As the dusty desert caravans wound their way westward from Persia and
Iran, it is supposed that secreted among the rare spices and jewels on
the basket-laden camels was an even more precious cargo, an occasional
longhair cat. They were called Persian for their "country of origin,"
but hieroglyphic references as early as 1684 B.C. shroud forever their
exact beginnings.
Pictured: Best of Breed
GC, BW, NW PARTI WAI HEAR ME ROAR, Red & White Persian Male
Photo: © Chanan
Persians, with their long flowing coats and open pansy-like faces are
the number one breed in popularity. Their sweet, gentle, personalities
blend into most households once they feel secure in their new
environment. Creatures of habit, they are most at home in an atmosphere
of security and serenity, but with love and reassurance, can easily
adapt to the most boisterous of households. Their quiet, melodious
voices are pleasant and non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully with
their large expressive eyes and make charming pets for all ages.
Persians have short heavily-boned legs to support their broad, short
bodies. They like to have their feet firmly planted and are not given to
high jumping and climbing. Playful but never demanding, they love to
pose and will drape themselves in a favorite window or chair, enhancing
the decor in much the same way as a treasured painting. Persians are
tremendously responsive and become a constant source of joy and delight
to their owners. Pleasurable as an unexpected sunbeam, their
companionship is close and enduring.
Their long flowing coats require an indoor, protected
environment. Proper maintenance requires a daily run-through with a
metal comb to eliminate the potential drawbacks of tangles and
hairballs. An occasional bath, attempted only after a complete
comb-through and clipping of the nail tips, will keep the coat clean,
healthy and beautiful. It is wise to establish the routine of the bath
when they are young. While the white Persian has long been the darling
of photographers and advertisers, Persians come in an astonishing number
of colors, which are divided into seven color divisions for purposes of
competition. Those are:
Keeping the Persian indoors also keeps it safe from
transmission of disease and parasites, as well as the dangers of urban
life. With an annual trip to a trusted veterinarian, and good nutrition
and care, the Persian can live as a family member for easily 15 years,
and some 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. However, the large
eyes do mean that a certain amount of tearing is normal, and a daily
face wash is recommended.
Pricing on Persians usually depends on type, applicable
markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National
Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit
parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having
produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or
sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or DM
offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve and
sixteen weeks of age. 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. Keeping such a
rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable
surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching
(CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential
elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.
Info from :
http://www.cfa.org/Client/breedPersian.aspx
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