Questions and Answers.....

We've noticed a trend of common questions over time and figured it would be a great idea to start a Question and Answer page on our site for you. If you have any kitty questions, send them our way!

What is the difference between a Himalayan and a Persian? Are they the same breed?

Yes, they are the same breed. They crossed a Persian with a Siamese to produce the long coat of the Persian and the color pointed markings of the Siamese. Basically, it took a Persian to make a Himalayan. Himalayans are also known as Color Pointed Persians. Himalayans are generally more vocal than Persians; they obtained that trait from their Siamese heritage. Himalayans retain the deep blue eye color of their Siamese heritage, whereas the Persians eyes tend to turn copper or green. Himalayans are not ‘mixed breeds' or ‘mutts', but a CFA recognized category of Persians. They are known as the most favored Persian amongst Persian lovers.

What do you mean by a Color Point Persian?

A Color Pointed Persian is commonly known as a Himalayan. The “Color Points” are referring to the ‘ 8 points' on the cat…. two ears, 4 paws, the tail and the mask on the face. The body can have various shades of white, but the color points are what determine the color of the Himalayan. Himalayans can have the following color points:

chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, red, torti, blue-cream, chocolate-torti, lilac-cream,

Seal lynx, blue lynx, red lynx, cream lynx, torti lynx, blue-cream lynx, chocolate lynx,

lilac lynx, chocolate-torti lynx and lilac-cream lynx.

What does the ‘lynx' mean in a -lynx point Himalayan?

The lynx markings come from the tabby gene. They are little stripes and ringlets down the tail and paws (like bracelets!) and on the face there is the classic “M” as well as definitive white circles around the eyes and patches of white under the nose. The lynx is a pattern that can be on both male and females.

What does a ‘Torti Point” or “-Cream Point” mean when determining a color point of a Himalayan?

In a Persian, a torti consists of one basic solid overtone of color with splashes of creams and reds throughout the coat. In the Himalayan, there are splashes of cream and/or red on the color points! A Seal Torti Point Himalayan would look just like a Seal Point, but would have splashes of creams/reds on her points.

What are Parti-Color Persians?

There are 4 categories of Parti-Color Persians. They are as follows:

• The Black Tortoiseshell Persian is a black cat with splashes of cream and red throughout the body.

• The Lilac Cream has a lilac body and splashes of cream throughout the coat. It is lighter than the Blue Cream.

• The Blue Cream Persian has a blue coat with splashes of cream throughout the body.

• A Chocolate Tortoiseshell Persian is a brown cat, which has cream and red throughout the coat.

What sets the Parti-Colors apart from other Persians colors?

No two Parti-Colors are ever alike, just like snowflakes! They all have brilliant copper color eyes. The Chocolate and Black Torti's are known for their smaller size and intelligence. Parti-Colors are known for their ease in coat management as it hardly ever mattes. An interesting fact is that any blue cream, lilac cream or torti will always be a female!

What is a Tabby Persian?

First of all, it is important to know that tabby is NOT a color, but a pattern. There are three types of patterns: classic, mackerel and patched tabby. On a patched tabby, it could be either the classic or mackerel pattern with splashes of red. The classic tabby has circular bulls-eye markings on the side of the body. The Mackerel Tabby will have swirls throughout the body. All will have the classic M on the forehead. They are known for being outgoing and very playful as well as incredibly smart. When a Himalayan has the tabby pattern on the points, we call it ‘lynx'!

How old are the kittens before they can leave?

Generally, it depends on each kitten individually. Our kittens must reach goals prior to them leaving. They are never younger than 9 weeks! Each kitten must be completely weaned and dependent upon solid food for nutrition. A thorough health exam and vaccinations must be started prior to them leaving. Kittens usually leave our cattery when they are ready, which is about 10-12 weeks.

I've gotten kittens from a shelter at 6 weeks of age, why won't you let them go so young?

Persians are well known for their delicate stomachs. For this reason we allow them to nurse exclusively until they are about 5 weeks of age. At this point, gentle baby food is slowly introduced. Since most of their nutrition is still from mother's milk, it is a very gradual progression onto solid foods. Kittens get most of their antibodies from their mother's milk, which is vital. Once they are old enough, at about 8 weeks of age, we start their vaccinations. Some kittens may wean onto solid foods faster than others, but in general, they still need their mothers for at least the first 8 weeks of their lives. Aside from the mother's nursing, kittens depend upon their mothers for many other things. Mothers teach them social skills, grooming, and play.

Why don't you allow visitors to see newborn kittens?

