Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. We have built a website that we hope is helpful and informative for Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair cat owners. If we help even one furry family member the time we spent is well worth it. We have information about Feline Health, Zoonotic Diseases, How to acclimate a new kitten into your household, Feline Dental Information, Feline First Aid, Microchipping your pet, Pet Identification, Persian Cats, Exotic Shorthair Cats, Himalayan Cats and Kittens and much, much more.
Testimonials from Happy Adopting Families - If you are looking for a Persian Cat Breeder, look no further. We are a Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair cattery located in Northern Colorado at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Our love is for the beautiful Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair cats. Our focus is on producing beautiful, healthy, well socialized Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair kittens. When you adopt a kitten from us, we are here for the life of the kitten and well beyond. Our adopting families become friends and our extended family. We are always here to help out if you every have a question, including after adopting your Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair kitten.
What is a Persian cat? Per the Cat Fanciers' Association, a Persian cat is described as follows: Persians, with their luxurious coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity. Their sweet, gentle, personalities blend into most households once they feel secure in their new environment.
What is an Exotic Shorthair Cat? Per the Cat Fanciers' Association, an Exotic Shorthair Cat is described as follows: With today’s busy lifestyles the cat has become a popular pet. Cats are best kept indoors and do well in an apartment or a house. The popularity of the Persian has been evident for many years. The Persian represents the largest class in shows and boasts the largest number of cats registered each year in CFA. However, Persians require daily grooming to maintain their beautiful coat. For busy people who like the look of a Persian but don’t have time for the daily grooming demands, the Exotics are the best kept secret of the cat fancy.
What is a Himalayan Persian Cat? Per the Cat Fanciers' Association, a Persian cat is described as follows: Persians, with their luxurious coats and open pansy-like faces are the number one breed in popularity. Their sweet, gentle, personalities blend into most households once they feel secure in their new environment. The Himalayan is a color division in the Persian cat breed.
Finding a Reputable Persian cat breeder - When considering to bring a new Persian kitten into your family, a few thoughts come to mind such as: "How do I select a reputable Persian breeder?" What separates a reputable or responsible breeder from a backyard breeder? Finding a reputable Persian cat breeder isn't as hard as one would think if you know what to look for. A reputable cat breeder will be involved in showing cats and belong to cat clubs and organizations. A backyard breeder isn't that into cats, isn't involved in the cat world, and doesn't stay on top of the latest medical protocols.
Stages of Development for a Kitten - Kittens are born with their eyes are closed - Every kitten is born wet and helpless resembling anything but a cat. Newborn kittens are generally less than 5 inches long and weighing only a few ounces at birth. Their ears are tightly folded over and eyes squeezed shut. Every newborn kitten is born unable to see, hear or walk. Kittens are born with the righting reflex and heat receptors on its head to help it find it's mom and a tiny little voice for making distress signals and the ability to purr. At this point, momma cat herself provides the only source of food, warmth, cleaning and grooming, protector and sole care giver.
What do cat sounds really mean? Cats make several different sounds, do you know what the sounds mean? Purring, chirping, meowing, growling, chattering and hissing: What do they really mean? Each of these sounds has a significant meaning that your cat wants to convey.
What is a doll face Persian? What is a flat or extreme face Persian? What is a baby doll face Persian? What is it when you say a Persian is an extreme face or dollfaced Persian?
Persian Cat Colors - What colors do Persian cat have? Additional Persian cat color information can also be found here. Persian Colors.
Himalayan Cat Colors - What colors to the beautiful Himalayan cat have? The beautiful Himalayan cat is one of the most popular cat breeds. The Himalayan cat colors range from lilac to chocolate lynx and multiple other shades.
What is a Calico Persian cat? A calico is a multi-colored cat which may consist of black, red and white. This would be considered a dominant calico. A dilute calico is the dilute or muted of a dominant calico which colors consist of blue, cream and white.
What is a Dilute Calico Persian cat? A dilute calico is a multi-colored cat which may consist of blue, cream and white. This would be considered a dilute calico. A dilute calico is the dilute or muted of a dominant calico which colors consist of black, red and white.
