Introducing a new Persian kitten into your home where one or more dogs already live can certainly bring in a little drama during the initial introductory period. But there are several steps you can take to make that initial transition period as smooth as possible. This is something you cannot thrust upon your pets. They need time to adjust to each other’s scents with as little trauma as possible. Here are several tips to prepare both your dog(s) and your new Persian kitten.

Tip #1 – Prepare Your Home: The first thing you need to do is make sure your new kitten will have a hiding place, called a “safe room.” For the first week or two it is very important for you to introduce them slowly and give your new kitten a safe place to run to and hide that contains his or her food, water, and a litter box. It doesn’t have to be an entire room it can be a closet or even a gated off area that the dog has absolutely no access to. Having other safe places for your cat to retreat to is a plus as well. A tall scratching post works well for this purpose.

Tip #2 – Allow a Brief Introduction: During this introductory period it is crucial that you are not holding the kitten in your arms. Make sure any interaction is completely supervised. Some vets and breeders advise exercising your dog(s) ahead of time to tire them out some to keep the rambunctiousness of that first meeting down to a minimum. Make sure you have your dog on a leash for that first meeting as well. Don’t allow your dog to bark and excite the new kitten, and reinforce his good behavior with a dog treat.

Tip #3 – Help Them Get Accustomed to Each Other’s Scents: The easiest way to do this is to set up what is called a “scent exchange.” Place a towel or blanket in both the dog’s kennel or bed and in the kitten’s safe room where he or she sleeps. After a few days switch the blankets or towels so they can become accustomed to each other’s scents. All the while continue with brief periods of interaction between them.

Tip #4 – Remain Relaxed Yourself: Both your dog you and your new kitten will pick up on your level of stress or relaxation. If they sense you are calm and collected, that sense of peace will pervade your whole home. In the interim, prepare for some moments of hilarity. Continue in this vein until you sense your pets have completely adjusted to each other. Now prepare for some wonderful moments of them snuggling, cuddling, and playing together like old friends.

 As you probably already know, the domestic cat is related to larger wild cats, such as the tiger and the lion. Because of this relationship, there are many similarities. Because cats are carnivorous, meaning that their diet is composed primarily of meat, their digestive system is designed to digest meat. The cat’s digestive system contains enzymes that easily digest meat in order to obtain the nutrients that the cat requires, including protein. Cat’s require more protein than other animals. Calcium is another important nutrient for the cat. They even digest the bones of their prey. They obtain their needed calcium from these bones. Maybe you have observed cats catching a mouse or rat and eating the entire thing.  They do this to obtain all of their required nutrients. On the other hand, the cat’s digestive system is not designed to digest a large amount of plant products. However, cats do occasionally eat grass.

 Another important aspect of the cat’s physiology is that their bodies are designed to function in higher temperatures while requiring less water. The cat functions comfortably in temperatures that would be too hot for humans. After a cat drinks water, its body normally retains most of this water.  This retention is an important part of functioning in higher temperatures. The solid waste of the cat is normally dry, and its urine is highly concentrated. The latter is the reason why the cat’s urine smells so strong, as you probably know when it comes time to clean out your cat’s litter box. The cat can even drink saltwater because of the effectiveness of its kidneys.

 Because of the cat’s hunting nature, it has extremely keen senses of both sight and hearing. Cat’s can see almost perfectly well if any source, even the faintest source of light, is present. Their hearing is also phenomenal. They can pick up on the slightest and faintest sounds. This sense of hearing often helps them find rodents for prey.

 Now you have a brief overview of the cat’s physiology. Hopefully, now you can appreciate your cat more than ever as a truly amazing creature.

 The Persian cat was once the most popular cat in England, especially during the Victorian age when Queen Victoria herself had a Persian. However, recent years have seen a decline in the popularity of the long-haired cat in favor of the British Shorthair. Americans started breeding Persian cats after World War I, and their popularity has only continued to grow for both breeding and showing.

 The appearance of the Persian cat has changed drastically over the years as breeders have sought to draw out certain attributes, such as a shorter muzzle with a nose that sits higher and closer to the eyes. Breeders have also attempted to attain various coat colors and textures as well as body and tail shapes and sizes. The “Doll Face Persian,” so named because of its round face, round eyes, and round body, is considered the traditional Persian cat; however, the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) has designated the “flat-faced” Persian as the standard for breeders.

