persian
Generation I · #0053 — Classy Cat Pokémon
Persian, known as the Classy Cat Pokémon, is a Normal-type feline Pokémon that has captivated trainers since Generation I with its elegant demeanor and surprisingly volatile temperament. As the evolved form of Meowth, Persian represents a significant power spike, particularly in speed, with a base Speed stat of 115 that allows it to outpace most opponents in the early game. Despite its sophisticated appearance and the admiration many have for its sleek fur, Pokédex entries consistently warn that Persian is fickle and prone to sudden aggression, making it a challenging but rewarding companion for those who can handle its unpredictable nature. Its most striking feature is the luminous gem embedded in its forehead, which glows with its own inner light, earning it recognition as a symbol of grace and elegance in Pokémon culture.
Base Stats
Height
1.0m
Weight
32.0kg
Category
Classy Cat Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
yellow
Shape
quadruped
Habitat
urban
Abilities
Prevents paralysis.
Strengthens moves of 60 base power or less to 1.5× their power.
Prevents opposing Pokémon from eating held Berries.
Persian Biology & Physical Characteristics
Persian is a large, quadrupedal feline Pokémon standing 1.0 meter tall and weighing 32.0 kilograms, presenting a lean yet muscular physique perfectly adapted for rapid movement and silent stalking. Its fur is predominantly pale tan with distinctive black-rimmed ears that frame its small, refined muzzle housing a petite black nose and piercing red eyes with characteristic slit pupils. The most notable biological feature is the prominent gem set into its forehead, which emits its own luminescence—a trait that remains scientifically fascinating to researchers studying Pokémon physiology. Persian's most remarkable sensory organs are its six bold whiskers, which function as sophisticated air-movement detectors, allowing the Pokémon to precisely determine what exists in its surrounding vicinity. These whiskers are so sensitive and integral to Persian's well-being that grabbing them causes the normally fierce creature to become docile and submissive. Its body structure reflects an evolutionary optimization for stealth and speed, with lithe muscles that enable it to traverse terrain without producing audible sound, making it an apex predator among smaller Pokémon.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Persian Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Persian exhibits an equal gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female, allowing for balanced breeding populations and no gender-based statistical advantages or disadvantages within the species. The species belongs to the Field Egg Group, which includes numerous other ground-dwelling and terrestrial Pokémon, enabling cross-breeding possibilities with compatible species that share this classification. With a base friendship value of 70 and a hatch counter of 20 cycles (approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps), Persian eggs are moderately friendly and take a moderate timeframe to incubate, making them reasonably accessible to trainers interested in breeding programs. The species' medium-fast growth rate means that Persian and its pre-evolution Meowth progress through experience levels at a moderate pace, neither particularly quick nor particularly slow compared to other Pokémon. Interestingly, Alolan Persian's evolution mechanics differ from the standard form, requiring trainers to build high friendship with Alolan Meowth rather than simply leveling it to 28, which emphasizes the bond between trainer and Pokémon in the Alola region's cultural context and provides additional breeding considerations for players seeking this regional variant.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
quick-claw
held-items
Held: Holder has a 3/16 (18.75%) chance to move first.
Cost: 4000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
sword shield
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
ruby sapphire
tm03
platinum
tm03
firered leafgreen
tm03
heartgold soulsilver
tm03
diamond pearl
tm03
emerald
tm03
xd
tm03
colosseum
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
ruby sapphire
tm05
emerald
tm05
gold silver
tm05
crystal
+695 more TMs/HMs
persian's Evolution Chain
Persian Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Persian evolves from Meowth starting at level 28, representing a dramatic transformation from the smaller kitten Pokémon into a more formidable predator with significantly improved stats across the board. The evolution process enhances Persian's already impressive Speed stat while also boosting its Attack from 45 to 70, providing the evolved form with genuine offensive capability beyond its base form. Notably, Persian serves as the final evolution in its standard line, though the Galarian region has introduced Perrserker, a Steel-type variant that Galarian Meowth evolves into at level 28, offering trainers an alternative evolutionary path with different typing and strengths. The Alola region features Alolan Persian, a Dark-type regional form that evolves from Alolan Meowth when leveled up with high friendship rather than at a specific level, representing a significant shift in this Pokémon's typing and competitive viability. Alolan Persian maintains the same base stat total of 440 but redistributes its stats, trading Physical Attack power for Special Attack prowess while maintaining the same exceptional Speed stat, and gains the unique Fur Coat ability in place of its traditional options.
