Persian Cat Basic Care Guide and FAQs

The dignified and well-loved teacup Persian cat breed is characterized by its long, luscious coat, snub noses, chubby cheeks, and very daring eyes you could get lost into. Persian cats are undoubtedly an exquisite breed, because who would not fall for their glamorous good looks and a combination of calm and loving demeanor. 

If you are in a dilemma of getting one Persian cat for yourself, wouldn’t it be only wise if you have a grasp of its whole entirety and being? That’s what we’re going to do. Below is a comprehensive discussion of the sweetest feline to ever exist! 

All About the Teacup Persian

The Persian cat is a long hair breed of feline, distinguished because of its round face and short muzzle. Rather known as the Persian Longhair in most of the English-speaking countries. Persians have an extremely long, thick, smooth, and shiny coat. They have a wide hat with ears set apart, sparkling wide eyes, and an also extremely shortened muzzle. These cats were originally established with a short-muzzled, but over time, its characterization has become to be exceedingly exaggerated, particularly in North America where there exist Persians that have virtual colors and gorgeous markings. 

Physical Features

They are medium-sized and usually even to twelve in pounds and take a height of ten to fifteen inches tall. Their flat and pushed-in-looking face, together with their medium build, has been regarded as attributes that make them look like dolls. 

Persian cats have sturdy bodies, thick, solid legs, which partly ties up the reason why these felines are not known to be jumpers. These cats prefer keeping all four paws of them to be planted firmly on the ground, or hanging over the side of the couch if they feel like relaxing.

Markings

Lastly, their most remarkable characteristics lie in their long, silky coat. They have a double-layered coat, an undercoat, and a topcoat, which by most owners comment to feel luxurious to touch, but also can shed quite a bite. These long-haired felines, finally, come in a multitude of patterns and hues. There exist Persian cats in white, black, blue, cream, chocolate, together with, red, impressively. Additionally, securing their captivating looks comes their eye colors in multiple shades of blue, green, and copper. 

History of Persian Cats 

Despite being held as one of the most popular breeds of cats, little is only known about the history of Persian felines, considering how it has been in the presence of humans since the 16th century. Persians are believed to have originated in Persia, now known as Iran and Turkey. The breed is known to have moved westward to Europe during the Crusades. 

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These cats gain fame among the nobility, including Queen Victoria of England. The breed has a very endearing long hair- an attribute they shared with other long-haired cats of the region, denoted at that time as Asiatic cats. Moreover, Persian cats were originally meant to be known as Angoras. Angoras is based on what the capital of Turkey is, Ankara. 

Then soon enough the popularity of Persian cats further blossomed because numerous cat show circuits started to gain steam, this was during the 19th century and these felines have been on those programs. It was during this time that Persian cats were finally brought over to the United States, and they quickly made history. Persian cats have immediately taken the crown on Main Coon cat as America’s preferred long-haired cat breed.  

Celebrity Factor

Features of these show-worthy tabbies are their round heads, stubby noses, rounded ears together with their short bodies. The traditional Persians are deemed doll faces because they shoulder prominent noses. Still, they share many of the other physical and temperamental traits of their pedigree peers. Their show-stopping looks have been present in numerous popular films, such as being one furry companion of James Bond’s archenemy Blofeld, and taking the role of Mr. Bigglesworth in the Austin Powers movies. 

They are also recognized as the most registered feline breed by Cat Fanciers Association, and they often bring home the bacon in Best in Show winner.  

Persian Cats’ Behaviors and Personality 

Loving and friendly 

If you are on the hunt for a loving and friendly cat, there are so many options you can consider besides Persians. However, Persian cats are some of the most loving and friendly felines whose names always pop up in this subject matter. They project calmness in both their owners and strangers as well. Them being affectionate shows up as being in need of attention 24/7, be it by purring loudly, or by demanding some petting on the lap. These cats are thoughtful and overall, most owners of these felines love them dearly. 

Likewise, you can assure that their lovely being translates to people around them. They love being social butterflies and meeting people with open arms. They do not get all aggressive. Not only that, but they get along with any age group, but especially children. Elders love these felines as well!  

Purring Kitty 

Persian cats purr a lot so if you want a kitten or cat that is going to do that, then you are in luck with this one. They do not necessarily meow a lot, but do expect that they will put quite a bit. Thus, if you own one of these, you will immediately know if they are around. They also will let you know if they want something, or if they are in the same room as yours. They are not the quietest breed that loves to hide away for their peace. 

When it comes to understanding all you can about Persian cats’ personalities, this is definitely something that you need to be well thought of because it can be a deal-breaker, for other cat enthusiasts. 

