| Many years ago as caravans plodded westward | | | | window to sun themselves, often appearing like a |
| from Iran, it is believed that among the rare | | | | valuable piece of decor in the room. They are a |
| spices and jewels loaded on the backs of camels | | | | constant source of joy and happiness, delighting |
| was also secreted an even rarer find, the | | | | their owners with tremendous responsiveness. |
| longhaired cat. Although they were called Persian | | | | Most cats should be kept indoors for their own |
| because of their country of origin, their exact | | | | safety and protection, but it is essential to keep |
| beginnings are forever shrouded in hieroglyphic | | | | Persian cats inside a protected environment. Their |
| references from as far back as 1684 B.C. | | | | long, luxurious coats require constant maintenance |
| Persians have short, heavily boned legs supporting | | | | like daily combing to avoid the formation of painful |
| broad, short bodies with long. flowing coats and | | | | tangles and hairballs. It is also a good idea to give |
| sweet open faces that are distinct in their short, | | | | them an occasional bath, but only after a |
| stubby noses and large, round eyes. It is a | | | | thorough comb-out and nail clipping. This will keep |
| well-known fact that the Persian is paws down | | | | your Persian not only healthy and clean but also |
| the most popular cat in America if not worldwide. | | | | beautiful. Be sure to begin the bathing procedure |
| They have gentle, sweet personalities and fit | | | | while the Persian is still a kitten. Cats and water |
| easily into most homes once they feel secure and | | | | usually don't mix, so it is best to get them used |
| loved, but are most comfortable in a secure and | | | | to bathing from little size on. Also, large eyes |
| serene atmosphere. Persians are creatures of | | | | mean that your Persians will have a certain |
| habit but will even adapt to a boisterous household | | | | amount of tearing. A gentle face wash is |
| with love and reassurance. | | | | recommended as needed. |
| Persian cats make wonderful pets for people of all | | | | Aside from grooming difficulties, keeping your |
| ages. They have quiet, melodious voices that are | | | | Persian indoors will help keep it safe from |
| non-abrasive and pleasant to hear, and they | | | | parasites, disease, and other outdoor "dangers". |
| communicate quite well with their large, | | | | Well-bred Persians are hearty, healthy cats that |
| expressive eyes, offering enduring and close | | | | can easily live for fifteen to twenty years and |
| companionship to their owners. Another of their | | | | some have even surpassed that. Don't forget the |
| wonderful qualities is that they don't typically like | | | | annual trip to the veterinarian. As well as getting |
| jumping or climbing up on high places. They like | | | | their disease prevention shots, there are |
| their paws firmly planted on the ground. They are | | | | screening procedures available to test for possible |
| a playful but not a demanding cat. Persians love to | | | | hereditary conditions. |
| drape themselves on a chair or in a favorite | | | | |