Documentation for Persians - Important Papers On Your Persian Kitten

When you decide that you want a Persian, you will likely be astounded at the cost of these fabulous cats. There is a great deal of documentation that should accompany any purebred Persian. Read through the information below to have a full understanding of what you need in terms of documentation.

First and foremost, you should have a written health guarantee from the breeder. Notice the word ‘written.’ The written guarantee will state what vaccinations the Persian has already received. It should also contain deworming information. The health guarantee should also include documentation concerning testing that the parents have had for genetic problems as well as common diseases such as FeLV or FIV. The health guarantee should be good, at the very least, for the first 48 hours, during which time you should have the kitten checked by your own veterinarian.

Along with the health guarantee, you should have records from the veterinarian that the kitten has already seen. Again, this will contain information regarding shots that the kitten has had, as well as a schedule for follow up vaccines. There should be information on de-worming that has been performed, as well as any testing or procedures that have been performed. Ideally, no surgery will have been performed on a kitten under 10 months of age, including spaying and neutering.

After the Persians health is covered with documentation, the next most important documentation is the animal’s pedigree. Note that a pedigree is not the same thing as ‘registration papers.’ The pedigree gives you information about the bloodlines of the kitten. It is his family tree, so to speak, and each cat on the family tree should be listed along with any awards they have won as well.

After the pedigree, you will want to see registration papers. If the kitten has yet to be registered, which is not uncommon for kittens that will be sold, you should be allowed to see the registration papers of the parents, and you should be given copies of these papers, as well as the forms that need to be filed with the registering organization as well. Registration papers include photographs of the cat or kitten. You want to make sure that the registration papers that you see are for the parents or kitten that they are supposed to belong to by comparing the picture to the actual animal.

If you have all of this documentation, you should be good to go. Responsible breeders know that this type of documentation is expected, and if they balk at your request for any of this documentation, you need to be wary.

Do You Need Insurance for Your Persian?

Insuring pets is still a relatively new thing in our society, but more and more pet owners are finding that paying the premiums for pet insurance is well worth it. Because Persian cats cost so much initially, should you consider purchasing pet insurance for your Persian?

The answer to this is a resounding yes. As much as Persians cost – initially and throughout their lives – and as much as one could win in prize money at the cat shows for these beautiful animals, one would even wish that you could purchase life insurance on these animals, but you can’t. What you can purchase is pet insurance, which covers medical costs for the animal.

Costs for veterinarian services are on the rise. These days, there are many diagnostic tests that can be performed, and those tests are costly. However, in the instance of purebred animals, such as the Persian cat, diagnostic tests, as well as genetic testing is essential…and largely unaffordable by the vast majority.

Then there are emergency situations that must be paid for. Cats are known for having urinary and bladder problems. These problems often have to be corrected with surgery, which can cost thousands of dollars. Without the surgery, the cat will most likely die. Even if the problem can be treated without surgery, the fix is temporary at best, and the owner can expect to have the cat in the veterinarian’s office again and again, for the same problem, at a cost of hundreds of dollars for each episode.

This is where pet insurance really comes in handy. Not only does pet insurance cover routine exams and care, but it will also pay a large percentage of procedures that must be performed due to illness or injuries. Believe it or not, pet insurance actually saves the lives of many animals, because without such insurance, the owners wouldn’t be able to afford the care, which leads to the animal being put down.

Pet insurance is quite affordable, and typically costs anywhere from $10 to $20 per month, depending on the type of animal you have and the age of the animal. Pet insurance can now be bought through independent companies and through many major insurance carriers as well.

The next time that you review or renew your own insurance, be sure to ask your insurance agent if pet insurance is available. When you insure your pet through the same agent or company where you have your own insurance, you are often offered discounts on the pet insurance, which is an added bonus.

You spend a lot of money on your Persian cat. It simply makes sense to go ahead and spend a few pennies more for health insurance for your Persian as well.

