Another Persian question.

ILuvLucy · Another Persian question.

Hey thanks for all the interesting information about Persians in response to my other thread. I was showing my hubby some of the pictures you've all posted and he said, "Don't they have breathing problems?"

The reason he asked is that I had adopted a Shih Tzu puppy awhile back and found out, when I took her to the vet, that she had a condition called Stenotic Nares as well as a couple congenital defects. I know those conditions are very common in flat-nosed dogs, but, I had never thought of it in regards to cats?

JoaneWing

This is quite a topic for discussion. I am only a Pet owner so I can only speak of my own experience.

Buddy had a terrible time breathing. He had an extreme flat face. Tiny nares. Now Jesse has the flatest face and NO breathing problems whatsoever. When I bought Jesse I questioned his breeder about this as I was concerned. She showed me that Jesse has very large nares and she was right. NO breathing problems.

My doll faces have no breathing problems at all either.

Sheryl

My Persian and Exotics all have large nares, breeding problems have never been a issue.

Purrvette

I've had 4 extremes, and the worst that's happened is allergies, in 20 + years!

Now, it does happen - on top of looking at your kitten or cat, you MUST take them to a vet within 48 - 72 hours, for most breeder's warranties to stay effective, from what I've read.

One of the Persian Rescue groups in Northern California, I think rescued over 100 persians, from a disreputable 'backyard breeder', who was attempting to create, "Teacup Persians." THERE IS NO SUCH THING! Anyway, many, many of them have birth defects, stenotic nares being one of the most frequent defects.

Persians come in a variety of sizes, just like any other breed; I've for some reason have had mostly 5 lb cats - 7.5 lb cats, with none being heavier (though I've seen them much larger! :smile

).

- Julie

ILuvLucy

Thanks for the info. That is very interesting.

Celeste

If you select a persian with a traditional look (dollface) you shouldn't have any problems. Here is my 17 year old that has never had issues. She does snore now due to age. :rolleyes

Purrvette

My Purrvette, in my avatar, was an extreme, and lived to be 2 months shy of 14. She developed Renal Failure, from PKD, but it all seemed to happen quite fast...

She, Zofia, Teddy and Daphne all were smushies. Teddy's face was the notorious, "Peke-face", and he always looked like he was scowling, his face was literally CONCAVE! He lived to be about 15 years old. He did little grunts, instead of meows, which I thought was fun.

Cheshire will grunt, then remember she's not actually a dog, and gently purr.

Purrvette, she was the funniest kitten/cat I've ever had! She would just do the zaniest things, including chasing a Rottweiler down the hallway, while hopping after the dog like Pepe le Pew, from the cartoons! She loved falling asleep with her face in my hand, paws on my face.

I think the biggest question is: can you deal with it, when it's time for them to die?

Persians are some of the most loveable, endearing pets I've ever had, and every single one of them stole/are stealing my heart.

I just can't imagine living without them, so I have a kitten, and a 5 year old one now - Zofia & Cheshire, respetcavely. Zoey is still learning the ropes, and will take on the DMH, and CHeshie at the same time, and have a blast! She always comes to us, to have her face kleaned, and always has to sleep around hubby or I.

Cheshire's nose doesn't stick out, but is down her face, like a sliding light switch.

Purrvette's nose was right between her eyeballs; Tara, she had a perfect nose, with a sweet faced look, and Zofia's nose looks a bit long to me, but is within the norm.

The biggest issue I'm having now, is keeping Zoey's eyes cleaned, after running around in the morning, and at night time! :surprised

I found the best way to clean around her eyes and nose, is with Cosmetic Pads, which wrap around my finger, and with a dab of water, I can gently rub it all off - believe me, it used to be worse when she was actively teething!!

They will steal your heart, whether regular or dollface - and you won't ever want to let them go. Always remember, they are angels sent to be with us, and their time is limited; never fear to love them or other pets, because they are more precious than Diamonds, Emeralds, or Rubies!

And I'm gonna stand by that last remark!

Purrs & hugs,

Julie

BrandyAnne

Like everyone else, I can only speak from experience... My girls have all been pretty healthy and not really many breathing problems. Phoebe is prone to allergies. But, I have noticed that during allergy season, their breathing does become labored faster than usual. Other than that, no differences noticed between them and other dsh cats I had growing up.