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