Characteristics Of A Persian Cat

If you are in the market for a cat, you should definitely consider bringing a Persian cat into your home. You may think that one breed of cat is just like any other breed of cat, but that isn’t necessarily true. In fact, Persians are known for more than their beauty. They are also known for their unique temperaments.

Persians are more than show quality animals. They are also pet quality animals. It is true that some Persians are not show quality, but almost all Persians are pet quality. These special cats adapt well to new environments, which cannot be said of many other species or many other cat breeds.

People tend to like Persians for numerous reasons. For example, Persians have really short legs and heavier bodies, and this prevents them from jumping very high. For many people, this is considered a plus. It is also largely agreed that Persians are more affectionate and loving than most other cat breeds.

At the same time, they are not overly demanding, even though they do require more maintenance than most other breeds due to their long hair. If you want to give your Persian a great deal of attention, he is game. But if you don’t have a lot of time to spend with your Persian, he will be content to find his own entertainment.

Another great aspect of the Persian is that they are not as vocal as many other cat breeds. Of course they know how to make sounds, and will meow occasionally – but not to the point where they are irritating. Persians are also highly tolerant of other animals in the home, and tend to do quite well with small children.

Overall, Persians are very sweet tempered and laid back. They get along well with other pets and children. They are tolerant of strangers, and adapt well when introduced to a new environment (such as cat shows). Persians also have all of the good qualities of other breeds, such as the fact that they are easily litter trained and do groom themselves.

However, if there is any drawback to owning a Persian, it is the fact that they must be brushed at least once a day to prevent their hair from knotting up. This too can be negated by having the Persian groomed and having his hair shaved into one of the many popular Persian styles today.

Buying Toys For Persians

If you own a Persian cat, the chances are good that you will own many Persian cat toys as well. If you don’t have any Persian cat toys at this point, it’s definitely time to shop. The thing about Persians, as well as all other cat breeds, is that if you don’t provide entertainment, they will find their own source of entertainment – and you generally won’t like it at all.

Persians need toys that they can chase, toys that they can chew, and toys that they can bat. They also require climbing and scratching opportunities. Again, if you don’t provide these things, they will use objects in your home to make up for your lack of provisions.

Small plastic cage type balls that contain bells are always a winner with a Persian. These are very cheap toys, and can be purchased in most pet stores, as well as discount stores where pet products are sold. Miniature tennis balls are also good. Many cats will grab the ball by the fuzz, and toss it up in the air.

You can spend a great deal of money on wind-up toys, but most cats are not overly enthused with these gadgets. They may watch it – but they really won’t play with it. In fact, many cats will avoid getting too close to these types of toys. Non-mechanical toys are generally sufficient.

Catnip toys and toys that have feathers are always popular with Persians as well. They love the smell and taste of the catnip. Try to purchase toys that will allow you to replace the catnip as it ‘wears out.’ Feather toys will be shredded over time, and will need to be replaced.

For climbing and scratching, consider building or purchasing a cat tree. These cat trees are carpeted, provide high shelves and cubby holes, and will be greatly loved by your Persian. They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and can be purchased either at a pet store, or from online sources. You will typically get the widest selection from online sources when you are shopping for a cat tree.

Some people actually have potted trees in their homes – for their cat’s enjoyment. If the tree is hardy and strong, the cat cannot destroy it. It is important, however, to make sure that the tree is anchored well, so that the cat doesn’t tip it over.

You can even grow indoor gardens designed specifically for your cat’s enjoyment. Such gardens should contain catnip and a variety of grasses that it is safe for your Persian to nibble. If you aren’t sure as to what is and is not good for your Persian, be sure to ask your veterinarian for his or her advice.

Training Persians

When it comes to cats, few people consider training. For the most part, it is the cat that trains the owner... but in the case of Persians, you must provide some level of training for your cat – after it has been established that he is boss of course.

