Persian cat and kitten advice, tips, links, and FAQ’s
Persian Cat Care & Expert Advice
From a Persian Cat Breeder with Over Three Decades of Experience
As the years have turned into decades, we have become true specialists in Persian feline care—offering tested, trusted, and experience-based guidance for families with questions about the unique needs of Persian and Himalayan cats.
This page is designed to be a go-to resource, featuring real questions from our families, clear answers from our experience, and direct links to the exact products we use daily in our cattery. Our goal is to remove the guesswork and make caring for your Persian as simple and stress-free as possible.
We source most of our kitten and cat essentials through Amazon and Chewy, knowing how overwhelming pet stores can be—with countless brands and nearly identical labels. By sharing what we personally use and trust, we help you confidently choose the right products without confusion.
Whether you’re a first-time Persian owner or a longtime admirer of the breed, you’ll find honest advice, practical solutions, and breeder-approved recommendations to help your Persian or Himalayan thrive.
Question: What type of kitten food do you feed at your cattery?
Answer: We feed our kittens Nulo Cat & Kitten
We proudly feed and recommend Nulo FreeStyle High-Protein Cat & Kitten Food. This grain-free recipe features real deboned chicken as the #1 ingredient, with 83% animal-based protein to support healthy growth, lean muscle, and overall vitality at all life stages.
Formulated with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, prebiotic fiber and BC30 probiotics for digestion and immune support, and added taurine to promote heart and vision health. The small, disc-shaped kibble is easy to chew and gentle on sensitive systems.
Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients and no grains, corn, wheat, soy, white potatoes, or tapioca, Nulo provides clean, balanced nutrition you can feel confident feeding your kitten or adult cat.
Cat-Man-Doo Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes Cat Flakes
We love sprinkling Cat-Man-Doo Bonito Flakes over our cats’ dry food as a natural topper that helps support shedding control and hairball reduction.
Bonito flakes are naturally rich in taurine, an essential nutrient for feline heart health, vision, and overall well-being. The natural fish oils also help maintain a soft, shiny, healthy coat—making them both nutritious and irresistible.
A simple, natural boost your cats will go crazy for.
VetriScience Vetri-Lysine Plus Chicken Liver Flavored Soft Chews
L-Lysine is essential for supporting Persian cats’ respiratory and sinus health. We strongly recommend giving your kitten daily lysine treats to help keep nasal passages clear and eyes bright and clean.
These chicken liver–flavored soft chews are easy to give, highly palatable, and a daily staple in our cattery for long-term wellness support.
A simple habit that makes a big difference
INABA Chura Lickable Puree Natural Cat Treats
These irresistible lickable treats are high in moisture, making them a wonderful way to support healthy hydration in cats and kittens.
They’re a favorite in our cattery—especially after bath time! Our cats and kittens happily enjoy them as a spa-day reward, turning grooming into something they genuinely look forward to.
A delicious treat with benefits they love!
Halo Liv-A-Littles Protein Treats
We use Halo Liv-A-Littles as a tasty food topper when transitioning kittens from mama’s milk to dry food. Crumbled over kibble, these protein-rich treats make the process smooth—and very exciting.
Fair warning: once they try them, kittens tend to become happily spoiled for life. Sprinkle, step back, and enjoy the enthusiasm.
Is there a specific dish your kitties prefer?
Answer: Necoichi Ceramic Elevated Cat Food Bowl, White Paw Print
Petkit Smart Pet Water Fountain
Fresh water matters—and pets know it. The Petkit Smart Pet Water Fountain holds 2 liters and features a 3-stage carbon filtration system to deliver clean, great-tasting water at all times. An LED blue light reminder alerts you when water levels run low.
Designed for quiet homes, it reduces splashing noise and includes an intelligent auto shut-off to save energy when not in use. Best of all, your pet can enjoy fresh, filtered water on demand, whenever the mood strikes.
Question: What type of kitty litter do you use?
Answer: We use Tidy Cats Instant Action Unscented Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter. We have it delivered from Chewy.com.
(Please do NOT change your kitten’s kitty litter for at least the first three months after bringing them home.)
Question: What type of litter pan do you use?
