varieties. This cattery ensures that all of its kittens are healthy by providing regular vet checkups, vaccination, and a nutritious diet. Their cat package includes a health guarantee.
The Persian Kittens – This family-owned cattery has been in the business of breeding healthy and quality Persian cats for more than two decades already. They breed the different varieties of Persians, including grey Persian cats. If you purchase a kitten from them, they will give you a health guarantee contract.
If you aren’t lucky to find a grey Persian kitten from the listed breeders above, you should try adopting from a local shelter. Adopting a grey Persian cat is not only a noble way of acquiring one but also practical.
Here are some of the grey Persian cat rescues you can visit if you ever decide to adopt one:
Persian and Himalayan Cat Rescue (PHCR) – PHCR is a non-profit organization that has been rescuing abandoned and neglected Persian and Himalayan cats since 1990. You can call them directly to ask for the list of their adoptable cats. You might be lucky to find a grey Persian cat available for adoption in their care.
Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue (SPCR) – Founded in 1999, SPCR dedicates its efforts to rehoming surrendered and homeless purebred felines, including grey Persian cats. They have foster homes across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, eastern Iowa, and southern Michigan.
Seattle Persian and Himalayan Rescue (SPHR) – SPHR focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating Persian and Himalayan cats. They take homeless cats and rescue Persians and Himalayans from high-kill animal shelters. You can visit their adoption page to see the adoptable Persian cats in their care.
Aside from the listed cat rescues above, you can also try visiting the local animal shelter in your area. Although grey Persian cats are popular, some of them still end up in rescue centers.
If you are wondering how you can successfully find an adoptable grey Persian kitty near your area, you should check out our guide on finding free kittens for adoption!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Colors Do Persian Cats Come In?
Persian cats come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. According to the Persian cat breed standard provided by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Persian cats can exhibit solid colors, bi-colors, tri-colors, parti-color, and others.
Persian cats with solid colors can come in blue, white, black, red, lilac, cream, and chocolate. Calicos and bi-color Persians usually have white base coats with patches of different colors.
Meanwhile, parti-color Persians may exhibit the tortoiseshell pattern, blue-cream, lilac-cream, and chocolate-cream coloration. Some Persian cats also show the classic tabby and mackerel tabby pattern.
What Is the Rarest Persian Color?
Among the multitude of Persian cat coat colors and patterns, the lilac coat color remains to be the rarest pigmentation. The light pinkish and lavender hue of the coat is the diluted version of the chocolate color.
Do Grey Persian Cats Have Blue Eyes?
The Cat Fanciers’ Association Persian breed standard states that gray or blue Persian cats should have brilliant copper eyes. Only white Persian cats have blue eyes for the solid color division.
Final Thoughts: Is a Grey Persian Cat the Right Pet for You?
The grey Persian cat is truly a magnificent companion pet to own. Their calm, sweet, and gentle demeanor fits any type of household.
However, you should know that grey Persian cats are a bit demanding in terms of grooming. Their thick and long grey fur requires regular grooming and bathing.
Owning a grey Persian cat is also a huge financial responsibility. Aside from the hefty initial expenses of taking home one, you should also consider the lifetime expenses associated with owning this cat.
Nonetheless, your efforts in maintaining a grey Persian cat will all get paid off with the loyalty and affection you’ll receive from your cat.
Do you own a grey Persian cat or have any experience related to Persians? Tell us your stories in the comment section!
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