Few cats can be trained to do tricks. For the most part, when it comes to Persians, there are two types of training. The first is litter training. The second is training good behavior. Cats really can be trained to have good – acceptable – behavior. Tricks, on the other hand, really aren't their thing, although they will be open to training you to do some tricks that will greatly entertain and amuse them.

Litter training is really quite simple when it comes to cats. Cats prefer to dig holes, do their business in that hole, and then bury their business. It’s just the natural order of things as far as they are concerned. The only time a cat will not bury his business is if he cannot physically bury it, or if there is more than one cat in the home. If there is more than one cat, the ‘lead cat’ will not bury his business, but all other cats in the home will, in an effort not to offend the lead cat.

What this burying of the business means to you is that litter training is really easy. The cat will search for a place where that burying can be done, and in most homes, the only available place to dig is the litter box. If you have plants, it is highly recommended that you cover the soil with pebbles or rocks to prevent the cat from using the plant as a litter box.

Behavior training, on the other hand, tends to take more patience. Scratching furniture seems to be the biggest problem that most Persian owners face with their cats. Chewing up houseplants is the second most common problem. Here, it isn't so much about training as ensuring that the cat has a negative result of his actions – and those negative results must come from the object in question and not from you.

For furniture scratching, first provide a scratching alternative, such as a scratching post. Next, treat your furniture with a special spray designed to deter cats. For the protection of houseplants – and the cat – again, cover the soil with pebbles or rocks. Then, spray the plant with bitter apple. The cat will hate the smell of it, and will avoid the plants.

As you can see, there really is no such thing as training a Persian. It’s more a question of prevention and alternatives than anything else. But, again, the Persian won't be objectionable to training you, and training you well!

Persians and Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline Infectious Peritonitis, also known as FIP, is an auto immune disease that affects Persian cats, as well as other cat breeds. It is known as a coronavirus, which means that it is caused by a mutation of the Feline Enteric Coronavirus. To date, there is no treatment for FIP, and there is no known diagnostic test either. FIP is diagnosed based on symptoms that the cat has.

FIP most often strikes young cats or kittens that have been in contact with other cats. Most homes that only have one cat are at less risk of FIV than homes with more than one cat. FIP is contagious, and while it isn't known for sure, it is believed that the disease is transferred through feces. But since cats tend to groom each other, it may also be spread in this manner as well.

Symptoms of FIP include weight loss, a distended abdomen or chest, anemia, swollen lymph nodes, depression, jaundice, fever, gastrointestinal problems, kidney failure, neurological problems, liver failure, inflamed organs, and pancreatic disease.

While there is no test for FIP, there is a test that can be performed to detect a coronavirus. If your Persian shows any of the above signs, you should have him tested for a coronavirus at your veterinarian’s office. There is also a vaccine that is available for FIP, but not all experts agree that the vaccine is effective enough. In fact, many veterinarians won't even offer this vaccine.

If you have a Persian that has FIP, the cat is going to pass on, and there is nothing that you can do to prevent this unfortunately. What you can do is try to save your other cats, or at least make the environment safe for a future cat. You need to wash anything that the infected cat has come into contact with, using a disinfectant. Throw out old bedding, food dishes, and toys that the infected cat has come into contact with as well.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis is a tragedy for any Persian cat lover, but it is a part of the world of owning a feline. This is why it is so important that you choose your breeder with care, ensuring that the litter of kittens is healthy. This is also why it is a good idea to keep a new kitten separate from other cats in your home for a while, to ensure that the kitten doesn't have FIP.

Should You Shave Your Persian?

Most people don't consider shaving their cats, but in the case of Persians, many owners do in fact shave their cats. They even have named styles for these shaves, such as the Lion Cut, where the cat’s fur is shaved to make him look like a lion.

Is there anything wrong with shaving your Persian? Well, opinions do of course vary, but in the grand scheme of things, many people shave their Persians for one of three reasons.