Answer: We have tried many different litter pans and found the basic Van Ness large litter box works best for kitties since we dump and bleach all our litter pans daily.
Our all-time favorite litter scooper!!!!!
Antimicrobial Litter Scooper!
Question: What is the most important thing to have in the kitty’s “home base room”?
Answer:
When you bring your new kitten home, it’s essential to set up one special room just for them—their home base room.
Here’s what makes that space truly successful:
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Soft music or gentle voices playing at all times
This helps your kitten hear human sounds and prevents the room from feeling too quiet or isolating. -
A quiet, secure space for the first week
Your kitten should remain in this room for the first week after arriving. After that, you can open the door and allow gentle exploration of your home—but always keep the home base door open so they have a safe place to retreat if they get startled. -
No dogs around the new kitten for the first week
Even the sweetest dogs can be overwhelming to a kitten adjusting to a new environment. Giving your kitten a full week without dog interactions helps reduce stress and builds confidence before introductions begin. -
️ All essentials in one place
Their food, water, litter pan, cozy bed, and toys should all be located in this room. Familiar smells and consistency help your kitten settle in faster. -
Catnip—lots of it!
Catnip is a wonderful, natural way to help a kitten relax and feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Catnip toys and loose catnip can be especially soothing during this transition.
There’s truly nothing like catnip to help a kitten feel calm, content, and at home. Below are some of our favorites.
What are the best types of scratching posts, carpet, or sisal rope?
Answer:
What are the best types of scratching posts, carpet, or sisal rope?
We try to teach our cats not to scratch rugs or carpet, so it’s best to offer appealing scratching alternatives like sisal or carpet-covered scratchers to avoid confusing your cat and protect your floors.
Cats generally enjoy materials like:
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Sisal rope or sisal fabric — Very durable and feels similar to tree bark (great for natural scratching instincts).
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Carpeted posts or pads — Good for cats that prefer a softer surface.
A tall and sturdy post lets your kitty stretch their whole body while scratching, which they love and it helps keep their claws healthy.
Durable Vertical Scratchers
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SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post – Tall and durable sisal post adults and kittens both love — lets them stretch fully while scratching.
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Frisco 35‑in Heavy Duty Sisal Cat Scratching Post – Great height with attached toy for extra fun.
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Frisco 21‑in Sisal Cat Scratching Post with Toy – A more affordable sisal post with toy included.
Multi-Function & Playful Posts
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Pet Adobe Cat Scratching Post – Multiple sisal posts and toys — great if you have room in your home base.
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Trixie Parla Scratching Post – Sisal with plush accents for extra appeal.
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Ware Angled Sisal Cat Scratcher – Angled design that some cats find irresistible.
Budget-Friendly & Fun Options
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Pawz Road Interactive 33″ Sisal Cat Scratching Post – Tall and interactive on a budget.
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Boss Pet Scruffy’s Sisal Scratch Post – A basic, affordable sisal post with toy to get started.
Question: How do you keep your cat’s coat looking so good?
Answer:
Whether you have a long-haired or short-haired Persian, there are a few essential grooming tools you need to keep your cat in tip-top condition and looking like the beautifully groomed kitties you see on our website.
If shedding is a concern—let that worry go.
The number one tool we swear by is the one below. It is our go-to gadget in the grooming salon for safely removing the undercoat, which is the main cause of shedding. It smooths the coat without damaging it and leaves fur silky, full, and polished.
We’ve had the same one for over five years, and it still works like a dream.
Our must-have grooming tool:
Les Pooch’s Finishing Brush – Small (Deshedder Brush) by Les Pooch This brush is gentle, incredibly effective, and an absolute game-changer for maintaining that plush, show-quality Persian coat at home.
Question: Are there any products you suggest to help my new kitty cope with stress during the re-homing process?
Answer:
Yes—absolutely. We know that transitioning from our home to yours can be a lot for a kitten to process, and addressing stress early is extremely important for their overall health and well-being.
One product we highly recommend and personally use is the Feliway Calming Dispenser.
This diffuser releases calming pheromones that mimic what a mother cat naturally produces, helping kittens feel safe, secure, and relaxed in their new environment. It’s especially helpful during the first few weeks when everything smells, looks, and feels unfamiliar.
