Your Pet Guide

The exotic and majestic appearance of the Persian cat captures the attention of cat lovers everywhere, making it one of the most desirable breeds of cats today. Their dense and lush long-haired coat, short legs and broad head with round eyes and flat muzzle faces are distinct physical traits that make them easily identifiable to just about everyone.

According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, there are seven main categories of Persians. You can check later here for specific information on each group.

1. Himalayans

2. Solid Colors

3. Silver and Golden

4. Calico and Bicolor

5. Smoke and Shaded

6. Tabby

7. Particolor

Within these categories, there are many colors and variations. The many different kinds of Persians that are available permit anyone to pick the perfect companion. However, before running out and snatching up the first Persian you see, there are several factors for purchasing a Persian you ought to consider.

First, give some thought on how this new addition will get along with any pets you already have. Then assess if you are able to take the time to groom this cat properly everyday. The next issue might be the hardest thing to decide. That is narrowing down which of the seven types of Persians you like the most.

However, once that is resolved, you could even settle on the color you would prefer. After that, you may have a partiality for the specific sex of your pet. A significant issue to consider is if you intend on entering your cat in show competitions or if you are just looking for a buddy. A show quality Persian will generally cost more.

Depending on your personality and time constraints, do you want and are you able to raise a kitten? Then you will want to locate a reputable breeder. This is an important matter because the better the breeder, the better your chance of acquiring a strong and healthy kitten. See if the kitten appears to be well taken care of and is being raised in clean surroundings. Has a veterinary done a complete checkup for health problems and is it up-to-date with shots?

Is the breeder aware of any genetic conditions that may run in this kitten's pedigree lineage? Remember to obtain a health contract or guarantee from the breeder. A honest breeder will have no problem supplying you with one. Additionally, you will need the vaccination certificate. If the kitten is registered or you are planning to register it, you will need these papers from the breeder too.

Perhaps you are leaning toward an older cat. Adopting from a shelter or rescue could be a rewarding experience, not to mention saving a life. Just realize that this cat might have been abandoned due to a major health or personality problem. Ask a lot of questions and spend as much time with the cat as you can to determine if it will be a good pet for you.

No matter what cat you ultimately select, by doing your homework and being honest with yourself on your particular personality and situation, picking the perfect Persian can be a fun experience that later grows into a long loving relationship.

In the movies, cats love a bowl of cold milk. In the real world, giving a cat milk can do more harm than good.

While milk might seem like a natural choice for your cat, the truth is that cow’s milk offers no nutritional value for cats, and it can cause digestive problems in many. The reason is that most cats develop intolerance to lactose shortly after they are weaned.

This means that they are unable to digest the sugars that occur naturally in milk. This causes problems that include diarrhea and other unpleasant digestive problems.

Some people think that cats need to have milk in order to get all the necessary nutrients. This is not true. In fact, cow’s milk does nothing to meet a cat’s nutritional needs. If a cat was fed only milk, it would not be able to survive. Feral cats provide proof that cats do not need milk to be healthy, as wild cats do not usually have the opportunity to drink cow’s milk.

As long as your cat is eating a high quality food, and has access to clean fresh water, she is getting all that she needs. Milk alone is not a sufficient diet for any cat, and should never be given in place of food OR in place of water. Replacing a cat’s food or water with milk can cause your cat to become malnourished.

Many cats do seem to enjoy milk, and this causes a dilemma for many cat owners who love to give their cat treats that they enjoy. While most cats are lactose intolerant, some are not. For these cats, milk as an occasional treat is fine. The only way to know how your cat will react to milk is to feed her some. If she does not develop diarrhea then it is safe to assume that she is not lactose intolerant, and you can continue to give her the treat she loves. Again, milk should never be given in place of food, but as a treat.

If your cat IS lactose intolerant, but still seems to crave a bowl of milk now and then, there is a way to satisfy her without upsetting her digestive system. Milk substitute that is specially formulated for cats is sold in most pet food stores. Like regular milk, it should only be given as a treat and not as a replacement for meals. Even if you feed this "cats milk" on a regular basis, a high quality cat food and fresh water should always be available. Another option for lactose intolerant cats is to give lactose-free milk. This milk is available in the same aisle as regular milk in most grocery stores.

In addition to cat’s milk, there are a lot of other ways to treat your cats to special food.

If your cat normally eats dry food, give her some wet food once or twice a week as a special treat. Many makers of dry cat food also make wet food, so you can stick with your favorite brand if that is important to you.

Another way to treat your cats is to find ways to make their dry food special. Pet stores sell special gravy that can be poured over dry food. Several flavors are available, so you can offer your cat a variety to keep her from becoming bored with her food. Another version of this is to pour the water from a can of tuna over the dry food. You can also feed your cat some tuna, in place of wet food, as an occasional treat.

Take a trip down the treat aisle at the pet store, and you will see row after row of treats. While most of them are fine for your cat, keep in mind that treats should be given as such, and should not be fed to your cat in excess as this can cause an unhealthy weight gain.

