Persian Questions

Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:53 am

Hmm, maybe this is still the wrong section but, oh well, someone can move it to a better place if you like.

So, why the nickname Pood? I can't, for the life of me figure out what that refers to? To me, I just automatically think Poodle, lol. Is it a nickname for Persians or just specific to this website?

What is the typical Persian personality like?
What are their grooming needs? Do you brush every day or?
How often do you shave Persians, if at all?

I have to say that the world of purebred cats is pretty new to me as I have never owned a purebred cat of any kind, nor has anyone in my family, nor has anyone that I know of, actually. I've studied a lot more about dog breeds than cats. So, I figured I would take advantage of all your intelligence here. I loved the info about the Maine Coon cat on the home page.

I had a long-haired kitty, named Sweetheart, for 15 years. I think she must've been part Persian, after looking at the pictures you've posted and hearing about their personalities. I had left her at my parents place when I first got married and, the neighbor's huskies came over and attacked her on my parent's front porch. Sweetheart was always an indoor-outdoor cat and she wasn't afraid of dogs. I never got to say goodbye. Dad heard the commotion and ran out and he said that if he had gotten anywhere close to the dogs, he would've killed them. Unfortunately, she was too injured and Dad took her to our veterinary friend and had her put down. Mom sent me a lock of her hair which I have to this day. I will never get over her completely.

How's that for a sad tale. I guess I got off topic huh? LOL

Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 11:22 am

Oh Honey,

That is a horrible story!!! I am so thankful you were not home that day. I don't know how one would ever get over such a visual. I am so very sorry for you and for poor Sweatheart. You simply must find a picture, if you have one, and post it for us. My goodness...

I have an adopted Maine Coon whom I rescued a month ago. Compared to Alfred, he is WONDERFUL! Of course, compared to Alfred a snake makes a good companion. Alfred is simply hateful - though I still love him very much! I ignore all his growling and hissing and pet him anyway. He usually whacks at me at least once or twice a day. He has always been a grouch - but has simply gone over the top since the new cat, Maestro arrived. I can't wait for the day Alfred quits complaining. I call Alfred - Pood, much to his absolute disgust, probably why I do it - lol. Stole the name from Tweetie and Sylvester.. "I thought I saw a poody cat... " That's where I got it from any way.

Can't answer any of your Persian questions, but man are these Maine Coons great too! Like a big ol dog.

Welcome to the group!

Kimmie

Marchioness Joined: 18 Oct 2008 Posts: 1125

I've had Persian cats since the late 80's and have no idea what POOD stands for, haven't seen it here but I rarely read anywhere but this section either. I don't have time right now, involved in three other web communities and stay busy between them all.

My Persians only get clipped down (shaved almost) when they don't like being combed to the point that I can't get under their legs which is where mats tend to get started. I've had 3 over the years who would fight so over the combing they got bad enough to need clipping usually only once a year. A couple of others as the aged (both were near 20 years old) were clipped, it was easier on them and me. They let me clip them, it was not difficult and their hair matted worse with age.

Buttons loves to be combed, he should not ever need clipping and Foxy is allowing me to comb her a little more now. She had to be clipped a couple of months ago, her entire belly was matted. She wouldn't let me touch her if she could help it. I don't get to hold Foxy, she follows me around and looks at me lovingly but I can't pick her to hold her. I started right after she was clipped taking her to the bathroom where I have a long counter and just rubbing my hand over her and under her to let her know I would not hurt her and so far, she is letting me comb her this time around. She was 15 months old when I got her so I am having to be patient with her.

A Persian kept groomed and most need it daily, will never need clipping down unless it's done just for their benefit in very hot weather. We use the AC all summer here so mine are fine. They "never" go outdoors, they enjoy my screened porch but I'm sure they won't when the temps get much warmer.

:big grin

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7094

I've had persians for almost 20 years now. I had 2 Turkish Angoras previous to persians and they were not very nice cats. I came upon my first silver persian quite by accident and would never be without one in my life again. I have broadened my horizon to include goldens and also a himalayan.

I love them---nothing better for me than a persian. I do brush and comb them very often and clip down by their private area. It keeps them nice and clean.

They have always been very loving and docile cats and smart too! Yes, my heart definitely belongs to Persians!

(Let me add I am sure other breeds are wonderful, I just haven't had the pleasure of or experience of owning them to date.)

Princess Joined: 30 Jul 2008 Posts: 7094

I am also very sorry for your loss. That is such a terrible story and my heart broke for you when I read it.

Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:55 pm

Persians are very sweet-natured, gentle, docile cats. They are unlike any other cat breed. I have had several shorthaired breeds (Devon Rex, Siamese, DSH, etc.) and I will say that Persians are much better behaved. My persians know right from wrong and try to please me. They will not climb my curtains or knock any of my ornate furnishings around to play with. They love to be played with and admired/cuddled, and are often found in a lap. But they aren't extremely active or very vocal for the most part, and their voices are soft and pleasant.

I will never forget giving some friends of mine one of my Persians. They had 4 DSH cats and I kept telling them I couldn't believe how much work their cats were when they would go away and I kitty-sat for them. They did not believe that their 4 DSHs could be more work than all of my Persians with longhair! Well I gave them one of my cats and now they won't adopt any other breed! They love the sweet, gentle, well-behaved and loving nature and cleanliness of a Persian. And completely agree with me that Persians with longhair are actually less work than their DSH cats.

Tracy

Duchess Joined: 19 Aug 2008 Posts: 4331

My first Persian came into my life in the early 80's. I could never imagine life without them. I also have three Exotic short hair's (Lazy mans Persians) :smile

Exotics, are Persians in a short coat. The standard is the same, as for Persian's. I find the Exotic's a little more active than the Persian.

Personality is the same... sweet, and extremely gentle.

I groom everyday. I find some caot colours more difficult to groom than others. Not sure if any one else would agree. I find my silver has a very easy coat to maintain. My brown tabbie's (now at the bridge) coat, was a nightmare. The exotics despite the short coat, can and will tangle if not combed. The difference is, you can get away with a quick comb a couple times a week.

The only time I have ever shaved a Persian, was my brown tabby. She lived for almost 20 years. I made a decision to clip her, when she became ill with renal failure, as grooming sessions made her very tied.

Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 9:54 pm

Maine Coons make great companions. I had a mix breed and she was a sweetheart.
The best way I can explain a persian's personality is that I refer to them as "little dogs in cat suits." There very much want to interface with daily activities. I can't even use the bathroom without their supervision. :rolleyes

They want to make sure that I don't fall in! :wink

I always receive a warm welcome from everyone at the door as soon as they hear the garage door. And this is just to mention a couple of things.
Yes, they are higher maintenance then other cat breeds but I look at them as an equilavent to the maintenance needed to maintain a small dog and so well worth it! :smile

Viscountess Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 435

Now, I do call Persians little, "Poo-bears," because they look like sweet little bears!!

So perhaps, you heard, "Poobear"?