Persian cats, advice?

[AUDeltaGam]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

I started this thread awhile back and I just wanted to update. I decided that getting a purebred cat was dumb.

So last week, I went to http://www.petfinder.com and found the perfect cat from my local pet store, where all the animals are rescued strays.

Her listing said she was great for someone who lives in an apartment because she just likes to relax. So I went into the store this weekend to see her in person and she was adorable. She was also groomed, in good health, and spayed. I took her home the same day for a small donation.

Meet my new kitty, Trista!

http://www.petfinder.com/fotos/OH612...418325-3-x.jpg

She's beautiful!! Congratulations!!

[ZChi4Life]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

Meet my new kitty, Trista!

http://www.petfinder.com/fotos/OH612...418325-3-x.jpg

Awww she's SO cute!!

[Lily1909]

What a pretty kitty!

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

I started this thread awhile back and I just wanted to update. I decided that getting a purebred cat was dumb.

So last week, I went to http://www.petfinder.com and found the perfect cat from my local pet store, where all the animals are rescued strays.

Her listing said she was great for someone who lives in an apartment because she just likes to relax. So I went into the store this weekend to see her in person and she was adorable. She was also groomed, in good health, and spayed. I took her home the same day for a small donation.

Meet my new kitty, Trista!

http://www.petfinder.com/fotos/OH612...418325-3-x.jpg

Holy crap.. that cat looks exactly like mine.

Looks like a Maine Coon.

When I first got my cat, the shelter had named it "Roger Coon..." An pure black cat named "Coon." That was changed immediately

[_Lisa_]

Congrats on your new pet! I'm glad you went the petfinder route, good looking out!

[cutie_cat_4ever]

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

I started this thread awhile back and I just wanted to update. I decided that getting a purebred cat was dumb.

So last week, I went to http://www.petfinder.com and found the perfect cat from my local pet store, where all the animals are rescued strays.

Her listing said she was great for someone who lives in an apartment because she just likes to relax. So I went into the store this weekend to see her in person and she was adorable. She was also groomed, in good health, and spayed. I took her home the same day for a small donation.

Meet my new kitty, Trista!

http://www.petfinder.com/fotos/OH612...418325-3-x.jpg

Aww, she's so adorable <3 Congrats!

[Still BLUTANG]

beautiful kitty! i also got a Black shelter/rescue cat earlier this year.

[ForeverRoses]

AWE! Black cats are the best- I've had four of them so far and I have a huge soft spot for them.

But- because of the crazy/sickos out there, be careful around Halloween. Even if you decide to make her an indoor/outdoor cat- be sure not to let her out in October.

[aggieAXO]

Oh Lordie, where do I start. Since I have to work the overnight tonight and need to go back to bed I'll make this short. First of all most "breeders" I meet are backyard breeders so to speak. In fact one of my clients I see about evey 6 to 12 months (keep in mind I am at an EC so I am not the regular vet) breeds persians and his cats are always sickly looking-chronic URI, diarrhea, nasty eyes, no nares to breath etc... Persians are known for having chronic nasal and eye problems. If you do end up getting one make sure you get a return policy and make sure you are able to tour the facility (which in most cases is some stinky persons house). If you see any of the persians with sneezing, nasal or eye discharge (which most will have) I would not purchase. Also, have the kitten checked by your veterinarian right away. They are long haired and you will be vacuuming very frequently (unless you get the cat shaved). BTW, make sure the parents have benn screened for polycystic kidney disease-a very common disease in persians that can lead to kidney failue, chronic illness and eventually euthanasia. My guess is if this person is selling them for 50$ he or she is a backyard breeder and does not have his or her cats screened for eye/kidney or nasal problems. Be aware of the cheap price you get what you pay for.

ETA: I just read the rest of the thread, congrats on a beautiful kitty and I am glad you adopted from a rescue organization thanks for saving a life.

[Still BLUTANG]

Originally Posted by ForeverRoses

AWE! Black cats are the best- I've had four of them so far and I have a huge soft spot for them.

But- because of the crazy/sickos out there, be careful around Halloween. Even if you decide to make her an indoor/outdoor cat- be sure not to let her out in October.

thanks for the tip!

[icelandelf]

I've had persians (both show and pet) for about 16 years now and I agree with what the others have said above. Don't get me wrong, I love my cats, but they are challenging to keep. You have some options if you're interested later in getting a Persian.

Check out either TICA (The International Cat Association)
http://www.ticaeo.com/

or CFA (Cat Fancier's Association)
http://www.cfainc.org/

Both have information on all purebreeds of kitties and can refer you to reputable breeders in your area. If you haven't already, consider going to a cat show (these websites have the show calendar's posted.) I encourage going to a show not just for the entertainment value, but to see the variety of grooming that the exhibitor puts in for that breed of cat. This is also a good place to pick up a business card or two for some breeders/catteries you are interested in. Ask questions of the breeder; most breeders are happy to give information about their cats, their cattery, experience, etc.

If you do contract with a breeder, it is always good to see the cattery, ask what is included with the contract (all sets of kitten shots, cattery certified pkd negative, etc.)

http://www.pkdaware.com/


There are also some other avenues you can pursue. If you're serious about a persian, you might consider The Persian Rescue Pages. Depending on your area, there is probably one near you.

I love my cats but they require a lot of work. They need to be brushed daily (depending on the fur texture, some tend to matt just by looking at them), eyes checked to make sure they're clear and wiped, claws clipped. I bathe mine once every two weeks and they get blow dried. Their ears get cleaned and checked to make sure they don't get mites.

They're cuddle bugs (at night one sleeps with me and one sleeps on my husband's head) and we've been grateful for every moment that we've had to share with these kitties.