What is a Tortoiseshell Persian cat? A tortoiseshell is a multi-colored cat which consists of black and red. A dilute calico is the dilute or muted of a tortoiseshell is a Blue Cream which colors consist of blue and cream.
What is a Blue Cream Persian cat? A blue cream is a multi-colored cat which consists of blue and cream. A blue cream is the dilute or muted of a tortoiseshell.
What is a Red & White Persian cat? A red & white cat is often referred to as a Garfield cat. The cat consists of a red, which is also often referred to as an orange cat. A red & white cat consists of red and white. A red and white Persian cat can have high white or very low white.
What is a Black & White Persian cat? A black & white cat is often referred to a a tuxedo cat. A black & white bicolor Persian can be high white or very low white.
What color Eyes do Persians have? What color eyes do Persians, Himalayan & Exotic Shorthair cats have?
What is L-Lysine and what are the benefits for cats? How does L-Lysine benefit cats? What is the old saying… An ounce of prevention? Keeping your cat healthy through nutritional supplements is vital. L-lysine can help with that. L-Lysine is an essential amino acid.
Zoonotic Diseases What is a zoonotic disease? Owning a pet can be a wonderful, rewarding experience for you and your family. However, pets can transmit diseases that may be harmful to humans - especially young children and people with certain medical conditions. These are called zoonotic diseases or zoonoses (pronounced zoo-NO-sees).
What is a PDA in the Heart of a Cat or Kitten? A PDA is referring to a Patent Ductus Arteriosus of the heart.
What is TICA? TICA stands for The International Cat Association - TICA or The International Cat Association was formed in 1979 in Missouri. According to TICA's website, they claim to the the worlds largest genetic registry of pedigree cats. The main goal of TICA is to register the pedigrees of breeds of cats as well as to license, organize and oversee cat shows around the world. They also establish breed standards. The breed standards between CFA the Cat Fanciers' Association and TICA are very similar but may vary slightly. However, their standards are close in what is acceptable.
What is CFA? (the Cat Fanciers' Association) - The Cat Fanciers' Association was established in the United States in 1906. The CFA is currently the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats. Originally CFA was located in New Jersey but has since moved to Ohio. The association's states mission is preserving and promoting pedigreed breeds of cats while also enhancing the well-being of all cats. CFA's first licensed cat shows were held in Buffalo, New York and Detroit, Michigan in 1906.
What is PKD and what does it mean to my cat? PKD is Polycystic Kidney Disease, it is an inherited conditions in cats that causes multiple cysts or pockets of fluid to form in the kidneys.
What is PKD negative mean? PKD is Polycystic Kidney Disease and why it's important to ensure your kitten is from a PKD negative cattery.
Are there special bowls for my Persian cat to eat from with its flat face? Flat faced Persian cat or kitten may have a more difficult time eating due to their facial structure.
Poisonous Plants Spring brings flowers and innocent-looking plants into the garden, yet despite their beauty some of them are deadly to people, birds, and other animals. The most serious effect of plant poisoning to pets is cardiac. When symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea occur, it may already be too late to save your pet's life. However, because these symptoms can indicate other problems, your veterinarian should see the animal immediately. The best course is to eliminate poisonous plants from your landscaping plans, or make certain that these plants are out of reach for your pets and young children. The following is a partial list of seeds and plants that are poisonous to pets and people.
Poisoning - Household toxins Although dogs and cats have a good sense what they can and cannot ingest, accidents do happen. Some common pet poisons include the swallowing of very common household items such as weed killers, ammonia, scouring powder, bleach, insecticides, and also a variety of indoor and outdoor plants, and spoiled food. Some signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, difficulty breathing, and change in pupil size. Your pet may even stumble, go into convulsions, or become unconscious. Do not try to make your pet vomit. Many times this can make the situation worse, as some poisons actually cause as much damage coming up as they do going down. Comfort your pet and make it feel secure, and immediately take it to a veterinarian. If you know what your pet ingested, take a sample of it to the veterinarian to help determine proper treatment.
