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Is it true that Persian Cats have been domesticated for so long that they lost many of their natural instincts. My brother has one and he told me that when the Persian was younger, the cat would not play with you. You could dangle a ball in front of him, but the cat would be like "what's that?" He told me they have been living with people so long they have become super docile. They will not even hunt mice or birds even if they are right in front of them. Is this true? Are all Persian Cats that docile? What's the story behind Persian domestication that is not available on wikiepdia?
Persians are known to be laid back and easy going....I have a part Persian, which certainly fits the description. But, he has never lost his ability to hunt, play or be the all around character. Each cat will have a different personality, no different than a human.
Do a google of the Breed and there is a lot of info to be had on heritage and breeding.
I've had a few Persians over the years, and currently have a 9.5 year-old Blue Persian named Cyrus. They each have unique personalities like any pet, but Persians are typically known for being docile and cuddly. Cyrus definitely likes to cuddle, but docile is not a word I'd use to describe him. As for being too domesticated, I haven't really seen that with my Persians... all were/are decent hunters, and my old cat Duchess was quite the little scrapper! Cyrus used to bring home mice when we lived in the suburbs, but now that we're in the city he hunts wood chips - seriously, he brings me around 10 chips a night. So I think it's really about the individual cat, and to some degree who bred them. They can be wonderful cats, and are probably my favorite breed, but you can get a wide variety of temperaments among them.
Here's my boy Cyrus:
What happens when a Persian goes out in the rain, LOL...
LOL The second pic from out in the rain is totally crying out to be put up on Cheezburger. Fantastic expression! "Come any closer and I'll slap that camera right out of your hand." Hehe.
Cyrus is so beautiful! I LOOOOVE Persians, and have always had a soft spot for animals with those cute, smushy faces. I already have 3 cats and 4 dogs, but if the universe ever sent me a Persian in need, I don't think I'd be able to part with him or her...one look into those eyes, and I'd be a big pile of MUSH, LOL!
I've had Persian cats most of my life, and currently have 4 and while they are known for their laid back, docile personalities, they can also be just as outgoing and playful as any other breed of cat. It really depends more on the individual cat's personality.
Two of my four Persians are swift little hunters and extremely quick and playful, while the other two are a bit slower and not quite as cunning, but still love to play. Granted, they aren't outside cats and only get short supervised visits to my fenced in backyard, but I've seen them go flying through the air after butterflies, moths, and even grasshoppers.
I've had Persian cats most of my life, and currently have 4 and while they are known for their laid back, docile personalities, they can also be just as outgoing and playful as any other breed of cat. It really depends more on the individual cat's personality.
Two of my four Persians are swift little hunters and extremely quick and playful, while the other two are a bit slower and not quite as cunning, but still love to play. Granted, they aren't outside cats and only get short supervised visits to my fenced in backyard, but I've seen them go flying through the air after butterflies, moths, and even grasshoppers.
And boy can they play!
Holy cow, those photos are great! I especially love the second one!
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As for being too domesticated, I haven't really seen that with my Persians... all were/are decent hunters, and my old cat Duchess was quite the little scrapper! Cyrus used to bring home mice when we lived in the suburbs, but now that we're in the city he hunts wood chips - seriously, he brings me around 10 chips a night. 
So I think it's really about the individual cat, and to some degree who bred them. They can be wonderful cats, and are probably my favorite breed, but you can get a wide variety of temperaments among them.
Fantastic expression! "Come any closer and I'll slap that camera right out of your hand." Hehe.
