Ethereal Persians

Ethereal Persians

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Breeding For Health

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BREEDING FOR HEALTH

Breeding for health is our #1 priority.  Without health, all else falls apart. When done correctly, breeding produces healthy kittens that have a greater chance of living a long, happy life. Below, you may review guidelines used at our cattery to ensure your kitten is the epitome of health.

Healthy Adults – Healthy Kittens – Happy Pet Parents

Breeding cats can be a fun experience, but it comes with great responsibility. Healthy breeding practices are essential to ensure the welfare of our feline family. When done correctly, breeding produces healthy kittens that have the best chance of living a long, happy life. In this article, we will review guidelines we use to ensure our kittens are the epitome of health.

6 Common Persian Cat Health Problems We Avoid​

Entropian
Inward rolling of the eyelashes
Chronic Epiphora
Runny eyes and deformed tear ducts
Misaligned Bite
Wry bite, under and overbite; teeth and jaw that do not align properly
Stenotic Nares
Small, pinched nostrils
Unsymmetrical Facial Features
Most commonly, offset eyes and nose
Cranial Deformities
Such as open fontanelles and frontal dooming

6 Facial Traits of a Healthy Brachycephalic Cat

Wide-Set Eyes
This gives more space for the nasal acriminal system to function properly and drain
Small to Medium Eyes
More natural fit in the socket and less risk for dry eye and tearing
Eyes Recessed in Socket
Not bulging. No eye whites visible; including when cat rotates eyes
Large, Open Nares
To facilitate air flow and reduce the risk of a URI becoming chronic
Wide Nose Leather
Not pinched, narrow, curved inwards or heart-shaped
Mild to Moderate Brachycephaly
We produce extreme but stay away from ultra - extreme

5 Eye Shapes

Almond
We Like
Round
We Like
Walnut
We Like
Hooded
We Avoid
Tear-Drop
We Avoid

These are the most common. Other variations exist. 

6 Care Factors for Healthy Feline Breeding

Age
Cats should be at least ten months old before breeding to ensure that they are physically and mentally mature. We delay breeding of our queens until they’ve experienced a full heat cycle and only if they are in perfect health.
Genetics
It is essential to know the cats genetic history to avoid propagating recessive diseases. We do not breed cats from lines who’ve been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, early onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hydrocephalus or other known hereditary defects.
Nutrition
Diet is the biggest predictor of of disease. Food can hurt or heal; it can be used as poison or medicine. We feed human grade, homemade and commercially produced balanced raw meals to ensure optimum health for all our felines.
Environment
The cats environment should be clean, hygienic, and spacious to provide a safe and comfortable living space. Our home is not huge so we optimize it by providing a lot of vertical space, access to a catio, lanai and secure garden.
Socialization
Socialization from an early age is important to ensure that kittens develop into well-adjusted adults. We caress newborns every day, groom frequently and raise them underfoot. We do not cage.
Health Care
Seek veterinary care when necessary. We maintain a strong relationship with several vets including specialist for when problems arise. We opt for functional/holistic remedies over conventional remedies whenever possible.

Healthy, Happy Kitten, Happy Pet Parent

Breeding healthy adults leads to healthy kittens, happy pet parents and a thriving cattery. Ensuring that breeding cats are genetically sound, well-nourished, and have a comfortable living environment is the key to successful breeding. Nevertheless, following ideal standards doesn’t always ensure that every kitten will have favorable pheno or genotype. Still, it is the least we can do to ensure that our kittens have the healthiest start possible and that you have the best experience with us.