Persian Cats: Not So Different

Many misconceptions exist surrounding Persian cats. Touted as one of the most high-class breeds of cat, these animals, who probably came from what is now Iraq, are no more difficult to take care of than your typical house cat. Below is information on what you should do to properly take care of these animals.

What do they eat?

Quality and freshness should be your top two priorities. If the food isn't fresh, your animal can become ill. Leftovers should not be a part of your cat's diet as your cat's digestive system differs from your own.

What supplies should I get?

You should get a litter box for your cat. Cats have a keen sense of smell and hate to be in an environment where there is an odor. Of course, this works out well because most people don't want a smelly house either.

How will I know if something is wrong?

Through its own methods, your cat will inform you if there is a problem. Because of this, it’s a good idea to pay attention to how your cat lets you know about problems. To be extra careful, if ever you feel unsure, do not be shy about taking your cat to the veterinarian.

How do I keep it from getting sick?

Although they can be pricy, you should have your cat vaccinated regularly. This way you are not subjected to more difficult issues later on.

Does my cat want me to leave it alone?

The simple answer here is no. Your cat needs to interact with you regularly and in a positive manner. Many people believe that their cat prefers to be by itself because of how it acts. This is not true. If you don't have play time with your cat, the cat will become stressed and will be negatively affected.

Having a Pet Persian Cat

From the many kinds of cats, the luxurious fur and the majesty with which they carry themselves make Persian cats a popular choice for cat-lovers.

‘Persian’ History

Roman and Phoenician caravans traveling to Europe played home to the distant progenitors of today’s Persian. Europe saw them for the first time in late 1500s; they were brought from Turkey and Persia to its shores. These then evolved into the Persians and Angoras which are now so widely-known.

Persians made their debut in North America in the last 1800s and quickly became the hot favorite amongst cat enthusiasts. They were already widely admired in the British Isles; in the first London Crystal Palace cat-show they made the highest number of appearances from any breed.

Is Your Cat a Persian?

Their long, rich fur makes Persians easily stand out. Their fur is thick and lustrous; this enables it to stand erect and lends a nice rounded shape to their bodies. Contrary to the common misconception that Persians only have white fur, they can take on many different hues and colors.

Facial characteristics are another thing that sets Persians apart from other breeds. While there are two distinct facial types, petite, rounded ears – found quite low on either side of the cat’s head – are common to both. Large eyes, clear-cut chins and filled-out cheeks are some other dominating features of Persians. The overall impression of some face-types is of flatness. These will have the nose set almost in the middle of the cat’s eyes.

Knowing Your Cat

Persians are mild-mannered, gentle cats who prefer a nice, cozy lap, and love being coddled and played around with by their owners – at least for a little while. As compared to other cats, they are quite lazy. While they can be committed pets, they crave a lot of attention; this is hardly an issue for most pet owners. However, proper grooming is another matter entirely!

Caring For Your Persian Cat

Persian cats have long, beautiful fur which can grow to a length of 8 inches; if not handled in the right way, this can clump into knots and become quite a nuisance. To circumvent the fur forming tight mats and the need for these to be shaved off, grooming your Persian for about 15 minutes daily and performing a meticulous groom weekly is essential; the owner simply cannot afford to neglect the pet’s fur.