Undemanding cats 

Persian cats can have quite a reputation for being high maintenance, while yes for their grooming and other feeding needs, but that’s about it. This cat breed will rarely demand you to do anything. However, it is safe that you might have to deal with constant meowing if they do want something from you. Persian cats are ready to love their owners, and really do not expect much from their owner, as well as people whom she adores. As long as you are giving them water, food, love, and care as well as a place of slumber, they will be beyond happy. In fact, there are some Persian felines who sleep most of the days as long as they perceive their environment comfortable.

 If you decide to groom them daily, they will accept it gladly. This is unlike most cats that hate every bit of grooming. Persian cats can even be shown, they enjoy doing that. 

Laid back and calm 

If your cat standard is one who is laid back and calm, then a Persian cat will likely meet this for you. If your home is chaotic, or if it is peaceful, this cat will thrive and be alright either way. They can adjust to their environment quickly. If you do have a noisier household, it is preferably what you have someplace where your Persian cat may have some peace and quiet. 

But all in all, no matter the circumstance, they are likely to possess calmness. Being chill is just innate in their nature. Biggest homebodies, as one would put. 

Curious and playful 

Persian cats are intelligent and often will show it by being curious about their surroundings. You will likely see them as if they are the main characters of a crime investigation movie. They are the biggest escape master. They will hunt places in search of food, toys, and everything in between. With this, you can also benefit as they do not hold stubbornness in training. In fact, they love being trained! You can also teach them new tricks, and they do just as wonderful as with dogs. 

Moreover, they love a good playtime session. They are a fan of canips, and you can stimulate them, or you can leave a toy and they will gladly be self-sufficient. You can also benefit as they love kids! And anything kid activities spark joy in their eyes. It is a delightful combination, as they really love to be around these little humans. 

Basic Care Guide 

Caring for a Persian cat’s fur 

We all know that these felines have long and abundant fur, which will require you to care for it daily. You must brush your cat every day, preferably with a flat brush with delicate plastic bristles. You can also opt for a metal brush with round spikes, as it aids in the prevention of damaged sensitive skin. 

Your Persian must get used to this process from a young age. When you are consistent with brushing them daily, she will perceive brushing as a moment of care, relaxation, and bonding too. Your goal is to remove the knots and wrangler that may have formed during the daytime, as well as gentle removal of dead hair. You are likely to notice your Persian cat loses a lot of hair when you brush them, and it is completely normal and necessary. 

Self – Grooming

Persian cats love self-grooming and with this a heightened risk of furballs or hairballs sticking in their intestinal tract is present, to aid, daily maintenance of their fur by brushing is needed. Furthermore, your long cat’s hair might be a flea site if you neglect to brush their coat. Bathing your cat must occur once a month. 

Looking after a Persian cat’s eyes

All Persian cats deal with teary eyes. Thus, their eyes must be cleaned every day, utilizing a cotton pad or soft toilet paper that is moistened with water. It is very important to ocean your Persian’s eyes daily because what will exist otherwise is an abundant formation of a scab. 

Maintaining your Persian cat’s ear 

This feline’s ears produce more or less earwax, according to each cat. But typically, it is advised that you clean your Persian’s ears on a weekly basis as it will help in keeping mites, fungi together with bacterial infection out of your sight. 

Handling your Persian cat’s claws 

You must trim your very own Persian’s claws twice every month, as with cleaning her eyes and ears. Also, be consistent with this and start at a very young age so it fosters the mindset that it is done as a form of caring. 

Dietary Needs of a Persian cat 

As this breed of feline lives a sedentary lifestyle, they can gain weight easily. Gaining weight in tremendous amounts can lead to heart problems as well as urinary calculi. Thus, it is extremely vital that your very own Persian cat adapts to a healthy, balanced diet. Reducing overweight can be a tricky road, but the simplest yet guaranteed way of mitigating that from happening is playing with your cat often. In this case, they are securing physical activities. 

Feed them in regular times, and more so, avoid acidified dried feed. Best for Persian cats are wet cat food, with occasional meats and fruits, as well as vegetables for healthy snacking. Make sure your cat is hydrated at all times as well. 

Health Considerations of a Persian Cat 

All cats have the potency to acquire genetic health troubles, just as with us humans having the prospect of inheriting a particular disease. Any breeder who affirms that her breed has no health and genetic concerns is likely to only be lying or is not really enlightened. 

Persian cats have hereditary issues that can be a concern, just as with any animal foster. These include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), feline bladder stones, cystitis (bladder infections, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) as well as liver shunts. Responsible breeders take precautions and health enhancement as steps to avoid these problems. 

