Persian Cat Breed

Information on the Persian Cat Breed.

Persian Cats

The Persian cat is born to the happiest fate of any of his family, for, according to the tales of travellers, he is, in his native land, not only loved and cherished, not only well treated and admired, but thoroughly respected, and he has an acknowledged position and rights. In form the bewitching Persian does not greatly differ from the Angora, but the tail is much more effective, for the longest and the thickest-set hairs being at the tip, they form a magnificent plume, which the dignified owner carries proudly erect, waving in the air as he moves. In his splendid silky coat is not a trace of woolliness, and it clothes the graceful creature from the tips of his ears to the well " feathered " toes.

Unless some undreamed-of feline marvel shall yet be discovered, this animal must forever be regarded as the perfect flower of the domestic cat family. Not only does he easily surpass all his competitors in beauty and grace, but he possesses charms of disposition and manner and dignity of bearing; and while most affectionate and loving, is still self-respecting and independent.

The Persian may be seen in many colors.

Very beautiful is that shade technically called "blue," but perhaps more familiar to us as Maltese. A superb specimen of this color a few years ago lived royally in a house where I visited. She was named after a queen of old, and no royal personage ever bore herself more magnificently I am sure. One of very rich colors, also seen in New York, was a deep orange running to smoke-color. Nothing could be more exquisite to look at, though this mottled effect is not considered "the thing," and detracts greatly from the value of the wearer. The black Persian, with orangecolored eyes, is one of the rarest and most highly prized of the race, and the pure white is perhaps not second in estimation. There are also several varieties of tabbies, and in nearly every one the deep yellow eye is the most desired. The eyes should be large and full ; the hair should line the ears and fringe the legs, and even the toes, of this beautiful beast.

The love of liberty is the ruling passion of the Persian, as it is of the Angora. Every one of the long-haired, indeed, delights in long, solitary tramps. It seems impossible to cure them of the desire ; and what a cat really desires he generally succeeds in getting, sooner or later. To own one of these most attractive and most costly pets in the city, where thieves abound, is to live a life of constant anxiety and watchfulness. Only those who have kept guard over a sly and cunning human lunatic, ever plotting to escape, can appreciate the vigilance necessary for his safety. Yet, in spite of this, so ornamental and so beautiful is the gentle creature, that few who are able to do so can deny themselves the pleasure of owning one.

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