Kittens, unlike full grown cats, DO need milk, but the milk they need is their mother’s. The mother’s milk is full of all the fat, protein and antibodies that a kitten needs to grow and survive. Until a kitten is weaned, approximately four weeks after birth, a kitten should have only milk. NEVER give a kitten cow’s milk.

Obviously, the ideal milk is that from the kitten’s mother. If this is not possible due the kitten being abandoned or orphaned, you will need to feed a substitute that should be available at your local pet store. The kitten will need to be fed this milk substitute several times a day. While the pet store personnel can probably answer most of your questions about caring for abandoned kitten, you should consult a veterinarian to be sure that the kitten is getting exactly what it needs.

The bottom line is that milk is not necessary for a cat, but as long as she seems able to tolerate it, an occasional bowl isn’t going to hurt.

There are about 100 million pet cats in the Western world. The most popular is a combination of different breeds - the domestic shorthaired cat.

The Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) holds the largest registry of pedigree cats in the world. A pedigree is the product of two parents from the same breed.

Let's take a look at the top ten most popular cat breeds of 2006, according to the CFA.


1. THE PERSIAN

Number one since the CFA first started keeping records in 1871! Although Persians are high-maintenance and need grooming every day, this is more than compensated for by their affectionate and loyal personality.

2. THE MAINE COON

This enormous all-American cat has been in second place since 1992. Maine Coons are one of the biggest domestic breeds. Males average 12 to 18 pounds in weight and females are usually 10-14. They are hardy, gentle and loving with long fur but don't need as much grooming as a Persian.

3. THE EXOTIC

These are also known as exotic shorthairs and are rounded and solid in appearance. This cat is like a Persian but with short fur. Some people call them 'a Persian in pyjamas'! They have the sweet personality of the Persian but only need combing twice a week.

4. THE SIAMESE

These cats are very communicative, yowling in a rasping voice for attention or just to chat! They are slim and athletic with large ears. Their fur is short and lies close to their skin. They love to be stroked, and are extremely loyal and close to one person. They are very intelligent and loving.

5. THE ABYSSINIAN

It is said that these pretty cats are descended from those worshipped by the ancient Egyptians - but no one knows for sure. Their coat is ticked with colors. Abyssinians are very active, busy and playful, and they love people.

6. THE RAGDOLL

Ragdolls, or 'Raggies' are extremely cute cats. They are called Ragdolls because when you pick one up, it goes completely limp in your arms! They are another large breed with males growing anything up to 20 pounds and females 15. They have blue eyes and mid-length, silky fur. They are extraordinarily affectionate and will follow you everywhere.

They are so docile that it can be dangerous for them to go out as they wouldn't defend themselves if another animal attacked them.

7. THE BIRMAN

This blue eyed cat also glories in the name of the Sacred Cat of Burma! They have characteristic white paws, making them look as if they are wearing little white boots. They have even temperaments, and are known for adjusting to your daily routine. A Birman will often be waiting for you when you get home from work (as do Siamese and Orientals). Although their fur is long and silky, they don't require much grooming.

8. THE AMERICAN SHORTHAIR

These look like regular tabbies but true American Shorthairs are pure-bred. These cats originally arrived in America on the "Mayflower" with the pilgrims. They are good hunters, have a loving nature, general good health, a quiet temperament, and they are great with children. They come in a multitude of color combinations, the most popular being silver. More than a third of all American Shorthairs have this coloring of black 'stripes' on a beautiful silver background.

9. THE ORIENTAL

This breed looks and behaves just like a Siamese but is available in two different hair lengths and over 300 different color combinations. They also have very sweet natures, and have many of the characteristics of Siamese, though they don't quite talk as loudly. But they are very affectionate and loyal, very people-oriented.

10. THE SPHYNX

This extraordinary naked cat has a rather bizarre appearance. Strangely, they are available in a multitude of colors, albeit skin colors rather than fur! They are lively and athletic, and enjoy climbing. They are loyal, loving and constantly demand attention.

Bringing a cat into your home is a big decision. That needs to be stated right away, because so many people do not think this decision through carefully which is why there are so many homeless cats out there.

Though cats are cute, fluffy, and overall one of the best companion animals out there, you need to take a number of factors into consideration before adopting or buying a cat or kitten. Here are just a few things you should keep in mind before you bring a cat into your home.



Do I have time?

Despite what many people think, cats do require that their owners have time for them everyday. From feeding to playtime, many cats will feel very lonely if their owner is gone most of the day, especially if there are no other cats in the home.

Do I have the money?

On top of the money you spend on the cat itself, the food, the kitty litter, the litter box, and all of the other accessories, you must take into consideration the possibility of veterinarian bills. Your cat should get a yearly check up with your local vet.

Do I adopt?

YES. Please, look to your local animal shelter for a cat or kitten first before buying from a breeder or an "accidental litter". There are thousands of abandoned or homeless cats out there that would make excellent pets for you and your family. The biggest plus to adopting is that most shelter cats are spayed or neutered before they're adopted out so you don't have to worry about the expense of having it done yourself!

Do I get a kitten or an adult cat?

