Shirazi Cat vs. Persian Cat: Are They the Same Breed?

Quick Facts

So, Is a Shirazi Cat the Same as a Persian Cat?

In almost every practical sense, yes — “Shirazi cat” and “Persian cat” refer to the same breed. The name “Shirazi” comes from Shiraz, a historic cultural center in what is now southern Iran, where this long-haired breed is believed to have originated before spreading to Europe in the 1600s. In Iran and much of the Middle East, this cat is simply called a Shirazi. In Western countries and in most cat breed registries, the same cat goes by “Persian” or “Persian Longhair.”

Why Two Different Names?

The naming split largely comes down to geography and history rather than genetics. When the breed was first brought into Europe by traders and travelers in the 17th century, it was rebranded under the “Persian” name that stuck in Western cat fancy circles. Meanwhile, in its region of origin, the older name — tied directly to the city of Shiraz — continued to be used. Today, you’ll also see the same cat referred to as an “Iranian cat” in some Middle Eastern contexts.

Are There Any Real Differences?

While “Shirazi” and “Persian” describe the same underlying breed, there are a couple of nuances worth knowing:

• Pedigree status: Cats sold or rescued under the “Shirazi” name — particularly in parts of the Middle East and North Africa — are often not formally pedigreed or registered, even if they closely resemble or share ancestry with registered Persians.
• Face shape variation: Some Shirazi-labeled cats have a more moderate, less extremely flat face than the modern show-standard “peke-face” Persian that’s become common in Western breeding programs. This isn’t a hard rule, but it’s a pattern many owners and rescues report.
• Regional mixing: In areas like Egypt, some cats called “Shirazi” are believed to carry mixed ancestry from Persian cats crossed with local breeds over generations, rather than being purebred Persian lines.

What This Means If You’re Looking to Adopt or Buy

If you’re searching for a “Shirazi cat” specifically, it’s worth clarifying with the seller or rescue organization whether they mean a purebred Persian sold under its regional name, or a cat with Persian-type features and uncertain pedigree. Neither is better or worse — but it affects what to expect in terms of documentation, predictability of traits, and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Shirazi cat a purebred Persian?

Not always. Some Shirazi cats are purebred Persians known by their regional name, while others — especially strays and rescues in parts of the Middle East — may have mixed ancestry with Persian-type features but no formal pedigree.

Why is the Persian cat called Shirazi in Iran?

The name comes from Shiraz, a major cultural city in southern Iran historically associated with the breed’s origins before it was introduced to Europe and renamed “Persian.”

Do Shirazi cats have the same temperament as Persians?

Yes — Shirazi cats share the same calm, affectionate, low-energy temperament that Persians are known for, since they’re fundamentally the same breed.

Are Shirazi cats more affordable than Persians?

Often, yes, particularly when adopted through rescue organizations rather than purchased from a registered breeder, since many Shirazi cats aren’t sold with formal pedigree documentation.