I present this article to those interested in raising animals, especially the Shirazi cat, according to information and experiences I have gathered on this topic.
The Shirazi cat or Persian cat enjoys the preference of many thanks to its beautiful shape and calm behavior, but before thinking about buying this breed, you need to know the specifications, types, how to raise the Shirazi cat and what it eats specifically.
Specifications of the Shirazi cat
Weight: 7 to 12 lbs.
Height: 14 to 18 inches.
Hair / Fur: Long.
Fur color: uniform color (white, black, cream, etc.), striped or spotted, multi-colored furs, two-tone furs, silver and golden, smoky, Himalayan furs.
Eye color: blue, green, bluish green, hazel, copper.
Life expectancy: 10 to 17 years.
History of the Persian Cat
Little is known about the history of the Persian cat, although it has been present among humans since the 17th century. Where the Shirazi or Persian cat is believed to have originated in Persia (present-day Iran) and Turkey. Then the dynasty moved west to Europe with the Crusades.
This dynasty was popular with nobles, including Queen Victoria of England. It was originally called Angoras, after Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The popularity of Persian cats was boosted when episodes of cat shows began to gain popularity in the late nineteenth century. During this period, the Shirazi cat reached the United States of America, and quickly surpassed the Maine Coon, which was considered America's favorite long-haired cat. The Shirazi cat is characterized by a round head, a small nose, a round ear, and a short body.
Types of the Shirazi cat
There are many types of Shirazi cats in the world, which makes it difficult to list them all, so we will mention only the most important and famous types:
Doll Face cat
Also known as the traditional Persian cat, it is believed to be the original Persian cat for being very similar to the earliest known images of Persian cats. It has a natural nose length that matches the rest of the facial features, which helps it breathe easier than other Persian cat breeds. These cats do not suffer from the health problems that cats of this breed are known for. It is distinguished by its long hair and it is available in a variety of colors.
Persian cat Peke-Face
Its name comes from the Pekingese dog due to the similarity between them, as a genetic mutation caused their flat face. These cats have a square head, a small nose, and a long jaw, as well as round cheeks and large round eyes. These features make breathing difficult, and many of these cats suffer from asthma.
Persian chinchilla cats
These cats are distinguished by their very thick hair, and although they are available in a few colors, Persian chinchilla cats are usually silvery white and their eyes green or blue. These cats suffer from health problems such as kidney disease and heart problems, in addition to breathing problems.
Exotic Shorthair Persian cat
It is the short-haired version of the Persian cat, and it is characterized by a flat face and large eyes, and unlike the long-haired species, these cats can clean themselves. But due to the structure of their face, they suffer from health problems that Persian cats generally suffer from, which are difficulty breathing and problems with the drainage of the tear duct. Perhaps what distinguishes this species is that it is more fun than long-haired Persian cats.
Persian Teacup cat
They are the smallest types of Persian cats, but before you think about acquiring them, you should think carefully; She suffers from various health problems, as her small size makes her facial features smaller and thus makes her breathing difficult. These cats also face challenges related to controlling their body temperature and dealing with stress and stress, and moreover, they are usually sold at high prices.
Breeding Shirazi cat
Because of their long hair, cats of this breed require a great deal of regular and regular care and hygiene, and without doing this, the fur will tangle, which may cause the cat to pain. So, he recommends:
She combed her hair once a day and bathed it monthly to help her maintain the shine and softness of her hair.
She should also wipe her eyes daily to prevent water build-up from watery eyes.
As is the case with all cats, you must pay attention to dental hygiene and clean them on a daily or weekly basis.
Trim your nails periodically.
In general, Shirazi cats are among the cats that need a lot of attention, because their fur does not get rid of dirt naturally, and therefore it is up to you to ensure that they remain soft and clean while making sure to keep them indoors always. This strain also prefers to be kept in a clean place, so be sure to clean its litter box daily.
This breed is not one of the most active or fun cat breeds, but this breed prefers to relax in a warm and pleasant place. Sometimes, they may be active, but this usually follows a long nap without any activity. On the other hand, this breed is slow learners and difficult to train, and they prefer watching over participating in activities.
Common health problems
Like all purebred cats, the Shirazi cat is prone to many health problems. Many of these issues are directly related to a Persian cat's face structure, although they may also suffer from genetic issues unrelated to their physical characteristics and traits. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor cats of this breed so that any health issues are detected and treated early.
Common health problems that may afflict Shirazi cats include:
Polycystic kidney disease, which is a genetic disease that affects one or both kidneys, and symptoms generally appear when the cat is between 7 to 10 years old.
Difficulties and shortness of breath caused by their short noses.
Eye problems including progressive retinal atrophy, eyelid bumps (cherry eye), and turning in the eyelid.
Watery eyes
Bladder infection and stones.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy i.e. thickening of the heart muscle walls.
Liver shunts, a disorder that affects blood flow to the liver, and can lead to bladder stones and anemia.
Sensitivity to heat.
What does the Shirazi cat eat?
Persian cats are very selective eaters, but they will eat well once they get food they like. Their diet should be high in protein and foods high in fiber and low in fat, and it can be wet, dry, raw, or a mixture of two or more.
And since Persian cats are not by nature active, be careful not to overfeed them, as their lack of activity may lead to their overweight and obesity. Make sure to only put food on it twice a day, rather than leaving food in front of it all the time.
Because of their flat faces, some Persian cats may have difficulty eating food of certain shapes or sizes, so if your cat does not eat, this may require a change in the nature and quality of the food they eat.
If your choice has fallen on the Shirazi or Persian cat, you should know very well which type to choose from, and you are aware that these cats need a lot of care and attention.