Kittens are cute, but keep in mind that they will only stay kittens for a short while. There are more adult cats than kittens looking for homes in animal shelters. Look at the adult cats first before considering a kitten. If you find a kitten you fall in love with, though, don't let that stop you! Just be prepared for the usual "kitten behavior", though; younger cats are not as well behaved as older cats usually are.

Do I declaw the cat?

It's really up to you, but I wouldn't recommend it. Many people don't realize that when a cat is declawed the entire first joints of the toes are removed. Imagine if your finger tips were cut off how uncomfortable you'd be! Some cats develop psychological problems after undergoing this procedure.

It's not legal in many other countries, like England, because it's considered cruel. If you have a concern about furniture scratching or having small children around the cat, I recommend adopting a cat that's already been declawed by a previous owner. These cats need loving homes just as much as any cat and they've already undergone the procedure so there's no going back. This is what I did when I adopted my kitty and it worked out great for my household.

What should I feed it?

Again, this is up to you. Ask your veterinarian which variety of cat food they recommend. I personally use Purina Cat Chow as that's what the animal shelter recommended to me.

There are numerous breeds of cats for a cat-lover to choose from, but the most popular of all of the breeds is the Persian cat. The long fur and the regal persona of the Persian are the two main reasons why so many people seem to adore these affectionate and laid back cats.



The History of the Persian

Persians came to North America in the late 1800s and it didn't take long for them to become the favorite breed of cat lovers. At the same time, the cat was very popular in the UK and was the most commonly represented breed at the London Crystal Palace's first cat show. In the early 1900s, the Persian was already the most popular cat breed in the UK.

Before being introduced to North America and gaining popularity in the UK, however, the ancestors of the modern-day Persian were part of the Roman and Phoenician caravans that traveled to Europe. While traveling from Turkey and Persia, the cats were introduced to Europe in the late 1500s. These early ancestors later developed into the Persian and Angora breeds that are known to cat lovers today.

Recognizing the Persian Cat

Persians are one of the most easily recognizable of cat breeds, thanks to their long and full fur. The fur of the Persian tends to be quite thick and glossy, which helps it stand off from the cat's body and gives its body a rounded look. While many think of Persians as having white fur, the breed can actually be found in a variety of different colors.

One of the other distinctive features of the Persian is its face. The breed actually has two different facial types, but both include rounded ears that are small and set low on the cat's head. Persian's also have round, wide eyes and their chins are well-developed. The cheeks of Persian's are also full. Depending upon the face type, some Persians will also have a flattened look to their face. With these Persian's, the nose will be almost as high as the cat's eyes.

The Persian's Personality

Persian's have a very laid-back personality and are not as active as many other breeds. In fact, they tend to be lap cats that are very sweet-tempered and gentle. Still, they do enjoy playing for short periods of time. In addition, they crave attention and love to be cuddled and pet by their owners. They also tend to be very devoted, but demand a great deal of attention. For most pet owners, providing attention to these gentle cats is not a problem. Maintaining proper grooming, on the other hand, can be difficult!

Grooming the Persian

Persians have long and pretty fur that can be up to 8 inches long, which means it can easily become knotted and problematic if it is not properly cared for. If a pet owner neglects the Persian's fur, it can form into tight mats that need to be shaved. In order to prevent this, it is important to groom your Persian's fur for ten to fifteen minutes every day and to perform a more thorough grooming once a week.

When you decide to get a cat for a pet, then there will surely be a number of things that you will have to consider. One of these pertains to cat breeds. This is because there are various cat breeds in the market, and choosing amongst the many choices can be confusing altogether.


Thus, it would be better do some research on the different cat breeds so that you can choose the best one for your family. This is because cat breeds do differ in terms of shapes, sizes, and demeanor.

One of the popular breeds is the Abyssinian, also known as the Aby cat. If you want to have a playful cat, then you should consider this breed because the Aby cat is very energetic and has quite the personality. The great thing about this cat is that it is also very loyal to its owner and it is also very attentive.

Another popular breed is the Balinese cat. Back in the day, the Balinese is known as the Longhaired Siamese cat simply because the markings on Balinese cats are quite the same as that of the Siamese breed. The only difference is that the tail of the Balinese is actually more plumed in appearance.

If you want a cat that is particularly attentive to you, then you should consider getting the Balinese because it does not feel any inhibition about giving attention to its owner. This is because the Balinese also enjoys having the attention of its owner. And since this cat is particularly energetic, make sure to leave it with a chew toy or a plaything when you go off to work. This way, your cat will be able to keep himself entertained.

The Manx is another breed that deserves mention. In appearance, you will definitely say that the Manx is just like any other cat. However, do not be surprised to see a Manx that does not have any tail. Because of certain mutations in this breed's spine, most Manx cats have very short tails, and some do not have any tail at all. Moreover, if you want to get a cat that you and your family can play fetch with, then the Manx is definitely the breed to get.

These are just some of the top cat breeds that dominate families today. If you are still not too sure which breed to go with, you can ask the help of your vet. This way, your very can help you decide which breed is the best for your family.