General Information about Cats

Persian History

Credit for the Persian breed is generally given to Turkey, Iran (formerly Persia), and the neighboring countries. Longhaired cats were associated with these countries from about the 16th century, and possibly earlier. During that period the first cats of this kind began to arrive in Europe. It is assumed that the long coat arose from a mutation in shorthaired cats that maybe were of Egyptian origin. The colder climates of Turkey and Iran certainly favored such a mutation. The long coat aroused great interest among cat owners and made the cats more valuable.

Seven Groups of the Persian Class Recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association

Solid Color:
White, Black, Blue, Cream, Red, Chocolate, Lilac

Silver and Golden:
Chinchilla Silver, Shaded Silver, Chinchilla Golden, Shaded Golden

Shaded and Smoke:
Shell Cameo (Red Chinchilla), Shell Cream (Cream Chinchilla), Shell Tortoiseshell, Shell Blue-cream

Tabby:
Classic Tabby, Mackerel Tabby, Red Tabby, Brown Tabby, Blue Tabby, Cream Tabby, Cameo Tabby, Cream Cameo Tabby, Silver Tabby, Blue Silver Tabby, Brown Patched Tabby, Blue Patched Tabby, Silver Patched Tabby, Blue Silver Patched Tabby

Parti-color:
Tortoiseshell, Blue-cream, Chocolate Tortoiseshell, Lilac-cream

Calico and Bicolor (and Van):
Calico, Dilute, Chocolate, Lilac, Bicolor, Smoke and White, Calico Smoke, Dilute Calico Smoke, Chocolate Smoke, Tabby and White

Himalayan:
Chocolate Point, Seal Point, Lilac Point, Blue Point, Flame (Red) Point, Cream Point, Tortie Point, Lilac-cream Point, as well as all Lynx Points

Persian Breeders' Top 10 Grooming Tips

1. Run a comb through your Persian's coat daily.

2. Bathe your Persian regularly, preferably once or twice a month.

3. Wipe tearing eyes with a damp washcloth (no soap) once in the morning and once in the evening.

4. Use round-tipped scissors when trimming hairs around the face. (First get professional instruction from a groomer or breeder.

5. To remove the occasional mat, use a seam ripper.

6. To cut out a knot, slide a steel comb underneath the knot so its teeth separate the knot from the skin. Cut the hair that lies on top of the comb.

7. If you agree to let spectators handle your Persian while at a cat show, ask them to disinfect their hands before they touch.

8. Lightly mist your Persian's cat-show cage with disinfectant.

9. If exhibiting a white Persian, sprinkle a small amount of white powder onto its coat and comb it as if you were combing the powder out.

10. With a cotton swab, dab a half-and-half mixture of boric acid powder and cornstarch around your Persian's lower eyelids to keep its eyes dry while it is being judged. Also dab it into the creases on either side of its nose where tears tend to flow.

Source: "Guide to Owning a Persian Cat" by Moosakoshani

 

               Home               About us             Contact us