 Although the most common interbreeding is between Persians and Angoras, Persians have also been bred with Siamese and other cat species for a wider range of attributes. However, the constant mixing of genes has caused problems for the Persian, including structural difficulties and genetic disorders. The Persian Breed Council was established to try to regulate standards for breeding and to limit extremes like muzzles that are flattened to the detriment of the cat. In fact, in 2007, the council ruled in favor of the flat face standard with the forehead, nose, and chin in vertical alignment.

 The Persian cat has been known historically as an elegant but well-tempered cat that is perfectly suited to human companionship and lifestyle. It maintains top ranking in America, and it still ranks 5^th in Britain. Data from the CFA registry shows the most popular breeds of Persian include the Seal Point, the Blue Point, the Flame Pointe, and the Tortie Point Himalayan.

 Health of Your Kittens

 Your first consideration should be the health of your kittens. Maintain good hygiene by cleaning out the litter boxes every day. Before introducing a new kitten into your home, make sure it’s been checked for contagious diseases such as feline leukemia. .

 Age and Introductions

 Second, consider the age of your two cats. One kitten or two? If both cats are young, great! They will more than likely settle into your home peacefully. Is one a kitten and the other an adult? Try introducing the cats slowly. Unfortunately, cats of different ages who are not introduced correctly will chase each other away. Don’t cause your new kitten to suffer unnecessarily by rushing the process.  If you are struggling getting your two adult cats to become friends, consider creating two territories in your home.  Maybe one could take the upstairs and the other, the downstairs.  But don’t give up on them too easily!  Cats are naturally cautious about whom they make friends with.

 Cost

 Finally, consider the cost of having two cats in your home.  Each cat should have its own litter box, toys, and bed.  Of course, they will each need regular veterinarian check-ups as well.  Some veterinarians are willing to come to your home to check your pets, but usually don’t offer discounts for multiple-pet families.

 You can raise two cats easily if you follow these guidelines and continue giving them the love and attention they deserve.

Should they? Well, as cats get older, they need higher moisture for various reasons. They can develop kidney and liver problems, some seem to have that happen earlier than others. Doll Faced Persians are very healthy, and they in fact are unique among Persians. That being said, we find that a combination of both are a good idea. Many times if a cat is sick, it depends on soft and wet food. However, if you are feeding a premium dry food, and you make sure to have water available, preferably the (Fountain) type of water container, where cats are getting fresh-oxygenized water, and it seems the dripping and sound-effects interests cats greatly, and they will often drink abundantly, than dry food is fine.

 Whatever you choose, consistency is the most important thing. When we are contacted about cats maybe, not using a litter box or not eating properly, we can basically pinpoint the cause. Are you consistent with feeding your kitten/cat at the same time? Have you chosen to remove self-feeding, because your kitten/cat has gained weight,  These things can affect your pets more than anything. So, the importance that we attempt to convey to our adopters, of our beautiful Doll Faced Persians, is consistency. Feeding high/premium quality kitten kibble is just fine. And you won’t need to worry about adding soft/wet food. Many times, the wet foods (in cans) are filled with (filler), all the products that are just needed to keep the canned food fresh, and oftentimes lacks any true nutrition. Your cat is not a canine, it is very important, that your kitten/cat receives the proper amount of high (animal) based protein, and also, make sure their food does not contain high-levels of grains.

So, the most important thing in feeding your cat is maintaining a consistent level of  food, a high and consistent level of protein and nutrients, that will ensure a healthy body, inside and out.

Hi Gaby, This is Irene form Toronto!

I know it has almost been two months.. wow does time fly with tinkerbelle, we have never had so much love in our house then we do now with our baby. She is doing amazing and has already gained a pound. The vet says she is healthy and absolutely perfect.. and we have you to thank for that. Tinkerbelle has so much sass and a huge wonderful personality. Grooming her has been a breeze thank god, she does not mind it all. Everything is great with her and I just wanted to attach some pictures for you to see. I have never seen such a beautiful kitten like her!

Hi Gaby

I hope you and your family are doing well!
I swear the older Ava gets the cuter she
is! She is adorable.
Annie

 Tinkerbelle  is a Chinchilla Silver Female
DNA tested – PKD Negative
FeLV/FIV tested negative