Hello All,

I'm new to the boards and looking for a little advice. We don't currently own a Persian, but we're considering it. That's where your advice comes in. I know it's a big decision, and I'm not looking for anyone to make it for us, but I suspect owning a Persian is a bit like having a baby -- you think you know what you're getting into, and then you have the baby and realize you were an idiot.

Here's my situation/a.k.a. pros and cons (sorry if this is waay too much personal life info!) I'm married, we have a house with plenty of room, and I've compulsively researched the breed, so I'm aware of all of the grooming requirements. Now, we also have a two-year-old daughter, and are planning on having another child within the next year. My husband also travels a lot for work. I am a stay-at-home mom though, so kitty wouldn't be home alone all day.

If we were to adopt a kitty, we're looking for one that's at least six months or so. That way, it's not a teeny tiny kitten, where even with my very gentle toddler, would still be pretty fragile and I'd be afraid to let her touch it. Also, that allows us to make sure the kitty has a personality that would be compatible with young kids.

So....advice? Opinions? Are we crazy for even considering this, or am I stressing too much and I should run out and get my little fur ball right away? (Note: No worries, I'm not a run out and buy the first cute thing kinda girl. Did I mention my compulsive research tendencies? They're actually what led me to Persians in the first place, since they're so laid back and good with kids, and also said to be tolerant of new additions. And okay, I'll admit, I Iike their flat little faces too.) I just want to make an informed decision that's best for all involved.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!!!

Welcome!

As for advice, since you are so worried over this and have done so much research, I think you would make a perfect Persian mommy. It's the "gee, it's cute -- let's buy it" kind of people that worry me. Getting a young Persian, not a kitten, is a great idea for your circumstances.

Now, one thing -- Persians can be layed back and accepting, or not. Most have that tendency, but some are very demanding and not layed back. So when you come to assess a possible cat, make sure you really look at its personality and not just the cute face. If you are thinking of getting one from a shelter, the personality in a shelter and at home can be VERY different.

Good luck!!!

Andi, my best advice would be to spend some time with a Persian breeder. That way, you can ask a lot of questions and get to know Persian kitties first hand. They really are a big responsibility with all the grooming and care. But grooming can be an enjoyable time, also. If you live anywhere close to a breeder, I sure would consider spending some time with them.

Yep... AGREED.

You're my kind of worrywort! What LindaH wrote about concern for the "gee, it's cute -- let's buy it" kind of people goes for me, too.

I would avoid pet shops and those who sell exclusively online (eBay and kijiji) because they might be from backyard breeders who are less than knowledgeable and/or ethical. Visit reputable breeders -- ones on this website or those they recommend as a good place to start -- or adopt a rescue Persian. There are lots of those. There are rescue shelters that deal exclusively with Persians or purebreds of various sorts, but the SPCA might have one, too.

It is true that they might have a different personality in the shelter because shelters are stressful places for this placid breed. They also might need vet attention. They very often blossom in a loving home.

Andi, where are you located?

Thank you all SO much for the advice and opinions! I promise I'm not this neurotic about everything - just the important stuff.

Hopefully I don't miss responding to anyone. With regard to different cats having different personalities - that is one of the major reasons we're set on an older/young adult kitty. That way we have some idea of how the kitty will react with kids. Stressed out kitty and stressed out toddler equals stressed out mommy, and NO ONE wants that!

I've been talking with several breeders in the area, that's actually where the idea of a young adult came up. I told her my concerns about having a little one around a tiny cat and she made the suggestion, which of course made perfect sense, so that's where we're at now.

We're definitely open to adopting from a shelter, and I keep checking a variety of rescue websites, but again, really knowing the kitty's personality is the most important thing. With a two-year-old in the house, I just can't really risk NOT knowing what the cat will be like in a home environment (which kinda makes me )

I live in Michigan (and that picture of your kitty in your sig line is awesome! Puffy Puffy, indeed!)

I'm also laughing about the "Gee, it's cute -- let's buy it" because that is sooo my husband. We went to look at few kitties a while back and despite a number of red flags that I won't go into here, hubby was ready to break out the wallet, because, and I'm quoting, "That little kitty was so cute." He's such a sucker. I had to give him the death-stare. Somebody has to be the responsible one, right?

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond! I really do appreciate it!

Ah, can we trade husband for say a week or even a weekend? There's this flame point himi I've been looking at....