AN INFORMED BUYER IS THE BEST BUYER…..

HERE ARE SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR THE ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Persian and a Himalayan Cat? 

What is the standard size of a Persian or Himalayan Cat?

What is TeaCup Size?

How do you tell the difference between a "FAILURE TO THRIVE KITTEN" and a TEACUP Sized Kitten?

What is the difference between males and females?

What is the difference in faces and why are they different?

What is the difference in the cats’ coats?

Do males spray?

What is Feline PKD?

Why is PKD important?

Why do you have a Contract?

What is your Cattery like?

Do you cage your animals?

What about my furniture, will it get scratched up?

What do I feed my cat?

 

 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between a Persian and a Himalayan Cat?

Himalayan is a color class within the Persian breed in both major associations (Both TICA and CFA).   The points come in all colors including, tortie, flame (red), cream, blue, seal, chocolate, lilac and all of those color in Lynx (tabby bars in the points) as well.  Himalayan cats must have blue eyes and Siamese markings. 

All Himalayans are Persians, it is the color points and blue eyes that make a Himalayan.  In the 1950's one Siamese was bred to a Persian, then that kitten was bred to a Persian, which was bred to a Persian...27 times so that the only thing that was kept was the color points of the Siamese.  All the other Siamese traits were bred out...like the yowling of the Siamese.  The kittens that were bred, were bred for their Persian temperament and long coat, while maintaining the color points and blue eyes.

Confusion sets in when in 1985 it was dicided that if you bred a Himalayan to a Himalayan and you alway got a Himalayan that the Himalayan markings should be their own breed.  So Himi's became their own breed of cat.  Then in 1995 the same cat people said that this was silly...if the only thing that is different between a Persian and a Himalayan is the Color...then Red's should be thier own breed, and Blacks should be their own breed, and so on..,so they brought the Himalayans back into the Persian Breed.  So for about 10 years Himalayans were their own breed.  Now they are back where they belong, just a Persian of a different color.

 

Whatis the standard size for Persian and Himalayan cats? 

CFA is the Cat Fanciers Association, they register about 95% of the cats in the United States of America.  CFA has a "Breed Standard" for all breeds of cats.

Breed Standard for Persian and Himalayan cats is for females to be 7-9 pounds and males to be 9-12 pounds.  That being siad...

 

What is TeaCup Size?
(If you are looking for a smaller cat, please read carefully)

CFA does not recognize "TEACUP", "TOY", "MUNCHKIN", "RUGHUGGER", "NAPOLEAN" or any other name that breeders or others use to describe a cat or kitten that does not meet "Breed Standard"  In most instances they feel that it is a gimic or ploy to sell "failure to thrive kittens".

CFA does recognize that some types of persians "SHADED, SMOKES," are genetically smaller than"Breed Standard"
CFA does recognize that some colors of persians have a propensity to be smaller the "Breed Standard"  Silvers and Goldens and Some Whites.

 

How do you tell the difference between a "FAILURE TO THRIVE CAT" and a TeaCup Sized cat? 

There are a number of things to look out for.  I will try to list them in highest priority first fashion.

FAILURE TO THRIVE KITTENS;
1)  The kitten may have a heart murmer, something wrong with it's kidneys or liver.
2)  The cattery could have ringworm.  The treatment for ringworm is carsonogenic to fetuses, causing low birth weight kittens that fail to thrive.

THE RUNT OF THE LITTER;
 The breeder may be trying to sell the kitten when it is still nursing and it is on the smaller tits.  When this cat comes home to you away from mommy it will double or triple its weight and you will no longer have the small kitten you thought you were buying.

LOOK AT THE GENETICS:
1)  What size are the parents?
2)  What color is the kitten?  Silver or Golden of White? 
3)  Is it one of patterns that typically  is genetically smaller?  Shaded or Smoke?

 

What is the difference between males and females?

Males are considered the “lap sluts” they love everybody, and are a great family cat.  They are the first to greet you and anyone else who is new, at the door, look at you as if asking “Can we play now?  What are you doing?”  They want to be involved with everything.  Males unaltered weigh between 9-12 pounds and add 1-2 pounds when neutered.