Our routine:
We keep Feliway plugged in year-round in our cattery—and we strongly suggest doing the same in your kitten’s home base room during the transition period.
Click here to purchase.
~Favorite Toys~
Question? What are some of their favorite cat toys they play with the most in the nursery?
Answer:
Well… lord knows we’ve tried just about every cat toy known to man. Some toys come out of the box and immediately get ignored, while others are loved so hard they literally get played until they fall apart and have to be replaced.
This one falls firmly into the played-until-it-falls-apart category.
Our all-time favorite nursery toy—hands down—is the SmartKat Electronic Motion Hot Pursuit.
Many of you have spotted it in our cat video clips and asked what it was and where we got it—and now you know!
The cats absolutely LOVE IT. It taps straight into their natural hunting instincts with unpredictable movement that keeps them fully engaged. We actually have to turn it off and put it away, or they simply won’t stop playing. Haha!
It’s also one of the few toys that truly stands up to years of use from multiple cats, which says a lot in a busy nursery.
Zenes Interactive Butterfly Rotating Cat Toy
Robotic Cat Toy, 360 Degree Self-Rotating Ball, USB Charging, Spinning LED Light
Kitten Teether Sticks/ Natural Dental Chew Toy & Toothbrush Stick
Edible Catnip Balls
Question: How do I introduce a new kitten to my older cat?
Answer: We get this question all the time—and believe it or not, it’s usually much simpler than people expect.
Start by placing your new kitten in a pet taxi/carrier and setting the carrier down in front of your older cat. This allows them to see, hear, and smell one another without being in direct contact, which keeps everyone feeling safe.
Repeat this short introduction several times a day for the first couple of days. Watch their body language closely. When things feel calmer, and curiosity starts to replace tension, you can open the carrier door and allow them to sniff each other on their own terms.
It’s completely normal to see a little back arching or hear a hiss or two from the older cat—that’s just communication and setting boundaries. Don’t panic.
Before long, those cautious first meetings usually turn into peaceful coexistence… and then cuddles. One day, you’ll catch them snuggled together and wonder how they ever lived without each other.
Question: Do you have a favorite cat/kitten shampoo? How do you get their coats so beautiful?
Answer: Yes—we absolutely do. EQyss Premier Pet Shampoo is the key to our beautiful kitty coats.
Premium Persians deserve a premium shampoo, and in our experience, this one truly is the best on the market. It gently cleans without stripping the coat, enhances natural shine, and leaves the fur soft, fluffy, and healthy-looking—never dull or dry.
This shampoo is safe for both kittens and adults, works beautifully on long or short coats, and helps maintain that plush, polished look you see in all of our photos.
Simply put: when it comes to keeping Persian coats breathtaking, EQyss Premier Pet Shampoo is a must-have.
Question: What is the best comb for Persians and Himalayans?
Answer: I think we have tried every pet comb and brush ever made, so we know a LOT about grooming tools — especially for long-haired breeds like Persians and Himalayans. When it comes to long, thick coats, the number one tool you want is a good metal comb that can get down through the hair to prevent mats and remove loose undercoat. There’s nothing better for helping them look silky and smooth!
Long-haired breeds like these need daily brushing to avoid tangles and keep that gorgeous, fluffy look.
Glendan Kitten Slicker Brush – Best Kitten brush on the market!!!
Question: How do you always keep your cat’s eyes so clean, fresh, and bright-looking?
Answer: We specialize in Doll Face Persians, which naturally require far less eye cleaning than peke-face Persians—but all Persians will still need some eye care from time to time to keep their eyes looking clear, comfortable, and beautiful.
Consistent, gentle eye hygiene makes all the difference. Below are our three favorite eye-cleaning products, starting with the one we use the most: Our #1 Favorite Eye Cleanser.
The first one is “SPA” by TropiClean. This fantastic cleanser is a permanent fixture in our grooming salon.
It’s gentle, soothing, and effective at removing normal tear debris and buildup without irritation. We love it because it keeps eyes looking fresh and bright while being safe for routine use. Regular light cleaning with a quality product like this—especially when started early—helps maintain that clean, polished look you see in our kitties every day.