Newborn kittens are very vulnerable to infections because their immune systems are not fully developed. Mother cats are very protective of their newborns, and frown upon strangers peering into their nursing boxes. It can upset them to the point where they will try to move the kittens to an isolated place to avoid unwanted gazes. In order to keep mommy and babies happy and safe, we allow them privacy in a quiet room of our home where we diligently attend to their needs. Once the kittens are weaned and have had their vaccinations, visitors are welcome!

How many litters can a Queen have each year?

Persians take much longer than the average cat to mature, and normally do not have a litter until they are one to one and a half years of age if not longer. Generally, we like our moms to have no more than a litter every six months. If a mom is older, we space her litters a year apart. Our Veterinarian helps us to determine when a Queen is ready to be bred again, and when it is time for her to retire.

How long is gestation in a cat?

63 days. Initially, a Queen will show signs of pregnancy. By 21 days after conception, she will begin ‘pinking up' which means her nipples will be brighter. Sometimes they experience morning sickness just like us! Soon her belly will start to extend and she will be a bit slower getting around. By the 50 th day of her pregnancy, the kittens inside of her will start ‘kicking' because their bones are now calcified enough. Once we can feel the kicking, we know birth is right around the corner. At this point, the Queen will start ‘nesting' or looking for a quiet place to give birth. We set up birthing boxes in quiet areas to allow her privacy. Traffic in the rooms is minimal. Most of our Queens insist we sit by their sides during labor and delivery to comfort them, and they eagerly show off the newborns each time we are in the room.

Is there such a thing as a kitten picking you or ‘bonding' at first sight?

This is a tricky question. Bonding is a development of trust built up over time. Kittens are born deaf and blind and the only thing they know is the scent of their mother by instinct. Two-day-old kittens show distress when handled, even by us. Once they recognize our scent and our voices, they begin to purr and enjoy our company. This is a building up of trust and takes place over a few weeks of constant interaction. So, in my opinion, there is no such thing as ‘bonding' in a few minute visit. However, I do believe in love at first sight. We've all heard the stories of how someone had a kitten run up to them and ‘adopt them', which is adorable to say the least. However, as many people know, kittens are very curious critters, which can be an asset or a flaw depending upon the case. Some kittens tend to be more inquisitive of the new voices and smell associated with a visitor, and some tend to be more cautious by nature. Since all of our kittens have had interaction with us since birth and adore human companionship, eventually if you sit on our floor for a few minutes, all of the kittens will migrate to your lap at their own speed for some attention. We will not deny the excitement involved when someone has the privilege of plopping down on the floor to interact with a litter of kittens though! Whichever kitten you pick, the bonding and trust start building up once you hold your precious new baby in your arms for the first time on the way to their new home.

Is there a difference in personality between male Persians and female Persians?

To some degree there is. Keep in mind that all kittens are individuals with personality of their own which develops over time. However in general, the males of the cat world tend to be more social, outgoing and trustworthy without demanding proof from their human companions they are worthy. The females on the other hand, tend to be a bit more cautious at first, and will be more hesitant to freely offer their love. However, once you have the love and affection of a Persian, male or female, you will have a devoted loyal companion for life.

Can you breed a Himalayan to a Solid or Parti-Color Persian?

Yes.

How can a Parti-Color or a Solid color Persian have Himalayan kittens in a litter?

It all depends upon the lines of the Queen. If a Solid or Parti-Color Persian Queen has a parent that was Himalayan (or color pointed) then she is considered to be a Color Point Carrier, or CPC. If she matures and is bred to a Himalayan, the offspring produced can be Parti-Color, Solid or Himalayan (color pointed). In our cattery, we strive to produce the most amount of colors and patterns with the least amount of breeders. To do this, both of our Parti-Color Queens (Jazmin and Safire) are CPC's. When we breed them with one of our Himalayan males, the litter will consist of a variety of colors in both Himalayans and Parti-Color or Solid Persians. A Parti-Color Queen carries more potential for producing a wide variety of colors in the litter because she herself has many visible colors as compared to a Solid Color Persian.

Can you get Parti-Color or Solid Color Persians if both parents are Himalayans?

No. A Himalayan bred to another Himalayan will ONLY produce Himalayan kittens.

How can you know the color possibilities of a litter?

By determining the colors of the breeding couple. Certain colors when bred to each other can produce a wide variety in color possibilities in a litter. For example, a Queen that has multiple colors including red in her coat-color can produce much more than a Queen with only one visible color. Using various color-coated females with alternating color-coated males, can produce a wide variety of colors in a litter. Putting it simply, a black to a black will only produce black. A multiple colored cat bred to another multiple colored cat will produce a wide variety of color possibilities. We have a genetic chart we use to determine what colors can be produced with each breeding pair. After a while though, you tend to memorize the chart!

Why are Chocolates and Lilacs considered to be rare?

Can someone actually pick a kitten from a picture without meeting the kitten in person?