Females are more independent and usually adopt only one or two people.  For singles and couples without children they are the best choice.  When children or people come by who they do not know they are under the bed, or very reserved.  Not all females are this way, and this cattery breeds for more friendly female behavior.  However if you want to be owned by a cat the female is the best choice.  Be prepared to sleep with her on your pillow.  Females unaltered weigh between 7-9 pounds and also gain 1-2 pounds when spayed.

 

What is the difference in faces and why are they different?

There are many different names for the faces of Persians, for now we will call them Doll, Flat, and Smushy.  Doll, Angel, and Apple faced cats are the Classic Persian of 20 years ago.  You see them on the “Fancy Feast” commercials they have a nose and the classic Persian jutting jaw. This cat does not have weepy or runny eyes, has straight teeth and a possible over bite, but should be a very healthy cat.  This is not a show cat as current standards for the breed have changed. Smushy faced cats are the current CFA and TICA breed standard show quality cats.  Because they have very little nose, their tear ducts are an issue and their eye lid hair can be turned in too much which will cause them to have weepy or runny eyes that need daily maintenance.  Sometimes their teeth are crooked and their jaws can be misaligned.  This is something that should be considered by the prospective buyer. The Smushy faced cat also has such a recessed nose that there are several respiratory issues that arise.  The cat may gurgle, snort, sneeze and snore loudly.  If the kittens’ teeth are perfect then this cat will be a breeding and show quality kitten if all other current standards are met (cobby body, short tail etc.) and therefore most in demand by breeders and show people.  Flat faced is a combination of both Doll and Smushy faces.  It is the best of both worlds.  There is a tiny nose that allows the tear ducts and eye lid hair to be formed properly, there is no over bite, the teeth and jaws are always in alignment, and as a consequence there are no respiratory issues.  This is the healthiest choice in my opinion.  This is not a show quality cat as breed standards favor the Smushy faced at this time.  This is an excellent breeder and a quality cat, that has the best of health and can throw Smushy and Doll faced kittens.

 

What is the difference in the cats’ coats?

There are two main types of coats on a Persian, silky and cottony.  Silky coats are long and silky, the breed standard 20 years ago. They are virtually self maintaining with little grooming needed that is not performed by the cat.  Cottony coats are the breed standard now. They are a very thick plush coat not quite as long as the silky, but with incredible density.  Daily maintenance and brushing are needed to keep the coat in top form. 

Do males spray?

Unaltered males spray to mark territory against other males.  It you have an unaltered male and no other unaltered males in the house your male may not spray as he has no competition.  If there are outside unaltered males and he smells them, then he may mark that territory.

A male kitten that is bought as a pet and neutered between 4 and 6 months of age will not spray.  They need to be altered before they ever get any sexual drive.  Veterinarians’ usually charge for anesthesia based on the weight of the kitten so the sooner you alter your pet the less it costs.  Persians mature slower that other breeds of cats and some males take 18 months to become interested in mating.  You should be very safe from the possibility of sexually caused spraying if you neuter early.  Have your Vet check to make sure that both testies have droped before neutering your boy.

 

What is Feline PKD?

Polycystic Kidney Disease is an inherited kidney disease that has been found in Persian/Exotic cats. Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) has been reported sporadically in the literature since 1967, but actual study into this renal disease did not begin until 1990.  Before genetic testing became available, the only way to tell was to ultrasound the cat and look for cysts, responsible breeders did this unfortunately the cysts were underdeveloped in young breeding age cats, and the cats were deemed to be PKD NEGATIVE but may not have been.  With the advance of Genetic, testing has become available and reasonably priced, and responsible breeders are removing PKD positive cats from their breeding programs by retiring them.    Older literature has37%  of Persians being affected by the disease. The newest 2011 literature has a 60% rate of the desease in Persians and Himalayans.

 

Why is PKD important?

