Persian
Some Advantages
- Gentle and docile
- Adaptable to other pets and gentle kids
- Very quiet meow
- Doesn’t require much exercise – well suited to apartment living
Some Challenges
- Prefers a quiet and harmonious environment – doesn’t handle chaos and stress well
- Can be notoriously picky about the litterbox
- Requires lots of daily grooming
- Sheds heavily
- Prone to congenital health problems
Size
Large
Coat
Longhair
Colors
Over 50 colors and patterns, including black, white, orange, blue, cream, chocolate and combinations of the above
The magnificent Persian has been the most popular breed of cat in the U.S.since 1871. It’s not hard to see why – with its lavishly beautiful coat and gentle demeanor, the Persian is an ideal companion for the discriminating cat lover.
History and Origin One of the oldest domestic cat breeds in the world, the regal Persian bloodline has been traced back at least 400 years to 17th century Persia(now Iran). Prized for its exotic beauty, this cat was introduced to European society in the 1600’s, and found instant popularity there as a status symbol for the upper crust.
The favorite lap cat of movie arch-criminals, the Persian became hugely popular in the 1960’s due to its presence in James Bond films and is still, as ever, the most popular breed in Americatoday.
In addition to its luxurious good looks, the Persian is known for its quiet, pleasant temperament and gentle behavior. This cat prefers a serene and subdued home environment, making it an ideal companion for elderly or relatively inactive people.
However, with patience and love, a Persian can adapt to quiet older kids and other household pets.
Grooming requirements
Be aware that those silky good looks come at a price. Your Persian requires daily brushing and combing to keep a healthy and unmatted coat, with occasional baths thrown in for good measure. It does shed heavily, so regular household fur cleanup is a must.
Health Ailments
The Persian, while beautiful and distinctive to look at, comes with some congenital predispositions toward health problems, caused, in part, by those striking good looks. For instance, the very short nose can be prone to stenotic nares – nostril openings that are too small – which can cause breathing difficulty. Some of the other potential health issues are:
• Eye problems (blocked tear ducts, inward rolling eyelids which require surgery)
• Kidney and bladder diseases
• Dental and Jaw issues
http://www.persian-cats.com/health/index.shtml
Selecting a qualified breeder or buying from a reputable pet store can help eliminate many of these health problems. Maintaining your cat’s proper weight and grooming requirements will also help insure its good health, along with regular checkups at the vet.
Your Persian
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Persian Discussion Groups
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