Where to Find
kanto route 7
kanto
+3 more
five isle meadow
kanto
+1 more
ruin valley
kanto
+1 more
kindle road
kanto
+1 more
water path
kanto
+1 more
treasure beach
kanto
+1 more
cape brink
kanto
+1 more
sevault canyon
kanto
+1 more
bond bridge
kanto
+1 more
canyon entrance
kanto
+1 more
cerulean cave
kanto
vermilion city
kanto
Persian Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Despite its sophisticated exterior and elegant carriage, Persian possesses a deeply contradictory nature—behind its refined appearance lies a barbaric and unpredictable temperament that can emerge with little provocation. Pokédex entries from multiple regions consistently describe Persian as mean-spirited and fickle, prone to lashing out and scratching trainers and other Pokémon seemingly without reason, which explains why it remains difficult to raise despite its undeniable appeal. In battle and in nature, Persian demonstrates remarkable tactical capability, using its superior speed and silent movement to ambush prey, striking with lightning-fast reflexes before opponents can react. The species is solitary by nature, preferring to hunt and roam alone rather than in groups, and it will tear apart its prey on mere whim, suggesting that Persian possesses an almost capricious approach to hunting and survival. Its habitat preferences lean toward areas where speed and stealth provide advantages, though the species has demonstrated remarkable adaptability across various terrain types in the wild, from grasslands to urban environments where it has been known to establish territories.
Pokedex Entries
Although its fur has many admirers, it is tough to raise as a pet because of its fickle meanness.
The gem in its forehead glows on its own! It walks with all the grace and elegance of a proud queen.
Many adore it for its sophisticated air. However, it will lash out and scratch for little reason.
Its lithe muscles allow it to walk without making a sound. It attacks in an instant.
Behind its lithe, elegant appearance lies a barbaric side. It will tear apart its prey on a mere whim.
PERSIAN has six bold whiskers that give it a look of toughness. The whiskers sense air movements to determine what is in the POKéMON’s surrounding vicinity. It becomes docile if grabbed by the whiskers.
A PERSIAN’s six bold whiskers sense air movements to determine what is in its vicinity. It becomes docile if grabbed by the whiskers.
Has a vicious temperament. Beware if it raises its tail straight up. It is a signal that it is about to pounce and bite.
Although its fur has many admirers, it is tough to raise as a pet because of its fickle meanness.
A very haughty Pokémon. Among fans, the size of the jewel in its forehead is a topic of much talk.
Many adore it for its sophisticated air. However, it will lash out and scratch for little reason.
Its lithe muscles allow it to walk without making a sound. It attacks in an instant.
A very haughty Pokémon. Among fans, the size of the jewel in its forehead is a topic of much talk.
A very haughty Pokémon. Among fans, the size of the jewel in its forehead is a topic of much talk.
Although its fur has many admirers, it is tough to raise as a pet because of its fickle meanness.
Its lithe muscles allow it to walk without making a sound. It attacks in an instant.
Persian has six bold whiskers that give it a look of toughness. The whiskers sense air movements to determine what is in the Pokémon’s surrounding vicinity. It becomes docile if grabbed by the whiskers.
It has a violent temperament. It will attack anything that looks it in the eye. Its sharp claws inflict deep wounds.
Although the jewel on its forehead appears to be a different color than those of Alolan Persian, it’s mostly made of the same material.
It has a high opinion of itself, although not to the same extent as the Alolan Persian. It’s quite difficult to make friends with this Pokémon.
This Pokémon is popular with rich people. It’s also targeted by hunters who are after the jewel in its forehead.
The gem in its forehead glows on its own! It walks with all the grace and elegance of a proud queen.
Getting this prideful Pokémon to warm up to you takes a lot of effort, and it will claw at you the moment it gets annoyed.
Its elegant and refined behavior clashes with that of the barbaric Perrserker. The relationship between the two is one of mutual disdain.
Persian Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Persian's design clearly draws inspiration from various large feline species, particularly domestic cats and leopards, with an emphasis on grace, elegance, and predatory refinement that distinguishes it from other cat-like Pokémon. The gem in its forehead appears designed as a visual metaphor for Persian's status as a precious, valuable creature—literally precious like a gemstone—while simultaneously evoking mystical and magical qualities common in fantasy feline characters. The species name 'Persian' directly references the Persian cat breed, famous for their luxurious long coats and aristocratic bearing, perfectly capturing the intended aesthetic of sophistication and luxury. The Japanese name ペルシアン (Perusian) similarly derives from Persian cats, maintaining the breed reference across linguistic boundaries. The contrast between Persian's dainty, refined appearance and its violent, unpredictable behavior reflects a deliberate design philosophy that subverts expectations—creating a Pokémon that appears delicate but behaves dangerously, much like certain real-world cats known for their sudden mood changes and scratching behaviors despite their adorable appearance.