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a slowly progressive disease. It clinically shows up later in life (late onset), with enlarged kidneys and kidney dysfunction on average at seven years of age. The condition is inherited and cysts are present from birth. Problems occur when these cysts start to grow and progressively enlarge the kidney, reducing the kidneys' ability to function properly. The ultimate end is kidney failure.  There is the possibility of the symptoms of PKD developing late enough in life that the cat can die of other causes before kidney failure.  Would you like to genetically test your Persian for peace of mind? Check http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/cat

 

Why do you have a Contract?

A contact is designed to protect both parties, by having in writing what expectations are for both the buyer and the seller.  It makes it easier to do business when you both have the same understanding.

 

What is your Cattery like?

My cattery is my home, 2500 sq ft, all accessible to the kitties.  We have 2 floors and most of the cats like the main floor with occasional naps and quiet time upstairs.  We have one requirement of our cats and that is they must get along.  If a cat is quarrelsome it is not acceptable for a breeding program where we specialize in health and character.  We have one bedroom set up across from the kitchen just for the cats, it has a bay window, steps, perches, and beds on the walls that are accessed by pussy poles that go from floor to ceiling straight up and at angles…they have a ceiling promenade, there are feeding stations and cubbies, and litter areas. The room is designed so the cats always have something to do and places to go to be alone if they want.  We have a kitten area will small toys, and big areas with big toys. 

There are climbing opportunities, and cat towers in each room and the cats are always finding new thing to do.  Moms have lots of special areas for nesting and sometimes they share kitten care with each other, but we always know who is who.

My husband and I are general and specialty contractors and make our own schedules so the kitties always have someone around.  The house is clean and does not stink; my husband was clear when we started breeding in 2001 that a nasty stinky house was unacceptable.  We have a professional groomer who comes to our home and grooms the cats every 2 months and some of the kitties sport Lion Cuts depending on the time of year.  I am always vacuuming otherwise.

Do you cage your animals?

We have a cat room that has been broken up into 6 smaller spaces that are connected to a very large area.  Two of the smaller spaces (8 feet deep by 4 feet wide by 3 feet tall) can be separated.  In very few instances we contain a cat:

• When a new cat comes to the cattery it is quarantined until health screening is done.  We test for ringworm by culture, URD Panel (upper respiratory disease panel), fecal panel (parasites and other infections) and PKD genetic testing.  This takes about two weeks, but keeps the other cats healthy and the cattery protected.
• When we have 2 or more stud males and need to control breeding we have a honeymoon suite, for the prospective parents.
• When we have more than 2 studs and they start to mark territory when a female goes into heat, then the guilty party gets confined to the large area in the cat room for the duration of the heat cycle usually 2-4 days. He always has company as the girls not in heat or already pregnant and the kittens love to be in there too.  We always hear them when they want back out, as it is next to the kitchen and they have taught us to come when they meow to come out.  They only have to do so once as we are very perceptive and they know it.

 

What about my furniture, will it get scratched up?

We have had the same leather furniture for 15 years.  The only scratches on it is from kittens under 4 months of age who have to climb to get up to you when they want your attention, as they do not yet jump like the big kitties do.  This is a stage of development that will pass and if you pay attention and pick up the kitten rather than it having to climb the couch or chair or your leg, you will not have claw marks on it or you.  That being said…All cats need to scratch.  All cats need a scratching post.  If you do not have one, get one, or your furniture will be trashed.  We recommend a tower with sisal poles for scratching.  All cats like to be high, the higher the better, just make sure it is sturdy and the perches are big enough to sleep on and not just a decoration.  Check www.kittentoysandcatfurnature.com

What do I feed my cat?

We feed Royal Canin to all our cats. 

 

The adults get the Persian Formula, The babies Royal Canin Starter (Baby Cat 34), Kittens 4-12 months should be fed Royal Canin Kitten Formula and the pregnant females get Royal Canin Queen Formula.  Whatever you feed your kitten always feed it ½ of the food it is used to and ½ the food you would like it to eat, so as not to get an upset tummy and diarrhea…it is one of the worst things that can happen to a new arrival at your home.

 

 Did you know that cats will not drink dirty water?  Always keep the water fresh, a fresh filtered water fountain is the best.