The first reason for shaving your Persian is to help get rid of parasites, such as fleas and ticks. It’s hard to work flea and tick shampoo down to the skin when the cat has as much hair as a Persian, and shaving in this instance is recommended, as long as you understand that more treatment is needed beyond the shave. Shaving itself won't rid the animal of fleas or ticks.

The second reason to shave a Persian is if there is a skin problem or ringworm. In this instance, you could opt to just shave the affected area, but since this makes the cat look funny – and possibly mangy – many will opt to go with a shave style, such as the Lion Cut. Just as shaving does not get rid of fleas and ticks, it does not get rid of skin problems and ringworm. Additional treatment is required.

The third reason why one might shave their Persian is easier maintenance. Keeping a Persian mat and tangle free can be a full time job, and many owners find that it is just easier to have the fur shaved off and cut into a style. The fur does grow back, and those that prefer shaved Persians will usually have the fur shaved twice a year.

If you decide to shave your Persian, first find a good groomer that knows how to shave Persians. Next, make sure that the whiskers are not shaved off, as these can take up to seven years to grow back, if they grow back at all – and whiskers are very important to cats. Finally, make sure that you don't shave the cat all the way to the skin if it can be avoided. Leave an inch or two or hair on the cat.

Really think about your reason for shaving the cat. If you want to shave the cat for his comfort, forget it. The cat is perfectly comfortable, even on the hottest of days as they have their own way of cooling their bodies and regulating their temperature. Your cats fur is his pride and joy, which should be evident by the amount of time that he spends cleaning it and grooming.

Protecting Your Furniture from Your Persian Cat

Nothing is more irritating to an owner than a Persian cat who scratches up the furniture. Nothing is more enjoyable to the Persian than having furniture to scratch up. It’s a problem that has existed between felines and the people that they own for as long as cats have been kept as pets. Fortunately, today we do have solutions.

First, make sure that the cat gets a bad result from scratching the furniture. This result cannot be you yelling at the cat or squirting him with a squirt bottle. This just tells the cat to avoid you – or to avoid scratching the furniture when you are around. It doesn't stop him from doing it altogether.

There are many products that can now be purchased and applied to furniture that will deter the cat from scratching on it. There are spray products that produce an odor that the cat does not like – and there are also devices, such as double sided tape that will deter the cat.

The best remedy, however, is to provide scratching alternatives for your cat. You can purchase a simple scratching post or a cat tree. When the cat starts scratching on your furniture, quickly stop him and move him to his scratching post, and take his paws and show him how to use the post. Eventually he will get the idea.

Another option is to use claw covers, such as Soft Paws. These are attractively covered vinyl covers that glue to the cats nails. If you start applying these to the cat at an early age, they will become accustomed to it and it won't be a problem. However, you will need to check regularly to ensure that the covers have not fallen off, and as the cats nail grows, you will need to replace the covers – which can be expensive.

Another option is to have the Persian declawed, but this is largely frowned upon. First, you will have a hard time finding a veterinarian willing to perform this procedure. Second, if you plan to show you're Persian at any point, you should note that declawed cats are automatically disqualified from the shows. The overall consensus is that declawing is cruel to the animals, and is the equivalent to chopping your own fingers off at the first joint.

Cats are going to scratch. It is not only enjoyable to them, but it is also how they keep their nails in good shape – so it is important from a health standpoint. Your best bet is to – again – provide alternative scratching opportunities for your Persian that you can both live with.

Persian Show Divisions

If you will be showing your Persian cat at a sanctioned cat show, it is important to know the different divisions that your cat will fit into. Many newcomers to cat shows think that the division only relates to the color class of the cat, but this isn't quite the case.

First, of course, one must consider the color divisions. For Persians, most sanctioned shows also include Himalayans. The seven color/pattern classes for Persians and Himalayans are solid color, silver, smoke, tabby, parti-color, bi-color, and of course Himalayan.