Polycystic kidney disease 

It is a hereditary condition that causes cystic degeneration of a feline’s kidney and eventually leads to kidney dysfunction. It can affect one or both cats’ kidneys. The signs of this condition usually manifest between 7 and 10 years of age, and much earlier in some cats. Seek breeders that are working to enact PKD-free breeding programs. Moreover, if you are about to adopt a Persian cat, ask your breeder to provide proof that both of the kitten’s parents are free from kidney cyst, which is detectable using an ultrasound. 

Progreesive retinal atrophy 

In Persians, PRA causes vision challenges starting from a very young age, at four to eight weeks of age. It then progresses rapidly. Cats affected by this can become completely blind at the time they have reached 15 weeks old.  

Bladder stones 

Also called uroliths, this is a stony collection of minerals, crystals together with organic material that accumulate in the feline’s bladder. They manifest frequently as a result of some kind of inflammatory disease. Bladder stones in cats remain small, but there exists a probability to grow several kilometers in diameter or larger. These stones can be against the bladder, causing distress, pain, and inflammation. Moreover, it can block the urethra and make it a challenge for your cat to urinate. Poor diet and dehydration are the two most common causes, thus these can also be combated with a well-balanced diet as well as hydration.  

Cystitis 

Cystitis or Feline Idiopathic Cystitis affects a cat’s bladder organ as well as her urinary tract. This is usually triggered by stress. Cystitis is rather a common issue, and unfortunately, it is very uncomfortable, but there are things you can do if ever symptoms of it manifest (straining to pass urine and crying in pain, vergroomnig in genitals, urinating in unusual places as well as blood in her urine) 

You can treat Cystitis at home by 

• Reducing stress at home 
• Identifying stress triggers present at home 
• Increasing your feline’s fluid intake 
• Feeding your cat wet food 
• Spending time more with your cat to calm them 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 

Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a health disease that causes the muscular wall of your cat to thicken. This results in decreased heart efficiency and is sometimes responsible for creating other symptoms in other parts of the feline’s body. Persians are at risk of this disease, although the explanation is not yet known. Persians are likely to experience increased oxygen usage, rapid heart movement, and oxygen starvation. Unfortunately, it can also lead to arrhythmias. 

Liver shunts 

Congenital portosystemic shunts, commonly known as liver shunts, are relatively common birth defects existing in most cats, including Persians. It is where the blood vessels in the abdomen grow abnormally and rather of displacing blood from the intestines through the liver, the blood is able to go around the liver and thus enter the systemic circulation. With this, abnormal blood flow occurs and challenges the liver from doing its job of processing the blood. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Teacup Persian Cats

Are Persian cats high maintenance?

Unfortunately, yes. This is because of their fur maintenance that must be met every day. There also occur Persian cats who can have sensitivity in certain cat foods and would rather go fasting and starve. Thus, you must really be 100% into raising this type of feline. 

Can Persian cats thrive in an apartment setting? 

Persian cats are very adaptable. There are no instances where a Persian cat owner complained about this breed of cats not being able to withstand small settings. Thus it is safe to say that yes, they can thrive in an apartment setting. If your concern is your Persian cat being loud, you do not have to worry as they are very quiet. They are also very sociable. 

Are Persian cats friendly with other people, animals as well as strangers? 

Yes, yes, and yes. Persian cats are very sociable and connect really well with people, as well as animals, so it is also not a problem if you make one of them an addition to your furry children. Strangers can also adore these felines because they do not show any aggressiveness. 

Can Persian cats live in humid environments?

As long as there is great air ventilation. The temperature will not be going to be a problem with Persian cats

Do Persian cats deal with destructive behavior? 

As you may have realized, Persian cats are affectionate and in dire need of constant attention. With this, if they ever are left alone for a long period of time, they can go and be destructive. Persian cats are really needy, especially if they are left with any mental stimulation such as toys. 

Is a Persian cat a good first choice for a new cat owner? 

This is also controversial, but we firmly believe that no, it is not a good first choice for a new cat owner. Persian cats really are high maintenance because of their fur. Preferably, you might want to start your cat journey if you are a beginner on a short-haired cat. That way you can also understand the general behaviors of a cat, then go pet a Persian if you think you are capable of taking on more complex responsibilities. 

Preferably, which is better, a male Persian cat or a female Persian cat? 

There are Persian cat enthusiasts that swear that female ones are more affectionate than males. However, we believe that it does not really matter and at the end of the day, cats really have innate personalities unique to each of them. 

Are Persian cats safe for people with allergies? 

Persian cats are not hypoallergenic and can bring out allergies. This is due to their long and fluffy double coat that often manifests high levels of dander. More so if they are not groomed and bathed regularly. 

Keep in Mind!

Teacup persian cats still are very endearing cats to own. Their graceful aura translates to their lovable personalities that can surpass any disadvantages they may have. But then again, a comprehensive discussion really is needed to yield an objective decision of raising a Persian cat.