Persian

[Gamble66]

Always had moggies but have hankered after a Persian for years and now have the time and money for one BUT have read they sometimes have breathing problems and take a lot of grooming - I have no problem with grooming but wondered how often in real life they have breathing issues ? Also is it better to get a pair of kittens ? (Have always had 2/3 rescues in the country now in town and will keep indoors and catio)

Persians are brachycephalic (flat faced) and so cannot breathe properly

This is a great evidence-based article that highlights the health and welfare issues
icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/brachycephalic

I have had three rescue Persians. They have a fan club on here!
My first pair were breeding queens from a kitten farm.
Magic (aka Snorg) does have breathing issues because her nose is tiny. She just sounds a bit bunged up. It doesn't make her breathless or seen to bother her. She had surgery to widen her nostrils which helped a bit. She almost died of pancreatitis. But survived. She has very mild heart disease. She's not very bright, but gorgeous, placid and gentle.

Her identical sister Maia was a diva. Very bossy but still placid and gentle. She had no breathing issues. But had problems with her jaw that were fixed by removing part of her cheek bone. Unfortunately she had Cardiomyopathy which is very common in Persians. She died last year.

Cheddar was adopted after Maia died. She's a short haired Persian. She's very very gentle, affectionate, loud and an absolute doll. Not health problems as yet. But I've not had her heart scanned. She doesn't have breathing problems.

The lady who ran the rescue said I'd never have another breed of cat again and she's right. They are fabulous cats. Grooming isn't a hide issue but Magic and Maia have easy coats. Some are more difficult. You won't regret it if you get one. But make sure you have good insurance!!

I think oh fuck is my best response -

Forgot pictures

Oh and then a lovely response 😂 I want big and fluffy

@Toddlerteaplease is the resident Persian slave on here.
Personally I wouldn't buy a Persian (or any other cat-am the adopt camp) because of the breathing problems caused by breeding them to look how they do. Same argument against pugs etc with dogs.
There are specific breed rescues if that would be of interest? I have met a few Persians on my shifts at Cats Protection. This fella was a popular one a while back-not sure he was a pure Persian but hey an excuse for a photo.

She posted before me!!!

I really can't tell you how wonderful they are. Go for it! They are indoor cats. And content to be so. They go into my enclosed garden. But aren't fussed if they can't.

I want big and fluffy
There are options other than persians that fulfil that requirement (plenty of rescue moggies) and don't have the associated health issues.

Most of Maias health problems were as a result of the neglect they suffered in the kitten farm. Cheddar has been trouble free (touch would) though she makes up for about 4 cats!

They are all from St Francis Persian rescue.

Ps. They aren't like normal cats at all. They are terrible at 'catting' they don't jump, hunt or particularly like boxes!

@toddlerteaplease