How to Select a Healthy Persian Kitten

By Donna Porter

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Pedigree information
Fine-toothed comb

Step 1:
Look at the pedigree if it is available and investigate if the bloodlines are over-saturated. Inbreeding regrettably takes place in an effort to meet show standards and enhance Persian features.
Step 2:
Aim for a sweet Persian face and not one so extreme that the nose is pinholed, the teeth misaligned or the jaw displaced. Each will lead to increased health needs. Flat-faced Persians are uniquely beautiful but breathing, eye and other problems occur in proportion to extreme, even deformed, Persian facial structure.
Step 3:
Check the eyes for excess discharge or for lost hair and skin redness along the upper nose. This indicates buildup of eye mucus left unattended. Many Persians will have some drainage but an abundance may indicate future problems and necessitate daily care. Improper eye care can lead to visual problems and excess mucus may reflect on the overall health of the Persian kitten.
Step 4:
Make at least a couple of parts in the hair along the back and tail of the Persian kitten and spread and flatten the hair gently in opposite directions for a closer look. Check the skin for signs of fleas or flea waste (dirty grains) as well as ringworm or other disguised conditions. Thick-haired Persian kittens with recent grooming may not be as healthy as they appear.
Step 5:
Notice the size of the Persian kitten and if possible compare it to litter mates. Pedigreed Persians, particularly males, are typically larger boned, though it depends on the breeding. Yet it's best to avoid the runt of the litter as resistance to disease may be more limited.
Step 6:
Check the ears thoroughly for redness, sores or brown speckled waxy buildup. While some wax is not serious, an excess may indicate ear mites. Cases of severe ear mites may cause hearing and even brain damage. Try to catch the Persians attention using sudden sound (snap or clap) on both sides of the head to see if there is a response.

Tips & Warnings

A healthy Persian kitten may or may not be show quality but pet quality Persians tend to be healthier.
A Persian with physical faults can make a wonderful pet, but may require more grooming attention and medical expense.

Photo/Video Credit

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