1. Origin
Mèo Ba Tư, known as Persian in English, is a breed with a distinctive appearance. They are famous for their long and soft coats and are considered one of the most expensive cat breeds.
A Mysterious Origin
Mèo Ba Tư, also known as Persian cats, first appeared in the 1600s, but their exact origins remain a mystery. It is believed that they originated in the region known as Luristan, which later became Persia and is now Iran.
Pietro Della Valle, an Italian noble, was captivated by their soft fur and gentle nature. He brought these cats from the land of “One Thousand and One Nights” to Europe in the 17th century. Since then, they have become beloved pets of Queen Victoria and people all over the world. Persian cats were introduced to the United States in the late 19th century.
2. Characteristics of Persian Cats
a. Physical Features
- Persian cats are known for their short, round bodies, round heads with short noses, and large round eyes. They have small ears and sturdy legs to support their compact bodies. Surprisingly, not all Persian cats have flat faces.
Traditional Persian cats have a facial structure similar to other cat breeds. The unique flat face feature developed through a genetic mutation in a litter of cats in the 1950s. Breeders favored this unique appearance and continued selectively breeding Persian cats with this characteristic.
Although this is the modern standard for the breed, it can lead to some health issues. Persian cats may experience watery eyes, breathing difficulties, respiratory issues, and have a harder time eating. The flat face of Persian cats is a result of human greed. To learn more about the health problems and risks associated with flat-faced cats, you can visit our website.
- Coat: Another striking feature of Persian cats is their long and luxurious coat. Their coat consists of two layers: a shorter, downy undercoat and a longer, silky topcoat. Persian cats tend to shed a lot. Additionally, there are Persian cats with short hair, known as Exotic cats.
The original coat of Persian cats was gray and glossy. However, through selective breeding, there are now Persian cats available in a variety of colors, including white, black, yellow, and gray, as well as bicolor and tricolor combinations. Currently, there are more than 80 different color combinations available for this breed.
The eye color of Persian cats corresponds to their coat color. For example, white Persian cats typically have blue or deep copper eyes, while silver or golden Persian cats have green eyes.
b. Temperament
Persian cats are known for being gentle, sweet, and quiet animals. They enjoy playful activities but are also content to lounge on a cozy chair rather than trying to climb on furniture. These flat-faced cats get along well with calm children and comfortable dogs. Persian cats have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
3. How to Care for Persian Cats
- The most distinctive feature of Persian cats is their long and soft coat. This means you will need to actively groom them daily and multiple times a day. You need to remove tangles and other debris from their fur as they are unable to do it themselves.
Due to their long hair, there are instances where waste can get stuck in their fur when using a litter box. As a result, they may become picky about the litter box and start using other places for their needs. Trimming the hair on their bellies and hind legs can help alleviate this issue.
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Unlike many other cat breeds, Persian cats are not known for their jumping abilities or leaping from one object to another. Their sturdy and compact bodies are not suitable for such activities. Instead, they prefer to stay grounded.
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Their flat faces can also make it challenging for them to eat. To make it easier for Persian cats to eat, you should choose shallow bowls. The flat face makes it difficult for them to eat from a deeper bowl, causing them stress. Improperly cleaned food can get stuck in the fur on their faces, which can lead to infections.
Here are some food bowls for Persian cats you should consider: Click here!
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The diet for Persian cats is not significantly different from other cat breeds. You need to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet. To learn more about the necessary nutrition for cats, you can refer to our website.
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In addition to the above issues, you should take care of Persian cats like any other cat breed: keep them indoors, play with them, take them for regular health check-ups and deworming, and remember to spay/neuter them for their well-being. You can learn more about these topics in our guides.
4. Health Issues
The facial structure of Persian cats can predispose them to certain health complications, including:
- Respiratory difficulties: This may be why Persian cats are less active, as they struggle to breathe as freely as other cats and may become easily fatigued.
- Malocclusion of teeth
- Eye conditions such as excessive tearing and squinting: Due to the folds on their face, Persian cats often have fluid discharge between the nose and eyes. This fluid can oxidize, causing the cats’ faces to appear dirty.
- Sensitivity to heat
- Higher susceptibility to ringworm (due to long hair), skin issues causing itching, redness, and hair loss, and polycystic kidney disease.
You can use a warm cloth to clean the tear stains on the faces of Persian cats. However, if you notice excessive discharge or signs of discomfort such as redness and pain, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately.
5. How Much Does a Persian Cat Cost?
a. Where to Buy Persian Cats?
- You can easily find Persian cats in Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and other cities at pet stores that sell exotic cats. However, you need to be cautious and do thorough research, especially when buying online.
You should request the seller to provide documents such as a shipping invoice, quarantine and customs documents, health certificates, etc., if the cat is imported. If it is a domestically bred Persian cat, you should also ask for relevant documents, proof of origin, and other necessary paperwork.
- Besides verifying the seller, you should also have complete information about the Persian cat you intend to purchase. You need to know about its health condition, temperament, and other characteristics to ensure it is a good fit for you.
b. How Much Do Persian Cats Cost?
The price of Persian cats varies from 7 to over 60 million VND (approximately $300 to $2,600), depending on their origin, pedigree, color, and gender. Purebred Persian cats, imported cats, females, and cats with unique and beautiful colors tend to be more expensive. Here are the general price ranges for Persian cats:
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7 to 18 million VND: These are domestically bred Persian cats.
- Long-haired Persian cats range from 7 to 15 million VND, with solid colors costing around 7 to 9 million VND. Cats with bicolor or tricolor coats have higher prices, ranging from 9 to 15 million VND.
- Short-haired Persian cats have higher prices, ranging from 9 to 18 million VND, as they are currently popular in Vietnam. Solid-colored Persian cats in this range cost around 9 to 10 million VND, while those with more beautiful colors can cost between 11 to 18 million VND.
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35 to 45 million VND: This is the price range for imported Persian cats from Thailand.
- Without documents: 30 to 35 million VND
- With documents: 40 to 45 million VND
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Over 64 million VND: This is the price for Persian cats imported from Europe and the United States. Although Persian cats are quite expensive, you can be assured of their health and appearance as they are purebred.
If these prices are too high, you can consider buying mixed-breed Persian cats at a lower price.
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800,000 to 1 million VND: This is the price range for domestically bred mixed-breed Persian cats in Vietnam. However, they may not possess many characteristics of purebred cats.
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2 to 10 million VND: This price range applies to mixed-breed Persian cats with Russian or British ancestry, as well as short-haired or long-haired variants.
Typically, online classifieds target price-conscious buyers. They advertise Persian cats at lower prices in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. However, be cautious as these cats often have unknown origins, health issues, or defects. Always exercise caution when making a purchase.
Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the individual seller, location, and other factors. It is important to do thorough research and choose a reputable and responsible breeder or seller when purchasing a Persian cat.
Conclusion
Mèo Ba Tư, with both short and long hair varieties, is a symbol of elegance. These cats have a rich history and distinct characteristics that make them highly sought after. However, owning a Persian cat requires dedication to their grooming needs and potential health concerns. When buying a Persian cat, ensure that you acquire it from a trustworthy source and consider the associated costs. With proper care and attention, Persian cats can bring joy to their owners for many years.