The Persian Breed
Connie Gauci de Brincat B.A. (Hons.) Philosophy
The Persian breed originated from Persia. We cannot give an exact date as to the beginning of this lovely breed. Hieroglyphic references as early as 1684 B.C. shroud in mystery their exact beginnings.
Persians, with their long flowing coats, huge eyes are the most popular breed. Every one has heard of a Persian cat and knows what to expect. Their sweet, gentle, personalities blend into most households once they feel secure in their new environment. They are creatures of habit, and are most at home in an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity. Although they are the most tranquil of cats with love and reassurance, these cats can easily adapt to the most boisterous of households. I love the voice of the Persian cat, it is so melodious and harmonious.
As a person who believes in maximum communication, these delightful creatures communicate so enchantingly with their large expressive eyes and melodious voices and make charming pets for all ages. Aggression is not in their nature. My black/white Persian Ch.Sharamka The Sixth Sense is the shadow of Michaela a very naughty one year old. Poor thing, he is terrified of her however, he will not leave her side.When she was first brought to the house he wondered what this “crying thing” was. They soon became inseparable.
Persians have short heavily-boned legs to support their broad, cobby bodies. They are very playful and are not given to climbing up curtains and jumping around. My cats will settle on their favourite spot and stay there for hours on end. Sleeping is their favourite pastime. Playful but never demanding, they are such posers and will swathe themselves in a favorite window or chair, enhancing the decor in much the same way as a treasured ornament. Persians are very clever creatures and very responsive to their owners. They are a constant source of joy and delight to me. My Love affair with my first cats has lasted over twelve years and are still a source of pride for me.
Their long flowing coats require an indoor, protected environment. Daily grooming is a must. A daily run-through with a metal comb to eliminate the potential hazards of tangles and hairballs. I suggest a bath every three to four weeks and only after the cat has been given a thorough comb-through and the nail tips clipped. This will keep the coat clean, healthy and beautiful. It is sensible to establish the routine of the bath when they are still young. However I have discovered that some of my cats will never endure a hair dryer. So one has to work round this problem.
While the white Persian and Chinchilla have long been the darling of photographers and advertisers, Persians come in an astonishing number of colors, which are divided into several color divisions for purposes of competition.
The Persian can live as a family member for more than 15 years, and some even surpassing 20 years. Persian breeders dedicate themselves to breeding healthy cats, availing themselves of the latest in veterinary screening procedures to test for any heritable disease conditions. A well-bred Persian is a hardy and healthy cat and is not more prone to illness and respiratory infections than other breeds.
Their large eyes especially the short nosed ones do mean that a certain amount of tearing is normal, and a daily face wash is recommended. Great care must be taken not to breed in defects like small nostrils. The Persian cat is man made, so to speak and we have bred in certain qualities which we are now trying to breed out.
After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. These precious kittens which are a source of great joy should be kept in a protected environment and providing acceptable surfaces such as scratching posts, for their natural instinct of scratching are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life. The declawing or tendonectomy surgery is banned by most of mainland Europe, and top clubs like FIFe and CFA. I call declawing maiming a cat for life. Whoever has done this barbaric act to a cat does not deserve to be called an animal lover.
