The Persian cat breed is traditionally considered to have originated in Iran.
The breed takes its name from Persia, the historical name commonly used in Europe for Iran. Long-haired cats from the region were brought to Europe, where selective breeding gradually shaped the modern Persian's round head, dense coat, and compact body.
The Persian is not simply any long-haired cat from the Middle East. Its modern appearance developed through breeding programs, especially in Britain and the United States. Early Persian cats generally had less extreme facial features than some modern show lines.
Persians are known for requiring substantial grooming because their long fur can mat easily. The breed is also divided into color and pattern groups in many cat registries, so “Persian” describes a breed with considerable visual variety.