Should You Own A Persian Cat?

By Paulina Jenkins

The Persian cat is among the most beautiful of the world's cat breeds. It is also generally thought to be one of the oldest breeds. It probably originated in the Iranian plateau, which is the large area of land between the Mesopotamia and the Hindu Kush mountains. In Europe, this area was called Persia, and thus cats from that area were named after it. Owning a Persian cat has been said to be like owning a work of art - they're beautiful, but they also require special care.

The Persian cat is known for its long, flowing coat of fur. These cats are available in nearly every color. This includes solid color, tortoiseshell, tabby, and even blue. Physical indicators for Persian cats include their round heads and massively built bodies with a short neck. Their eyes are large, round, and wide set, and they have small, rounded ears and short, wide noses.

The body of the Persian is short and wide with a short bushy tail. They have thick short legs and firm round feet. Persians are medium in built weighing between 8 to 15 lbs. With proper care Persians can live up to 15 years and above. The Persian cat has a sweet, melodious voice.

Persians tend to be adaptable pets, meaning that they will get around with more households. However, being short-legged, Persians cannot jump high, and are not an active breed. While they will interact with their household in a friendly way, all Persian cats have their own personalities. This means that some will seem to be aloof, and will prefer a quiet home. Others will relish any kind of attention from humans.

It is important to care for a Persian cat properly, like any other pet. Since Persians tend to have short muzzles, they can suffer from genetic problems, including constriction of the nostrils, tear duct overflow, dental malocclusion, and a condition called cherry eye. Other problems peculiar to Persians include polycystic kidney disease, seborrhea oleosa, and entropion.

If you get a Persian, you will enjoy interacting with this intelligent, friendly cat. However, you will also need to work to maintain your pet properly. Persians can suffer from tear staining, and may need to have their faces washed. Their teeth should be brushed, and their coats cared for regularly. Since Persians have such long hair and can get tangles easily, you should brush your cat once a day for ten minutes. During months when the cat is shedding you should brush even more often.

Persian cats should have regular vaccinations. This means keeping their rabies and other shots up to date. Make sure to take your feline in for regular check ups to keep your pet happy and healthy. Remember that some plants are toxic to cats, including many house plants. Consult your vet for plants you should keep your Persian away from. Look for commercial cat foods that contain a high quantity of protein, and avoid those that contain a large number of grains or fillers.

There are owners that prefer to have their Persians shaved and groomed professionally. You can choose to do this yourself but you will need to get the appropriate supplies or tools. These are available from the pet stores. Some of the grooming supplies for your Persian are eye ointment, hairbrush, nail clipper, wash towels and mild shampoo.

Those who are looking for a laid back, affectionate cat may wish to investigate owning a Persian. These cats are a good choice if you are looking for a pet that is friendly and not too active. However, if you are not willing to commit to the amount of care needed by these cats, including regular grooming, you should try a breed that needs less maintenance.