If you are looking for a sweet, affectionate and gentle animal with a beautiful fur coat, Persian kittens are all that and more. These long-haired felines are a popular pet throughout Europe and North America.
Distinctive Persian Kitten Features
Persian kittens can be identified as having a "doll" face or a "pig" face based on their nose and roundness of features. While Persians don't all look alike, they do have distinctive characteristics that make them fairly easy to identify. Distinctive features include:
- Long, thick fur coats
- Short, thick legs
- Wide round heads with short noses
- Short, rounded ears set far apart
- Short, straight tails
Persian Color Varieties
You can find Persian kittens in all different colors and coat markings.
Persian Kitten Size
At birth, Persian kittens typically weight between three and 3.5 ounces. At eight weeks old, Persian kittens typically weigh about 32 to 38 ounces, while the smaller Teacup Persians weigh about 14 to 20 ounces.
The Persian Kitten Personality
Persian kittens have wonderful personalities. Much like adults, they are gentle and will be playful. However, they are not as rambunctious as some other breeds of kittens.
Types of Persian Kittens
In addition to the breed standard, there are several other types of Persian kittens.
Chinchilla Persians
Chinchilla Persians have beautiful fur in shades of silver, blue or gold. These kittens are one of the most popular choices for Persian owners because of their coloring. They have doll faces rather than the flat face of Persian show cats.
Chocolate Persians
Chocolate Persians have a distinct brown coloring. They come in different patterns as well such as tortoiseshell (tortie), smoke and calico. They also have copper-colored eyes.
Doll Face Persians
Doll Face Persians are the "original" Persian cats. They differ from cats bred specifically for show because they have a more regular shaped nose. This may make them healthier, because they tend to experience fewer respiratory issues.
Teacup Persians
Teacup Persians, also known as Micro Persians or Toy Persians, are simply smaller versions of a regular Persian. While adorable, teacups can be more susceptible to medical problems. An owner of a Teacup Persian kitten should be vigilant about regular veterinary checkups. Due to their small size, owners should take extra care to ensure the safety of their kitten as they are more fragile than a regular Persian kitten and they should be supervised if around small children. They should also be kept indoors to keep them safe.
Blue Eyes and Persian Kittens
Persians are a breed that are more susceptible to being born deaf. If you have a white kitten with blue eyes, there is a chance that your kitten is deaf. It's a good idea to have your veterinarian examine your kitten right away. It's important to know for sure, as a Persian kitten is tiny and vulnerable at this age and you will need to supervise your cat more closely if it cannot hear. Never let a deaf Persian kitten outdoors.
Your Persian Kitten and Grooming
Unlike other breeds of cats, Persians need daily maintenance. You should begin acclimating your kitten to grooming right away so he or she is amenable to being groomed as an adult.
The Litter Box
Persians kittens are known to take more time to train to use the litter box. It may be because their small size and long hair can make them very messy on their back ends after using the box. You can clean them with a damp cloth or gently give the kitten a bath. If your kittien is fearful of the water, don't force the matter. Instead, work on helping the kitten become more confident.
Grooming Regimen
Since your Persian kitten is new to grooming and may be hesitant, you should work on slowly acclimating him to being brushed and trimmed. Pair these activities with positive reinforcement such as cat treats, a little spoon of wet cat food, or playtime with a toy. If your kitten seems nervous about being brushed, work in baby steps rather than pushing your kitten.
Persians also benefit from a daily face wash since tearing is common due to the immense size of their eyes. Pair these sessions with something the kitten loves to make a positive association. Your vet and groomer will appreciate your efforts, as a kitten that is willing to be handled is easier to work with and will grow into a happy adult.
Ideal as Indoor-Only Pets
Persians do best as indoor only cats because their heavy fur is not compatible with inclement weather and dirt. Keeping them indoors also lessens the chance for picking up parasites such as fleas and worms, which can be detrimental to a growing kitten's health.
Persian Kitten Health Issues
Persians are susceptible to respiratory problems, and kittens in particular are at risk. Because they are a flat-faced breed, they can have trouble breathing. Because kittens are smaller and weaker than adults, you should check their breathing every day and take your kitten to a veterinarian immediately if he shows signs of having a cold or difficulty breathing. Kittens from all breeds are more at risk for feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and this risk increases for flat-faced breeds.
Adopting a Persian Kitten
If you decide a Persian kitten is right for your family and you prefer to rescue, it may be difficult to find Persians that are still kittens in a shelter or private rescue. However, it is sometimes possible if you know where to look and get lucky. To find cat rescues, go to directory sites such as PetFinder and Adopt-a-Pet and use their directories to find breed specific groups and cats that are local to you available for adoption. The Persian and Himalayan Cat Rescue organization is also a good resource.
Persian Kitten Breeders
When shopping around, look for a cattery that offers a contract. This provides you with a measure of protection if something goes wrong. A registered breeder will be able to provide you with a pedigree and registration form. You can find reputable breeders through Cat Fanciers Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association, and the International Cat Association, all of which promote responsible breeding and adherence to breed standards for health and temperament.
Cost of a Buying Persian Kitten
The beginning price for a quality Persian kitten starts around $500 but can be as high $1,200 depending on the breeder and the cat's bloodline. You can find Persian kittens for as little as $200 but these are likely not "quality" cats.
Your New Persian Kitten
It's easy to see why Persians are the most popular cat breed in America. When bringing home your Persian kitten, make sure to follow all the steps to encourage your feline friend to enjoy grooming. It's also important to watch out for medical issues specific to Persians to help ensure your kitten becomes a healthy adult.