What foods are toxic to cats and dogs? There are some foods that are toxic to your cats and dogs and must be avoided at all costs.
Preparing to bring your new kitten home - Kitten Proofing-Preparing to bring your new kitten home is somewhat like "child proofing" your home. Imagine yourself as a kitten, what would you play with first? A few things come to mind: the string on the mini-blinds, an electrical cord, the large poisonous plant sitting in the corner, potpourri, or even worse, the banister railing of the second floor.
Adjusting new kitty to new home - New Kitten Acclimation - Adopting a new Kitty Bringing home your new kitten once you have selected the "perfect kitten." When you chose a second cat, it is very important to match personality and lifestyle to the first cat. If you have an older, laid back cat, he is not likely going to eagerly welcome an energetic young kitty. In this instance you might do better with a calm cat. Opinions vary about the roles that age and gender play, though most experts agree that temperament and energy levels are the primary considerations. Still, there is no guarantee that even the perfect candidate will bond with your existing cat.
Glossary of Cat Terminology A list of cat related terminology to help you better understand terminology as it relates to the breeding and health of cats.
How do I know if my Cat is Pregnant? - Cat breeding and reproduction of Cats - As with pregnant humans, cats should have proper nutritional support to include supplementation. If breeding is intended, nutritional supplements prior to breeding are best given 3 months before breeding to build up the queen for conditioning to breed. When your cat is pregnant, it is best to give as much to eat as the female will eat. Nutritional support is vital to healthy babies.
Coping with and easing the animal suffering from separation anxiety - Separation anxiety is a disorder in which an animal panics when its primary caregiver is not present. This can occur when all owners are completely out of the house, when the owner is absent and someone is still present with the animal, or when the animal is merely separated from the owner, such as by a doorway. The reason for this disorder is not completely understood, but separation anxiety is commonly seen in social species such as cats, dogs, birds, horses and primates.
Scratching Posts - Cat Scratching Behavior - Despite their reputation for independence, cats can readily be trained to use a scratching post instead of the sofa, curtains, or rugs. Using surgery to prevent or correct a behavioral problem is expedient, but it is not the wisest, kindest, or best solution for your cat. Cats can be trained not to scratch furniture or other objects. Amazingly, many people do not even know that they should provide a scratching post for their cats. Because scratching is a deeply ingrained instinct in cats, if there is no appropriate spot to scratch, they will be forced to substitute furniture or other objects.
What is Cat Scratch Fever? Cat scratch fever or cat scratch disease can be treated. However, the best practice is to avoid being scratched. If that’s not avoidable, symptoms to watch for are a bite or scratch becoming reddened or swollen within a few days and does not heal or worsens over time, body rash, flu-like symptoms which include a headache, decreased appetite, fatigue joint pain and fever.
My cat is having litter box issues - Few things are as frustrating as the cat that won't use its litter box consistently. Litter box issues and a cat urinating throughout the house can be a sign of a medical attention due to a urinary tract infection. There could be a bigger issue that just behavior. A trip to your veterinarian can tell you whether the litter box issue is a medical or behavior problem. Cats can develop crystals in their bladder and this can cause frequent urination. It is best to rule out any medical issue before assuming it is a behavior problem. If your vet rules out a medical reason for your cat urinating throughout the house, and it is behavioral, it would be worth it to try the Cat Attract litter which is a specially formulated cat litter for felines with bathroom problems - and just one more option you may want to consider if you have a cat with this problem.
Bordetella or Kennel Cough What is Bordetella and what is Kennel Cough? Did you know your cat or kitten can contract kennel cough? Sadly, yes, it is true, your cat or kitten can contract kennel cough. Technically Kennel Cough is a term used to depict a multitude of highly contagious respiratory illness. Typically, one would expect to see kennel cough in dogs that are exposed in kennel or day-care type of environment. However, Bordetella or Kennel Cough if you will can be contracted at the dog park, lake or many other places. Kennel cough itself is generally not fatal, but can lead to fatal bronchopneumonia in puppies and chronic bronchitis in senior or immunocompromised dogs. Bordatella can affect cats and kittens.