Learnable Moves
Persian can learn 83 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| amnesia | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| bite | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bubble beam | water | Special | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| charm | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| defense curl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| endeavor | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake out | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 10 |
| fake tears | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| feint attack | dark | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury swipes | normal | Physical | 18 | 80 | 15 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| growl | normal | Status | — | 100 | 40 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| hypnosis | psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| icy wind | ice | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| metal claw | steel | Physical | 50 | 95 | 35 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| pay day | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| power gem | rock | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| scratch | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| screech | normal | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| seed bomb | grass | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| shock wave | electric | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| slash | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snatch | dark | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| switcheroo | dark | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder | electric | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| thunderbolt | electric | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| torment | dark | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| uproar | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| water gun | water | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| water pulse | water | Special | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| zap cannon | electric | Special | 120 | 50 | 5 |
Persian Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Persian's most defining characteristic is its exceptional Speed tier, with a base 115 Speed stat that allowed it to function effectively as a fast physical attacker in early generation metagames and continues to provide value in lower-tier competitive formats. The introduction of the Technician ability through later generations transformed Persian's competitive viability, as this Hidden Ability amplifies moves with 60 base power or less to 1.5 times their normal power, making attacks like Fake Out, U-turn, and Knock Off significantly more threatening than their base power would suggest. Persian's broader movepool, featuring priority moves like Fake Out and access to utility options like Screens support and Knock Off, enables it to function as a versatile team member rather than a pure attacker, though its moderate offensive stats of 70 Attack and 65 Special Attack prevent it from functioning as a true sweeper without significant setup. The Limber ability provides immunity to paralysis, a critical advantage in formats where paralysis support is common, while the standard Unnerve ability can disrupt strategies relying on held Berry items. Alolan Persian's Dark typing and Fur Coat ability offer a completely different competitive niche, providing physical bulk through the Fur Coat mechanic while gaining Dark-type STAB and improved special attack investment, making it viable in different metagames despite being overshadowed by more dominant Dark-type alternatives in higher competitive tiers.
Commonly Asked Questions About Persian
What type is Persian?
Persian is a normal type Pokemon.
What does Persian evolve into?
Persian evolves into perrserker.
What are Persian's weaknesses?
Persian is weak to fighting type moves.
Where can I find Persian?
Persian can be found in kanto route 7 (kanto), five isle meadow (kanto) and ruin valley (kanto) and 9 other locations.
Persian Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Persian achieved significant cultural prominence through its major appearance in the Pokémon animated series as Giovanni's signature Pokémon and trusted companion, serving as a symbol of power and elegance within Team Rocket's hierarchy. The character of Giovanni's Persian demonstrated the species' capability and grace, though it also reinforced the volatile nature described in Pokédex entries through occasional displays of aggression and independence. Beyond Team Rocket, Persian has appeared in various anime episodes and films, establishing itself as a recognizable and iconic Pokémon within popular culture, often depicted as an elegant yet dangerous companion that reflects its canonical contradictory nature. In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Persian has received numerous card iterations spanning multiple sets and generations, with varying artwork emphasizing either its elegance or its predatory nature depending on artistic interpretation. The species' design has influenced real-world merchandise, from plush toys emphasizing its cute aspects to figurines celebrating its more sophisticated appearance, demonstrating Persian's broad appeal across different demographic segments. Additionally, Persian's role in competitive Pokémon has influenced team-building philosophy, with its speed tier and movepool making it a staple consideration in formats where it remains viable, and the introduction of Alolan Persian expanded the species' cultural footprint in later generations.
Where to Find Persian in Every Pokémon Game
Persian's availability varies significantly across Pokémon games depending on generation and region, though the species has maintained a consistent presence since its introduction in Generation I Red and Blue versions. In the original Kanto-based games and their remakes FireRed and LeafGreen, Persian can be obtained by catching Meowth in the early routes and leveling it to 28, making it readily available to any trainer willing to invest in Meowth's development. In subsequent generations, Persian's availability has fluctuated—it appeared in Johto games through the Kanto region postgame content, and has been included in most subsequent generation releases in various capacities, though not universally. The introduction of Alolan Persian in Pokémon Sun and Moon expanded availability by offering this Dark-type variant specifically in the Alola region, while Galarian Perrserker provided a Steel-type alternative for Sword and Shield players seeking a similar evolution line. Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee featured Persian as an obtainable Pokémon, maintaining the traditional Kanto availability, while recent Scarlet and Violet generations include Persian in their available species rosters. For players seeking specific movesets or Hidden Abilities like Technician or Unnerve, breeding programs and transfer mechanics from older generations remain necessary, as not all Persian captured in the wild possess optimal ability distributions, though the species' high capture rate of 90 and approachable base friendship value of 70 make it relatively straightforward to obtain and bond with in most accessible games.