Though it may seem obvious, a Persian is not simply a longhaired cat. A true Persian - a Persian of noble descent - exhibits a set of specific qualities with which it can be judged. There also is a global standard common to all Persians, as well as conditions relating to coat color. These must be met by cats of each type.
Of course, it is not easy to select the one kitten in a litter of four or five that will turn out to be the most beautiful. Such a selection is hard to do because every kitten in a litter is as sweet as the next one. It is also harder to judge a sweet little "fur ball" than an all grown-up cat with definite and obvious features. Luckily, something called a pedigree (or family tree) guarantees a good lineage. The pedigree is given by the breeder along with the registration papers and the vaccination record.
The Persian's bone structure should be strong, and the head, round and massive. The forehead should be rather wide. The ears should be round tipped and set far apart. The tail, when carried over the back, like that of a squirrel, should reach about the middle of the back. The eyes are round and set far apart. The nose is small and short, the cheeks and the chin are full, and the forehead is domed. Another feature of the Persian are its teeth: the canines close together like the blades of a scissor. The coat should be as long and as thick as possible all over the body, including the tail. In short, the perfect Persian is a sweet and round-looking cat.
Breed Profile
Life expectancy: : 13 à 15 ans
Adult weight: : 4,5 à 7 kg
Average litter size : 3 ou 4 chatons
Temperament :
Quiet and affectionate. Suitable for apartment living but will also enjoy the outdoors. Long fine coat tangles easily and needs daily grooming to prevent matting.
Quiet and affectionate. Suitable for apartment living but will also enjoy the outdoors. Long fine coat tangles easily and needs daily grooming to prevent matting.
Eye discharge :
Is common in flat-faced Persians. Caused by partial or total obstruction of the tear ducts. Tears stream down, leaving a stain on the fur. Careful bathing and cleaning of the eyes is necessary.
Is common in flat-faced Persians. Caused by partial or total obstruction of the tear ducts. Tears stream down, leaving a stain on the fur. Careful bathing and cleaning of the eyes is necessary.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy :
Is a progressive degeneration of the retina of the eye that may lead to total blindness. It is thought to be hereditary. There is no treatment.
Is a progressive degeneration of the retina of the eye that may lead to total blindness. It is thought to be hereditary. There is no treatment.
Deafness :
Is seen in all breeds carrying the dominant gene for white coats, especially where the eyes are blue. There is no treatment.
Is seen in all breeds carrying the dominant gene for white coats, especially where the eyes are blue. There is no treatment.
Polycystic Kidney Disease : Is hereditary and can be screened.
Undescended testicles :
Hereditary condition in some male Persians. Affected cats should be neutered before they reach full maturity.
Hereditary condition in some male Persians. Affected cats should be neutered before they reach full maturity.
© Chatterie Jovisca