What does your cat miss being indoors? By keeping your furry feline friends indoors, they will miss the following: Getting hit by cars, being abused by cruel people, Eating poisoned food, and more...
How do I tell if my female cat is in heat? Generally with female cats, when they are getting ready to come into season or their heat cycle, they become more friendly than normal and more cuddly.
What does "spay" and "neuter" really mean? Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet's age, size, and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian's office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need.
Ways to find your lost cat Your cat is lost - now what? Every thirty seconds, a pet becomes lost, stolen or missing in the United States. A curious indoor cat slips out an opened door. A frightened feline darts out of the car at the veterinary clinic. No matter the situation, the disappearance can be devastating to owners. In addition to pet identification you need to know how and where to search for your last cat. First try to anticipate where your indoor cat may try to go if he or she gets out or becomes lost.
Pet Identification Systems -Statistics show that every thirty seconds, a pet becomes lost, stolen or missing in the United States. Welcome to the new generation of pet identification systems. There are systems that go beyond the conventional pet ID metal tag that hangs from a hook on the cat's collar. These new systems greatly increase the changes of reuniting a lost cat with its family. These products require a little more money and time investment than ID tags, but they can give you greater peace of mind knowing that your cat can be identified and returned to you.
Seven Signs that a kitten requires immediate medical attention Although some animal medical emergencies can be managed at home, others require immediate veterinary attention. These signs indicate an emergency that requires immediate veterinary assessment.
Feline First Aid Preparation Are you prepared for a feline medical emergency. Here's what you need for a feline medical crisis in your home. First of all realize that first-aid does not substitute for veterinary treatment. Having basic knowledge can help save your cats life while you get him or her to your veterinarian.
Feline First Aid Basic know-how in a medical emergency can save your kitten's life. First aid is the first defense in an emergency until you can reach veterinary care. Know what to do in an emergency situation.
Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites - Did you know that dull coat and shedding could be a symptom of intestinal parasites in Cats? Intestinal parasites and worms can cause a full range of health and behavioral issues in your cat or kitten, which can include the following symptoms: Dull coat with shedding issues, diarrhea, upset GI system, weight loss, anemia, a dull coat and shedding as well as an overall unkept appearance.
Cat and Kitten Vaccinations - As a Colorado Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair cat breeder, we feel very strongly about protecting our kittens and making sure we do what is in their best interest. Our kittens are all checked by our veterinarian at four weeks of age. We ensure our kittens are vaccinated at eight and twelve weeks of age. We ensure they receive the core vaccinations to protect our Persian, Himalayan and Exotic Shorthair kittens from the most common diseases: Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calici virus and panleukopenia (Feline distemper). If a kitten is being adopted by a family who has a dog, we also recommend you have your veterinarian vaccinate against bordatella also known as kennel cough. Kennel cough is transferable between cats and dogs.
Facts about Euthanasia - What to expect when Euthanizing a cat - Putting a cat to sleep. When a cat owner and veterinarian decide that a pet is suffering or is unlikely to recover, euthanasia offers a way to end a cat's pain and suffering. This decision is most likely to be difficult for the cat owner but for the veterinarian as well.
What to expect when Euthanizing a cat - Putting a cat to sleep - When a cat owner and veterinarian decide that a pet is suffering or is unlikely to recover, euthanasia offers a way to end a cat's pain and suffering. This decision is most likely to be difficult for the cat owner but for the veterinarian as well. This is most likely the hardest decision you will ever have to make, but you should realize that sometimes this is the kindest most thoughtful thing you can do in the final stage of your cat's life.
Persian Dental Care - Veterinarians recommend annual check ups for your Persian dental care. This might include a clean as well as teeth extractions.
Books about Persian Cats We point out our pick for the best cat books and books about the care of Persian cats.
Can Cats Drink Milk? Can cats and kittens drink milk? In summary, the quick answer is no..