Each color class includes a wide range of cats, and you must be able to recognize which color class your Persian belongs to. This will be stated, by you, on the entry form for the show. Failing to properly identify and state the color class could get your disqualified.

Next, you must determine which division or divisions – beyond color – that you will compete in. These are known as competitive classes, and they include Junior Showmanship, the Kitten Class, the Championship Class, the Premiership Class, the Provisional Class, the Miscellaneous Class, and the Household Pet Class.

The Junior Class isn't about the breed or color class of the cat. Instead, it is about the age of the cat owner. This gives young people the chance to participate in cat shows and to learn more about how these shows operate.

The Kitten Class includes altered and unaltered kittens with pedigrees between the ages of four months and eight months. The kittens are divided and judged based on breed, sex, and color, and compete for first, second, and third place ribbons. The Kitten Class also awards Best of Color, Second Best of Color, Best of Breed, and Second Best of Breed. There are also specialty rings for longhairs and shorthairs, and the top ten will compete for the finals.

Once a cat is older than eight months, he is eligible for the Championship Class. Again, he must be pedigreed. Cats compete against each other based on breed, sex, and color. There is a first place winner for the Open Class. Once a cat has won six red, white, and blue ribbons in the Open Class, he is a Champion, and is then eligible to compete for Grand Champion. The Championship Class is for unaltered cats.

The Premiership Class is the same as the Championship Class, except that it is for altered cats. The Provisional Class is only for breeds that have not yet reached championship status. To date, there is only one breed that cannot compete for championship, and it isn't the Persian, so Persian owners would never compete in the Provisional class. Persians would also not compete for the Miscellaneous class, as this is for breeds that have not met the requirements for the provisional class.

The final class is the Household Pet class, which some Persians do compete in, although these are typically Persians that do not meet the requirements for other classes. In other words, this class is for Persians who are not show quality, but instead, are pet quality.

Showing Persian Cats

While many people get Persians for their sweet temperament and quality as a pet, many others get Persians for the purpose of showing them at sanctioned cat shows. Many believe that showing these fantastic animals is half the joy of owning one.

If you want to start showing your Persian, it is suggested that you attend several cat shows beforehand. First attend as nothing more than a spectator. Take the time to walk around and talk to the judges and exhibitors, as this is a fantastic way to learn more about showing cats. Following this, you should get a breeder or a person who shows regularly to mentor you. Attend a couple of cat shows with them, and watch first hand how the process works from start to finish.

At this point, you will be ready to participate in the cat shows yourself. Most shows will have the show cages provided, but you will need to supply your own cage cover, also called a curtain. These curtains cover three sides of the cage, with the front side (the side the judges see) being left uncovered. In the case of Persian owners, these curtains can be very elaborate. When you visit cat shows, pay special attention to the curtains.

Get a copy of the rules and regulations from the organization that is sanctioning the cat shows that you want to participate in. Read that information! This information will not only tell you the rules of the show, but will also give you valuable insight as to what is expected of you and how points are awarded to the animals.

Make sure that you pay special attention to the entry deadlines. Fill out entry forms completely and submit them with the entry fee. There are usually entry fees that must be paid for each division that you are participating in. If you have questions concerning the entry form or fees, be sure to make contact with the entry clerk.

Hopefully, you've talked to other exhibitors about how they prepare for a show. If you are wise, you will take notes. There is a great deal of preparation. First there is the entry. Next you need to ensure that you bring everything with you that you need, and third, you need to groom your cat so that the features that are judged stand out just right.

Showing cats can be a great experience. Again, make sure that you get to see first hand how these shows operate, and how exhibitors prepare for them before you enter your own Persian in a cat show. The research that you do beforehand will pay off in droves.

Persian Cats – How to Prevent Shedding

If you own a cat – particularly a long-haired cat like a Persian – the chances are good that you have a shedding problem... well, the cat is shedding, and this is a problem for you. So, how can a Persian owner deal with shedding, and prevent cat hair from covering their clothes and furnishings?

