White Persian Cat
Until the 17th century, there were no longhaired cats in Europe. But a few cats of the type now known as Angoras were then introduced from Turkey, along with another, rather heavier longhair from Persia. The modern Persian cat, or Longhair as it is officially known in Britain (although many people still call it Persian and that remains its official name in America), is a descendant of those Persian cats. However, since the types were not always kept separate there was certainly some Angora blood mixed in the early days of the Cat Fancy.
In Great Britain, each color type of the Longhair is considered an individual breed and, together with other longhaired breeds, they form one of the four groups into which cat breeds can be divided: Longhairs, Siamese, Shorthairs, and Foreign Shorthairs. In the United States, all the varieties are considered Persians of different color types.
The White Longhair is a loving cat, quite affectionate towards its owners and those friends of its owners who treat it with respect and kindness. Generally calm, it is more tranquil and less active than many breeds. It is sociable towards other cats and rarely shows its claws. However, this cat can have a temper and can be demanding affection. A skilled mouser, it also enjoys life inside and is well suited for living in a flat.
There are three varieties of White Longhair: orang eyed, blue-eyed, and odd-eyed. The odd-eyed, with one orange and one blue eye, is the result of interbreeding the other two varieties. Many blue-eyed white cats are born deaf.
The pure white coat of the White Longhair is thick and dense, yet silky. It forms a full frill – a lionlike mane – about the neck and shoulders. The body is of the solid, cobby type, broad but compact and powerful. Short, thick legs end in rounded, large paws. A bushy, short tail ends in a plume. A rounded, broad head features fully developed cheeks and a short nose. The eyes are round and large. The ears have rounded the tip and are relatively small.
Potential pedigree faults include too little hair, too thin a body, a difference in tail coloration, an elongated muzzle, and ears that are too close together.
Intensive brushing with a soft bristle brush is needed daily to prevent matting. The tail is a target for bothersome fleas and should be given particular attention. Dry shampoo should be used regularly.
Longhairs thrive on a balanced but varied diet that daily includes meat with some cooked rice and vegetables. Multivitamin supplements are advised, particularly in the cat’s first year. Overfeeding to the point of producing a fat cat can also cause heart problems.
During pregnancy and after delivery the female requires a great deal of care, including calcium and vitamin supplements to her normal diet. Likewise young kittens, until the age of four months, need constant attention.
See more: Black Persian Cats