Is Pumpkin Good for Cats? Diarrhea in cats is a common symptom of many diseases and it not considered normal and the causes range from harmless to deadly. Kittens, senior cats, cats with chronic diseases as well as pregnant cats are at an increased risk of death-related complications from untreated diarrhea. The consistency of the stool suggests the degree of severity. Liquid diarrhea is a concern because it dehydrates and malnourishes your animal quickly. Soft, formed stool is generally less severe but should still be assessed by your veterinarian.
Pet Loss - Anyone who has lost a beloved furry family member can tell you that losing a pet is brutally painful. From my personal experience, I can say definitively that it does not get easier. Time is a slow healer of wounds, and if you're reading this and have lost a pet, please accept my sincerest condolences.
Pet Loss - Is your cat grieving the loss of another pet? Although cats are typically portrayed as being independent, it’s not unusual for one cat to mourn the loss of another pet. Do you know what signs to look for? It’s not uncommon for a cat to demonstrate signs of grief - just as a human experiences the loss of a feline. When two cats are attached to each other and one dies, the other may experience a period that can often be described as mourning. The cat's behavior patterns change and can exhibit a type of separation anxiety or the feeling that something has changed or is missing.
Pet loss - Stages of Grieving - Process of Grieving - When dealing with the loss of a pet, is comes a little easier when we know the grieving process we are going through. Grief is a process of physical, emotional, social and cognitive reactions to loss. The grieving process is very hard to work through, A person needs to be patient with themselves or others who are experiencing loss. Studies have found that people often go through stages or phases of grief. Although responses to loss are as different as the people who are experiencing it, patterns and stages have emerged.
When is a Cat Considered Old? How do cats age? When is a cat considered to be old? Unless you know it's birth date, it's hard to tell a cat's age, but sometimes when cats grow old, they start to show signs of age. The average indoor cat lives 12 - 15 years.
Are there special food bowls or dishes to feed a flat faced Persian cat? Persians with their flat faces can have difficulty eating out regular cat food bowls.
Persian Cat Grooming
Persian and Exotic Shorthair Cat Bath Preparation Persian Cat Bath Preparation. When giving your Persian cat a bath, here are some helpful tips.
Persian Grooming Tips - One of the most frequent questions I was asked as a Persian cat breeder is, "how often should I bathe my Persian?" Really, there are many possible answers to this question. There is so much information that should be consider when grooming your Persian than just how often to brush or comb and how often to bathe.
Dematting your Persians coat - Dematting the coat of a Persian Cat - Getting mats out of a Cats Hair - Combs to Remove Mats. As a Persian cat breeder, from experience with grooming a cat, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER put a matted cat into water. Water will make the mats tighter and it is not likely that you get the mats out without shaving your cats coat off. Dematting tools range from tools that cut the coat off, scissors to combs and brushes. We prefer a wide metal tooth comb for dematting. The wide metal tooth comb works well in separating the hairs and detangling.
How do I bathe my cat? Bathing your cat isn't as intimidating as it sounds if you have a little patience and are prepared.
Degreasing your Persians coat - There are a few good products that we recommend to use to degrease your Persian cats coat. One product (pictured) is Groomer's Goop Premium Pet Degreaser. If you choose to use Groomer's Goop to degrease your Persian coat, do not use the Goop Hand cleaner, it is not formulated for pet’s coats.
How to Remove Stains from a Light Colored Cat - How to get rid of stains on the face of a Persian cat or kitten? Facial Staining on light Colored Cats. When grooming your Persian cat or kitten you may be fighting facial and front ruff stains. Facial staining on a Persian cat shows much more on a lighter colored coat than a dark colored Persian.
Grooming Powder to remove stains on a light colored cat. How to get rid of stains on the face of a Persian cat or kitten? Using Grooming Powder for Facial Staining on light Colored Cats can help. When grooming your Persian cat or kitten you may be fighting facial and front ruff stains. Facial staining on a Persian cat shows much more on a lighter colored coat than a dark colored Persian.
How to I dry a Persian cat? You've given your cat a bath, but how do you dry a Persian cat or kitten?
What are the hair types of a Persian cat? There are four types of hair on a Persian cat. They have guard hairs, awn hairs, down hairs and Vibrissae.
Resources for Pet Related Matters