Shirazi, Shiraz, or Sherazi Cat? Clearing Up the Name Confusion
By C. Lilliston
Quick Facts
| Correct Spelling | Shirazi (most widely accepted) |
|---|---|
| Common Misspellings | Shiraz cat, Sherazi cat, Cherazi cat, Shirazy |
| Origin of Name | City of Shiraz, southern Iran |
| Also Called | Persian Longhair, Iranian Cat |
Why Are There So Many Spellings?
If you’ve searched for this breed online, you’ve probably seen it spelled several different ways — Shirazi, Shiraz, Sherazi, even Cherazi. This isn’t a sign that anyone’s wrong; it’s simply what happens when a name gets transliterated from Persian into English across different regions, communities, and informal writing over time. There’s no single official spelling body governing the term the way there is for registered breed names, so variations naturally spread.
The Most Accepted Spelling: Shirazi
“Shirazi” is the most widely used and recognized spelling in English-language sources, breed guides, and rescue organizations. It directly reflects the adjective form of Shiraz — meaning “of or from Shiraz” — which is the historic Iranian city the breed’s name references.
Common Variants You’ll See
- Shiraz cat: Uses the city name directly without the “-i” suffix. Common in casual use and some regional sources.
- Sherazi cat: A phonetic variation reflecting how the name sounds when spoken aloud, sometimes influenced by the similar-sounding name “Scheherazade.”
- Cherazi cat: Less common, likely a further phonetic drift or simple misspelling of “Sherazi.”
Does the Spelling Matter?
Not for the cat itself — all of these terms point to the same breed, functionally identical to the Persian cat (see our full guide to the Shirazi cat for more). If you’re researching, adopting, or writing about this breed, “Shirazi” is the safest and most recognized spelling to use, but don’t be thrown off if you encounter one of the variants — they all mean the same thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it spelled Shirazi or Shiraz cat?
“Shirazi” is the more widely accepted and commonly used spelling, though “Shiraz cat” appears frequently and refers to the same breed.
What does “Shirazi” mean?
“Shirazi” means “of or from Shiraz,” referring to the Iranian city historically associated with this cat breed’s origins.
Is “Sherazi” a real spelling or a mistake?
“Sherazi” is a common phonetic variation rather than an official alternate spelling, but it’s used often enough online that it clearly refers to the same breed.