How to Select a Persian

Persians, with their smooshed-in faces and long, flowing fur, are the most popular breed of cat in the country.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat Beds
• Cat Carriers
• Cat Combs/brushes
• Cat Dishes
• Cat Foods
• Cat Litters
• Cat Shampoos
• Litter Boxes

1. Be sure you're ready to take on the high-maintenance Persian. This breed's long, thick coat requires daily combings and occasional baths.

2. Find a responsible breeder who will guarantee that your Persian is healthy.

3. Check out the breeder. Does the breeder seem concerned about the kitten's welfare or more interested in making money?

4. Expect to pay between $400 and $600 for a pet-quality Persian, depending on the bloodline, type and markings. Show cats can cost $1,000 or more.

5. Pick up and hold the kitten to check for good muscle tone. Persians have short, muscular legs and broad, short bodies.

6. Make sure the cat isn't sneezing or sniffling, and that his ears are clean and pink inside. Persians do, however, tend to have discharge from the eyes, which is normal.

7. Look at and feel the kitten's fur, which should be very long and thick. Bald patches or dry, flaky skin can be signs of illness.

8. Look closely for fleas behind the ears and at the base of the tail - they will be hard to find in the Persian's long hair. A sure sign of fleas is flea dirt, which looks like black sand.

9. Take your Persian to your own veterinarian right away to confirm that he's healthy.

10. Take a Persian kitten home between 12 and 16 weeks of age.

Tips & Warnings

• Persians have serene and laid-back personalities. They are quiet, dignified, and not very vocal.
• Keep your Persian inside - the long coat will become extremely matted and dirty if he's left outside.
• The shape of the Persian's face and head can sometimes cause Persians to develop respiratory problems that result in wheezing and eye drainage. It's irritating to the cat, and possibly to the owner who needs to groom the cat, but it's not a serious health problem.
• Persians shed - a lot!

on 12/19/2005 Persian cats with flat faces often have difficulty eating. Many of them will toss their food around, creating quit a mess. Moistening the food helps, a little. Remember, in addition to combing and bathing, the floor around the dish will need to be cleaned several times per day.

on 11/22/2005 I have a doll faced Persian that looks way different from the Himalayan Persian. A doll faced Persian's face pokes out like regular cat's face and their eyes aren't as round as the Himalayan's eyes.

on 11/22/2005 When choosing a color for your persian, remember that White Persians and those bi-colors with white around the eyes are harder to take care of - the eye drainage (normal) can stain and it is harder to rid of the stains on a white cat than a darker cat, especially if you plan on showing it.