Sunday, July 11, 2010

Tips On Getting Pick Of The Persian Litter

When you find a Persian breeder, and you arrive to see their current litter, you will be faced with a huge dilemma…which Persian kitten should you choose? Because Persian kittens are expensive, you most likely won’t be able to get more than one or two, but how do you get the pick of the litter?

Many Persian breeders have waiting lists. This list is comprised of people who have been waiting for a kitten from a particular pair of parents. In most cases, the person at the top of the list gets the pick of the litter, with the second person on the list getting the second pick, and so on and so forth. However, many people on the waiting lists are looking for show quality Persians, as opposed to pet quality Persians. Therefore, if you are just looking for a pet Persian, you could still get a pick of the pet quality Persians in that litter.

The reputation of the breeder or cattery matters a great deal. The best breeders are known for producing healthy, well-cared for kittens. Ask your veterinarian where to find these breeders or catteries. You can also do a bit of research on the Internet to find breeders or catteries near you. Cat shows are another option for finding a great breeder.

Take a look at the litter that is available. The first thing that you want to see is the pedigree, to ensure that the bloodlines are not over-saturated. Ask about health guarantees and registration for the kittens. Also inquire as to whether or not the kittens have been seen by a veterinarian.

Take a look at the face of the kittens. Their faces should be sweet and slightly flat – but not so flat that the teeth are misaligned, as this can lead to jaw displacement and breathing problems. Check for excessive drainage from the eyes or redness around the nose area. Missing fur around the eyes or nose is a sign that excess drainage has already been a problem, but has been wiped away for your visit.

Comb through the Persian kittens fur. Be on the lookout for fleas and other parasites, red spots, and dry skin. Really get a feel for the condition of the fur as well. Part the hair to get a closer look, and gently comb the hair backwards as well. Look inside of the kittens ears. If the ears are especially dirty, this could be a sign of ear mites or infection. Make sudden noises to be sure that the kittens are hearing well.

Finally, follow your gut instinct. Your gut will tell you which kitten in the litter is the right one for you. For most people, one kitten will stand out from the crowd – and in most cases, this is the right kitten for you…your personal pick of the Persian litter.