Although Persians are often easy-going, they also have a royal demeanor. They may not hiss or scratch quickly, but that doesn't mean they won't be annoyed by loud children or pets.
However, those who treat Persian cats with the dignity and gentleness they deserve will receive an affectionate little cat who enjoys being petted and even having its hair brushed. If you want someone who can repay all of your dedication and love, then Persians may be the best choice for your family.
Persians are an ancient breed. It's not surprising that this elegant cat, originating from the cradle of civilization - Mesopotamia, later named Persia, now modern-day Iran - has captivated the attention of nobles and world travelers alike. The breed's long hair is thought to be a result of a natural mutation, and its striking appearance caught the eye of Italian nobles and 17th-century world traveler Peter de Valle who is credited with importing the first longhaired cats to Europe in 1626. At that time, the cats had glossy, silky gray fur, but through selective breeding, Persians are now found in a kaleidoscope of colors, including bicolor (color plus white).
Until the late 19th century, breeding and exhibiting of cats went hand in hand with exotic and unusual customs such as the Persian, Turkish, Afghan, etc., and longhaired cats were simply referred to as "Asiatics" and were often interbred. It was at the Crystal Palace cat show in 1871 that the Persian type of cat was exhibited. Their popularity as pets and their special reputation were assured by Queen Victoria's love for the breed, and even in Victorian times, the association with "celebrity" ensured the animals' desirability.
Through selective breeding, cat enthusiasts began to shape the Persian into what it looks like today. The cats they bred had round heads, short faces, noses, chubby cheeks, small round ears, big eyes, and sturdy bodies. Their fur was longer than that of the Angora cats, and their legs were shorter. Soon, the Persian's popularity surpassed that of the Angoras.
In the United States, where they were first imported in the late 19th century, they also became a favorite of mine, narrowly edging out the longhaired Maine Coons, which had previously held the honorary place as America's sweetie. For over a century, the Persian has become the most popular cat breed in the world, cherished for its beautiful appearance and sweet personality.
For families and individuals, with or without children and other pets
1. Soft stool and diarrhea
Soft stool and diarrhea are common situations for cats. Normal stool should be brownish, well-formed, and moderately moist.
Causes: catching a cold, change of diet, poor food quality, stress reaction, parasitic infection, etc.
Symptoms: loose, sticky, shapeless, watery stool.
Solution: If it is caused by parasitic infection, it is recommended to deworm the cat. If it is a stress reaction to a new environment, it is not a big problem. It is recommended to observe for a few more days. Regarding dietary reasons, avoid frequently switching cat food to reduce gastrointestinal burden. Also, pay attention to controlling the amount of food, feed small meals multiple times a day, and feed on a fixed schedule. For drinking water, ensure it is clean and fresh. Do not feed mineral water to cats as it can lead to urinary stones.
2. Depression
Cats are sensitive animals, and depression is a common condition.
Causes: lack of companionship, loss of a partner, abuse, being kept in isolation for a long period, etc.
Symptoms: loss of appetite, lying down all day, hiding, being easily agitated, timidness.
Solution: Cat depression is a mental problem. It is recommended for the cat owner to spend more time with the cat. You can interact with the cat more often using treats or teasing toys, and try to minimize the cat's stress.
Hygiene: Since cats have a lot of fur, they are easy to carry various types of bacteria and fleas. For the sake of the health of the cats and the owners, regular bathing and grooming of the cats should be done;
Diet: Different cats have different food preferences. Owners should not randomly select cat food on the market for convenience. Cat food should be carefully selected based on the type of cat, growth status, and physical condition. Special utensils should also be prepared for the cats;
Health: Like humans, cats also get sick. When a cat gets sick, it must be taken to a specialized animal hospital for treatment. Regular physical examinations and vaccinations should also be conducted periodically. Only when the cat is physically healthy can it have the energy to play with its owner;
Safety: There is a saying, "Curiosity killed the cat." Cats are restless creatures and are always curious about various things. Moreover, their nature makes them particularly fond of entering enclosed spaces. Therefore, owners must close doors, windows, and lids to prevent the cats from getting into potential danger;
Living Environment: Cats love to lie down and sleep the most. Therefore, as an owner, it is necessary to prepare a sleeping mat for them. After a long period of use, these mats will have a lot of bacteria. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to cleaning and disinfection at any time;
Cat Litter: The problem of pets defecating anywhere has troubled many friends who love pets, but cats are actually very clean animals. As long as the owner provides them with cat litter, they will go to the litter box by themselves to defecate;
Cats cannot tolerate frustration. When owners force them to do something, they will become annoyed. Therefore, owners should always trim the cat's nails to prevent scratching and infection when playing with them.
Grooming time: Recommended every three days
1. Relax the cat: Before combing, you can give the cat a massage. Wait until the kitten purrs before proceeding to the next step.
2. Comb along the hair: From the back -> waist -> hips -> tail; when combing, you can wet the cat's fur with a small amount of water to reduce static electricity. Comb along the direction of hair growth, from top to bottom.
3. Comb from the chest to the abdomen: Hold the cat up, sit on your lap in a human posture, and comb from top to bottom. The cat's belly is more sensitive, so the owner must be quick and accurate when combing.
4. Comb the cat's head and face: You can comb from the cat's head or face towards the neck, but be careful around the cat's eyes.
5. Underarm and abdomen hair: At this time, the cat can lie on its side, lift up the cat's front leg, and comb from the underarm to the side of the abdomen.
6. Finally, use a fine-toothed comb to comb again, remove excess hair, and straighten the cat's fur to complete the entire grooming process.
Pet Encyclopedia