Absolutely. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words! Some of our clients live too far away to make a trip here to pick a kitten and then again to pick up the kitten when it is ready to go. Even those that live closer may encounter conflicts in schedules. Due to the fact we have 5 children of various ages, various schools, and after school activities; weekday appointments can be conflicting with a clients schedule as well. What we try to do at Cameowlot is to offer lots of pictures of the kittens at play, and tell anyone interested about the nature of the kitten they are interested in. Although a picture may be worth a thousand words, we can fill in the blanks! We do our very best to place each kitten into an environment they will be happy in. If a client wishes to visit the kittens, we usually schedule weekend appointments during the school year.

What happens when you retire a cat from your breeding program?

It all depends on the individual cat. We like to keep them here with us if at all possible. Some cats however dislike the cattery environment and prefer a quiet home with less stress. For example, we once had an awesome Queen that adored mothering. Sadly, she had difficulty conceiving, and when she did, she miscarried. When we had her altered, it was discovered her uterus was twisted, thus explaining her demise as a breeder. We had every intention of keeping her as a pet regardless. She however had a very strong maternal instinct and would ‘steal' kittens from other moms! This of course would not go over very well with the other Queens here. With a heavy heart, we decided to place her in a loving home with a kitten she could ‘mother'. Both are very happy now. In some cases, our retired moms enjoy being a midwife to the new mothers! Ying, our oldest retired breeder always has her nose in the nursing boxes to lend a paw! She can often be found snuggled up with a new litter grooming them as they nurse off of their mom. She is the ‘Great Grandma' around here!

Have you ever had regrets placing a kitten?

Thankfully no. We keep in contact with kittens after they leave, and enjoy the emails and pictures sent to us. Since we carefully screen applications, and get to know the families each kitten will be going to, we are very happy with each kitten placed. We still keep in touch with the very first kittens placed! Our breeding program has expanded our horizons in so many ways. Now, at Christmas time, we get more mail from our ‘kitty families' than our own family! We love the many friends we have made over the years and enjoy hearing how each one is doing. It is such a blessing to us.

Why will you only sell your kittens as pets?

Mostly because we love our kittens deeply, they are like our children. Some people think breeding cats is easy, and only involves putting two cats together and producing a litter of kittens. This is the farthest from the truth. Starting a breeding program demands extreme commitment. Persians are known for having big heads, and delivery can be a problem sometimes. Experience and knowledge are key factors to any breeding program, as well as your devotion of many countless hours for weeks on end. A pregnant Queen places many demands on any breeding program. Knowing exactly what to do if problems arise during pregnancy, delivery and after the birth of the litter is vital. This may mean putting vacations on hold, sleepless nights to bottle-feed kittens for several weeks, or countless hours of teaching social skills. This is just not practical for many homes in which there are young children or demanding schedules. Placing a kitten in a home to be used for breeding by inexperienced people unfamiliar with the breed, and demands of a cattery would be detrimental to our kitten! We only sell breeding rights to CFA registered catteries that uphold to high standards of care, and we work with them directly to ensure that kitty will be loved and cared for properly. A majority of our kittens go to pet homes to be pampered pets.

How many kittens are in a litter?

Typically the optimal number is 2-4. Persians are small in stature, and tend to have small litters. However, sometimes they can have up to 6 kittens. When this happens, it may be too demanding on the mother to produce enough milk for all of them. In the feral cat world, it is a fight for survival. However, in our home, it means formula and bottles to help out the Queen. Any litter consisting of 4 or more kittens will be supplemented to avoid overstressing the Queen. Although it is demanding, as kittens eat every two hours around the clock for up to 5 weeks, it is very enjoyable to watch them suckle a bottle in your arms and listen to them purr.

What is a runt?

A runt is a kitten born under 2 oz that is usually developmentally behind. Kittens born weighing less than 2 ounces have a very slim chance of survival, but regardless, if we encounter it on a rare occasion, we strive to do all we can to fight for the baby! Just because a kitten is the smallest in the litter, it doesn't mean it is a runt. As long as the kitten is a normal birth weight and develops its mile-stones on time, it's not a runt. The way we see it here, there is always the biggest kitten and the smallest kitten in every litter… and eventually they all grow up to become loving lap warmers! Kitten's weights vary in a litter at various stages. Sometimes the smallest one born ends up growing to be the biggest in the litter! I guess you can say size really doesn't matter!

How big is a newborn kitten?

Typically they are 3-4 oz at birth. They gain about a quarter of an ounce daily for the first few weeks of life. We weigh them daily and chart their growth to ensure each one is nursing properly.

What is Polycystic Kidney Disease?

Polycystic Kidney Disease is an inherited kidney disease that has been found in Persian/Exotic cats.

What does this disease cause in cats?