Secondly, we make sure we never run out of Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy.
This is truly a must-have product for ALL Persian and Himalayan cat owners.
We use it daily on several of our kitties. Let’s face it—Persians have to have their faces cleaned, and when it comes to something used so often and so close to the eyes, we want the safest and best product on the market. This is it.
While TropiClean SPA is excellent for deeper, more thorough cleanings, Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy is our go-to for daily maintenance. It’s gentle, non-irritating, and helps keep the eye and facial area clean, comfortable, and healthy without harsh chemicals.
It’s one of those products we simply won’t be without in our grooming routine. Used consistently, this product plays a huge role in keeping Persian and Himalayan faces looking clean, fresh, and bright every single day.
And last—but certainly not least—**we always keep Vetericyn Eye Wash on hand.
This is an absolute must-have for any Persian cat owner.
Vetericyn Eye Wash is designed to gently clean and flush out discharge, debris, or irritants, helping keep your kitty’s eyes fresh, clear, and comfortable. It’s especially helpful if you notice buildup in the corners of the eyes or after a deeper facial cleaning.
We love it because it’s:
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gentle enough for regular use
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non-irritating and safe around sensitive eyes
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perfect for flushing before or after daily maintenance
When paired with Vetericyn Facial Therapy for everyday upkeep and TropiClean SPA for deeper cleans, this eye wash completes the ultimate Persian eye-care routine.
Keeping a bottle of Vetericyn Eye Wash on hand ensures your Persian’s eyes stay clean, bright, and healthy—just the way they should be.
Remember… ALWAYS give your kitty a few treats after a grooming session.
This helps grooming end on a positive, happy note and teaches your kitty that brushing, eye cleaning, and face care are all followed by something wonderful.
The treats we use here—and have had outstanding success with—are Cat-Man-Doo Freeze-Dried Chicken Treats.
We truly mean it when we say: we have never had one kitty not like this brand.
They’re simple, high-value, and irresistible—perfect for rewarding good behavior and making grooming something your kitty actually looks forward to. A little grooming… a few treats… and suddenly you have a calm, cooperative kitty who’s ready for the next session.
Question: Is there one thing that you recommend that EVERY kitty should have?
Answer:
YES! Absolutely!!! Every single kitty should have a kitty tower—a special place they can truly call their own in your home.
A kitty tower gives cats:
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a sense of security and ownership,
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a safe place to observe, relax, and decompress,
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and an outlet for play, climbing, and natural instincts.
One tower can absolutely work for multiple cats, but what matters most is that they have at least one dedicated vertical space. It helps them feel confident and settled, especially in a new environment.
They don’t just use them—they love them. Our cats spend hours swinging around, climbing, lounging, and being their goofy little selves on them.
We’ve linked to several of the towers we use right in our nursery, since so many of you have asked about them. Once you see how much time your kitty spends on theirs, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. ✨
We also have several cat condos scattered around our home for the kitties they snuggle in.
They are so cozy and give the kitty a quiet place to take those much-needed cat naps.
Question: Where are you located?
Answer: We are in Unionville, Missouri.
Re-homing combo set
Re-homing can be hard on kittens, so anything we can do to reduce stress and provide comfort makes a big difference during this transition.
To help even more, we offer a Re-homing Combo Set, which includes a special blanket scented with their littermates’ and mama’s scent. Familiar smells are incredibly comforting and help reduce anxiety during travel and the first days in a new home.
✨Details:
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The set will be placed inside your kitty’s pet carrier (if purchased)
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Machine washable
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Extremely durable—made to last
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Available for an additional $35.00
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Colors vary
This simple comfort item has proven to be a wonderful source of reassurance for kittens during those first emotional days away from their nursery. A little familiarity goes a long way in helping your new kitty feel safe, calm, and at home.
Question: How do you train kittens not to claw furniture or stay off counters?
Answer: Start with a clean, empty squirt bottle filled with plain water. When your kitten attempts an undesirable behavior (like clawing furniture or hopping on counters), give a quick squirt aimed at their bottom end, not their face. The goal isn’t to scare or punish—just to interrupt the behavior.
Another very effective option is canned air (the same kind used to clean keyboards). A short burst of sound is often enough to stop the behavior immediately without any physical contact.