Simply put, there is really little that you can do to prevent shedding. Cats are simply going to shed. You can reduce the amount of shedding that happens, and you can also choose furnishings and clothing with shedding in mind.

First, make sure that you are brushing your Persian daily, and giving him a bath at least once every month. This will greatly reduce the amount of cat hair that you have flying around the house. As far as the actual shedding goes, this is all that you can really do.

Next, choose furnishings and clothing wisely. Select furniture that is covered with materials that will not attract cat hair – or furnishings with covers that will actually hide the cat hair. Wooden furniture is your best bet, but it isn't necessarily comfortable. Furniture that has removable coverings that can be washed is ideal. Vinyl type furniture is perfect, but again, it may not be very comfortable.

As far as clothing goes, use the same concept. When you make a clothing purchase, consider how easily the clothing will pick up the cat hair around your home. Buy a nice supply of lint brushes or rollers along with the new clothes, and don't put on clothes that you wear out or to work until you are ready to walk out of the door. Keep a lint roller in your car as well.

It is a good idea to have one room that is off limits to your cat. This is a room where clothing should be stored. It should be the room where you dress as well. The cat should never be allowed in this room – however the cat may see this as a problem. Cats tend to hate closed doors, and especially want to be in rooms that you don't want them in.

Each week, clean the cat hair off of the furniture. Invest in a hand held steam cleaner and vacuum. Vacuum the floors, sweep and mop, and wash bed linens. Once every month or so, you will need to remove curtains and drapes and wash them as well.

Again, shedding is a problem – for the cat owner – but with a little thought, and some wise decisions, you can make shedding less of a problem in your household, and in your life. Just realize that if you own a Persian, shedding is simply a part of the deal, and there is very little that you can do about it.

Litter Training a Persian Cat

If you have a Persian, or plan to get a Persian, the chances are good that this will be an indoor cat. Most Persian owners do not allow their cats to go outside – or at the very least, do not allow their cats to go outside unattended.

Naturally, you will need to litter train your Persian, if he wasn't already trained by the breeder. The good news is that litter training is quite easy, as it is a cat’s natural desire to do his business in a place where he can bury it.

First, start with the right sized litter box. For kittens, buy the smallest litter box that you can find. Fill the bottom of the pan with litter, and put it in a small room, such as the bathroom. Ideally, the place that you put the litter box will be the place where the litter box will always reside. This is important.

It may sound cruel, but you will need to keep the cat enclosed in the small room with the litter box unless you are holding him. Do not allow a small kitten to roam freely around in your home until you are sure that he is well trained to use the litter box. The Persian kitten is tiny – and to him, your home is huge! He may find himself on the opposite side of the home and in need of a litter box that he can't get to fast enough – or worse, can't remember how to get to. This is why confinement is important.

After you've fixed the litter box for the kitten, place him in it. Let him sniff around. He may even decide to nap in the litter box, but there is no need to worry – he won't do this for long. The first time that the kitten does his business on the floor, scoop it up and put it in the litter box, and then place the kitten in the litter box as well. You may have to do this a few times before he gets the idea, but he will get the idea, and he will start using the litter box – as long as he is confined.

After he is consistently using the litter box, you can let him out of confinement. Keep an eye on him the first week, and make sure that he is going to the litter box to do his business. If you find that he is doing his business elsewhere, get a second litter box, and put it in that spot.

Again, cats really prefer the litter box over your carpet, because they can dig. However, if there are other digging opportunities, such as plants or piles of laundry, the cat may be inclined to use these as well. The trick is to not make these digging opportunities available.

Litter training really is easy, and it should only take a week or two to get your Persian completely litter box trained – if it even takes that long. Also, make sure that the litter box grows with the cat!

How Much Do Persians Cost?