Both methods work well because they:
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are harmless,
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are immediate,
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and clearly communicate “that’s a no.”
Most kittens learn after one or two times that the behavior isn’t allowed and simply stop trying.
Important tip: Always pair correction with positive alternatives—like providing scratching posts, kitty towers, and approved climbing spaces—so your kitten knows what is okay.
Consistent, calm correction plus the right outlets equals a well-mannered kitty in no time.
What is a Himalayan?
Answer: We get this question a lot—so here it is, clearly explained.
A Himalayan is a Persian, but with color points. Because of this, Himalayans are also commonly called Color Point Persians.
Traditionally, Himalayans have color points in eight areas:
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four paws
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two ears
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the facial mask
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the tail
However—and this is important—not all Himalayans follow the traditional eight-point pattern.
Color Variations
Himalayans can also come in:
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Bi-color Point
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Tortie Point
In these variations, the points may be broken, asymmetrical, or blended with white, meaning the classic “eight-point” pattern does not always apply. These varieties are still true Himalayans / Color Point Persians.
Himalayans acquired their pointed coloring from the Siamese, which often makes them a bit more vocal and energetic than traditional Persians. That said, both breeds are known for being sweet-tempered, intelligent, and extremely social.
Key Traits
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All Himalayans have blue eyes
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Persians and Himalayans are considered the same breed
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Himalayans are deeply devoted to their owners and prefer close human companionship
Coat & Care
As long-haired cats, Himalayans require daily brushing to keep their coats healthy and mat-free.
Their body color is usually white or ivory, while points may appear in:
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seal (black)
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blue
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lilac
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chocolate
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red (flame)
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cream
Points can also appear in lynx (tabby) or tortoiseshell patterns.
Chocolate and lilac point Himalayans are the rarest, as both parents must carry the recessive gene.
Lifestyle
Like Persians, Himalayans are indoor-only cats. They are gentle, not street-wise, and should never be allowed outdoors for safety reasons.
Are Persian Cats Prone to Misaligned Teeth?
Understanding This Common — and Minor — Breed Trait
Yes—mild dental misalignment is fairly common in Persian cats, and in most cases it’s completely harmless.
Persians are adored for their luxurious coats, large expressive eyes, and sweet, rounded “baby-doll” faces. Those same precious features can also contribute to a small, benign quirk: slightly misaligned teeth.
Why Misalignment Happens
Persians have a naturally shortened muzzle. Because of this unique facial structure, the upper and lower jaws don’t always line up in a perfectly straight way. The result may be:
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a minor overbite or underbite, or
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one or two teeth that sit a bit off-center.
This is very common within the breed and usually causes no problems at all. Think of it as a charming crooked smile—it adds character without affecting health.
Is It a Serious Problem?
In nearly all cases, no. Mild misalignment is typically cosmetic only. Cats with this trait:
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eat normally,
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groom themselves just fine, and
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show no pain or discomfort.
It doesn’t tend to worsen over time and isn’t considered dangerous or life-threatening. Many owners never notice it unless a veterinarian mentions it during a routine exam.
When to Consult Your Vet
While issues are rare, it’s wise to check in with your vet if you notice:
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discomfort while eating,
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excessive drooling, or
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avoidance of dry food.
These signs can indicate a tooth rubbing in an awkward spot. A quick dental exam can easily assess things, and if needed, minor adjustments or trimming are straightforward.
Keeping That Smile Healthy
Good habits go a long way:
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routine dental checkups,
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a balanced diet, and
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basic oral hygiene as recommended by your vet.
Most Persians never need special treatment—just regular care, lots of love, and maybe a few extra photos of that adorable grin.
In short: Misaligned teeth are common in Persian cats and are generally nothing to worry about. It’s one of those tiny, endearing traits that make each Persian uniquely beautiful—proof that even small imperfections can be perfectly perfect.
Did you know that many Essential Oils are toxic to cats?
Many people don’t know this critical fact. Essential oils are showing up in more and more products these days, so it is imperative to educate yourself about their dangers.
Here is a list of Essential Oils Toxic to Cats. Learn more HERE
What should you know about bringing your kitten home the first 72 hours?