When you first consider getting a Persian cat, one of the first things you will want to know is how much you should expect to pay for your Persian. The truth is that there is no pat answer to this question, as the cost of the Persian depends on many variables.

First note that if you find a Persian priced under $200 you probably are not getting a purebred. At the very least, you will be getting a purebred that has no pedigree – and this does happen. The typical cost of a purebred Persian kitten is about $500, but again, this isn't written in stone because many other variables come into play.

When it comes to price, you should know that prices in one area may not be the same as prices in a different area – even if the kittens are comparable as far as bloodlines and such go. As with any type of commodity, the price goes up when there is a greater demand, and the price goes down when there is less of a demand. Typically, the prices charged on the East coast of the United States are higher than those prices charged in the central part of the country or on the West coast.

The time of the year matters a great deal as well. Cats are generally in heat in the early spring and into the summer. This is when the most Persian kittens will be available – Spring, Summer, and even into the fall. However if a litter is born in the winter, you can expect the cost of those kittens to be higher – because there aren't as many kittens available.

If the Persian kitten’s parents are registered, this raises the price of the kittens, which will also be registered – or pedigreed. If the parents have won awards, this again raises the price of the kittens, because they are proven to be show quality animals based on their parent’s achievements. Show quality Persians always cost more than pet quality Persians.

The color of the kitten and the rarity of that color or pattern can also drive the price up. At the same time, however, if one color is currently more popular than others, which is shown by what the judges seem to favor at the cat shows, the cost of kittens of that color or pattern go up. The health guarantee that the breeder offers will also bring the price up. Good breeders have their kittens checked by a veterinarian, and this also drives the cost of the kittens up.

Overall, with all of these factors in play, one should expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1200 for a purebred Persian kitten. Older cats typically sell for less, and the Persians that you find at Persian rescue centers and Humane Societies will of course cost even less.

Finding a Persian Cat Breeder

Finding a Persian cat breeder isn't necessarily hard. The hard part is finding a good Persian cat breeder. Not all Persian cat breeders are good breeders, and it is important to be able to identify a good one. Good breeders are known for producing show quality and pet quality healthy kittens, while breeders who are just in it for the money may produce healthy kittens of high quality – but the kittens are not very well socialized.

Start at your veterinarian’s office. Ask about Persian breeders and catteries in your area. The veterinarian should be able to make a recommendation or two. If the veterinarian cannot make a recommendation, ask if he knows another veterinarian that deals with Persians, and visit or contact that veterinarian.

Your next step is to visit cat shows. Here, you can talk to the judges and exhibitors, and they will most likely give you the name of a good breeder in your area. In fact, you will most likely meet the breeders in your area, and most will have their business cards with them as well.

You can also locate breeders online, through the CFA, or opt to locate Persian rescue organizations in your area. When you've identified a few breeders, make an appointment to visit each one. You should arrive with a list of questions – and the breeder should have plenty of questions of their own. It is good when a breeder shows concern about the potential homes for their kittens.

The best breeders do not cage their cats and kittens. Instead, the kittens are kept in the home with the breeder’s family. This is a great thing, because the kittens are usually well-adjusted and socialized... and of course they have been raised in cleaner surroundings. Ask to see the mother and father of the litter.

Find out if the breeder offers a written health guarantee, if the kittens have seen the veterinarian, if they have been tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV, and if there are any genetic problems in the bloodlines of these kittens. Ask the breeder if you will be able to contact them at a later time – after you have brought your kitten home – if you have questions or concerns about the kitten.

Ask to see the kitten’s vaccination certificate, pedigree, and registration papers. If the breeder has not yet registered the kittens, they should provide you with the forms to do so, as well as the necessary documentation for registering the kitten.

There are many good Persian breeders out there – but again, they are not necessarily easy to find. Take your time, ask questions, get references, and make visits – and you will eventually find an excellent breeder, and the perfect Persian kitten for you and your family.

Dental Hygiene for Persians

Just as you need to have regular checkups with your dentist, your Persian needs to have regular dental checkups with his veterinarian. This is often part of the annual or bi-annual general exam that your veterinarian will give your Persian, and it is very important. Most veterinarians will simply look at the cat’s teeth to ensure that there are no problems there, but you can request an oral cleaning as well, and this is definitely something that you should do.

From the time that they are born, tartar starts to accumulate on the Persians teeth. This tartar will lead to gingivitis if it is not taken care of properly. It is best to start your Persian on a tooth care regimen when he is a small kitten, so that it is something that he becomes accustomed to. This is cleaning that you must do between exams at your veterinarian’s office.

You can actually purchase toothbrushes and toothpastes that are designed for animals, and particularly for cats. Most owners cannot floss their cat’s teeth, but a good brushing every two weeks or so is an absolute must. The toothpaste designed for animals is non-toxic, and can be safely swallowed, so you don't have to convince the Persian to rinse – which is a relief.

Never use toothpaste designed for humans – or any other dental hygiene product designed for humans – on your Persian. If you've never brushed cat’s teeth before, ask your veterinarian to show you how to do this.

If your Persian has a bad tooth, he could become very grumpy. His bad tooth will hurt him just as much as a bad tooth would hurt you... and everyone knows that the worst kind of pain is tooth pain. If a bad tooth is discovered, the veterinarian will either be able to fix the tooth, or remove the tooth.

You should check your Persian regularly for bad breath. If bad breath exists, this is often a sign that the teeth need to be cleaned. If you already regularly brush your cat’s teeth, take him in for a dental cleaning at your veterinarian’s office. If the bad breath still persists, this is a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection. It could also be a sign of liver or kidney disease.

Unfortunately, many pet owners – especially cat owners – tend to overlook dental care for their animals. The chances are good that you paid a pretty penny for your Persian. Therefore, you really need to put some thought and consideration into his dental hygiene – for his comfort, happiness, and general good health.

Are You Ready for a Persian?

If you've been thinking about getting a cat, and you have decided that a Persian is the cat for you, before you make that leap, there are several things that you should consider. Read through the information below, and make sure that you are really ready for the responsibility of a Persian.

Consider the cost: Persians are not cheap. Since they are the most popular cat worldwide, they are also the most expensive cats worldwide. Persians cost anywhere from $500 up to about $1200, and that is just the initial cost. There will also be grooming costs, feeding costs, veterinarian costs, and of course the cost of toys and such for the next fifteen to eighteen years.

Life Span: This is the next thing that you must consider. Are you ready to devote the next fifteen to eighteen years to your Persian? If not, don't get one. Don't get any animal that will live that many years if you are not prepared to give that animal your time and attention for those years. It isn't fair to the animal.

Maintenance and Grooming: Although the Persian will groom himself just as any other cat will, there are still things that you are required to do for his general good health. This includes daily brushing, monthly grooming, nail trimming, and even brushing his teeth every two to three weeks. This doesn't even include feeding him, making sure that he has fresh water, and of course the dreaded job of making sure that his litter box stays clean.

His Living Space: Because Persians are so valuable, it doesn't make sense to get a Persian that would be allowed to go outdoors alone. Are you prepared to have an indoor pet? Many apartments, townhouses, and Home Owner’s Associations have rules against pets. Know before you purchase your pet, and when you do get a Persian, understand that he must be kept indoors – or you won't have him for long.

Finding a Breeder: Have you already located a breeder? One of the first questions a breeder will ask is if you plan to show the cat – and if you have experience doing so. Many breeders won't sell to people who only want pets – while others won't sell to anyone who doesn't have experience showing cats. Do you know whether you want a show quality or pet quality Persian?

Children and Other Pets: Among cat breeds, Persians do the best with other pets and children. However, children and other pets don't necessarily do well with Persians. Consider all of the animals and children involved to ensure that the Persian will be safe in your home – as well as the other animals and children.