Polycystic Kidney Disease is a slowly progressive disease. It clinically shows up later in life (7 yrs) with enlarged kidneys and kidney dysfunction. The condition is inherited and cysts are present from birth. Problems occur when these cysts start to grow and progressively enlarge the kidney, reducing the kidneys' ability to function properly. The ultimate end is kidney failure. Some of the clinical signs are depression, lack of or reduced appetite, excessive thirst, excessive urination and weight loss.

How does a breeder eliminate PKD from a cattery?

As PKD is the result of an autosomal dominant gene, it is relatively easy to track and eliminate from the breeding population. All of our breeding cats were DNA tested negative for PKD. This means that their offspring cannot inherit the disease. A PKD-negative cat is also genetically PKD-free! Included in the kitten kits we supply, is a copy of the official testing done on all of our base breeders.

What is FeLV and FIV?

FIV infects all types of cats from the larger cats (e.g leopards, cougars, lions) to domestic house cats. Most at risk for infection are male non-neutered, outdoor cats that often get in fights with other cats. FIV affects the feline immune system, which makes the cat more susceptible to disease. The virus is only contagious to other cats, and is transmitted through saliva and blood (i.e. through biting and fighting). More casual contact such as sharing litter boxes or feeding bowls and mutual grooming are NOT likely methods of transmission of the virus.

Feline leukemia virus remains a major cause of death in cats. Like FIV, FeLV affects the feline immune system, which makes the cat more susceptible to disease. The virus is only transmitted between cats, via bodily fluids. (Transmission is primarily through intimate contact, such as biting/fighting or mutual grooming; transmission may be possible via sneezing, hissing, sharing food/water bowls, and sharing litter boxes.) Veterinary tests are available for FeLV. Vaccines against FeLV/FIV are available, although you may wish to consider whether this is necessary. All vaccinations carry some risk factors. "Indoor cats" are considered at low risk for FeLV, and in our opinion, the risks do not outweigh the benefits since our kittens will be indoor pets.

All of our cats are tested negative for FeLV/FIV and remain strictly indoors.

What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)?

FIP is a complex disease that has proven to be difficult to test for, and to treat. The majority of the available tests for FIP are controversial, as there are concerns about their accuracy and reliability. These tests actually monitor for feline coronavirus, of which FIP is only one type. Many other types of non-disease causing coronaviruses can be found in cats. The only definitive test for FIP can be conducted through an invasive tissue biopsy. FIP is usually fatal. The key is prevention! Keeping the environment clean and avoiding overpopulation are some things we do here to prevent FIP.

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How do I litter pan train my kitten?

Cats have a natural instinct to eliminate in sand or soil, and kittens also learn from observing their mother. Kittens usually start learning to use the litter box at 3 or 4 weeks of age, so by the time you bring your kitten home, she will likely be used to using a litter box.

You do not need to train your kitten to use the litter box in the same way that you would housebreak a puppy. It is important to make sure your kitten knows the location of the litter box in her new home. Make sure the box is not in a noisy or hard-to-reach place. Soon after you bring your kitten home, take her to the litter box at a quiet time. Place her into the litter box, gently take her front paws and show her how to scratch at the litter once or twice. Don't worry if she jumps right out again. Place her in the box at the times throughout the day when a cat would normally go to the bathroom: first thing in the morning, and after meals, playing, and waking up from a nap. Cats prefer privacy when using the litter box.

Most cats litter train without any problems. However, if there are any accidents, don't scold or punish your cat. Yelling or using a squirt bottle will only confuse and scare your cat, and she won't understand why you are upset. Instead, clean up the accident with an enzyme cleaner to remove stains and odor. Then go back to square one, placing the kitten in the litter box frequently until she starts using it. If the accidents continue, or if you are noticing any diarrhea or straining, have your kitten examined by your veterinarian to rule out any possible medical problems.

Where should I put a litter pan?

Cats prefer to use the litter box in a quiet, private place where they feel safe. Loud noises (buzzers on washers and dryers, etc), people walking in and out, or being startled by a dog or challenged by another cat as they leave the litter box, can be disturbing enough to make your cat choose another location. Most cats prefer not to have their litter box right next to their food dish, so avoid this situation if possible.

We have a dog and want to prevent it getting into a litter pan. Any suggestions?

If your dog tries to steal a snack from the cat's litter box, try placing a baby gate across the doorway to the room the litter box is in (this would also work in a closet doorway, if needed). Place the gate a few inches off the floor so that the cat can get under it but the dog cannot. Besides preventing the dog from harassing the cat as she enters or leaves the box, this will prevent the chance of your dog developing an intestinal obstruction from eating cat litter. If your dog is small enough to go under the gate, position the bottom of the gate at the floor and for kittens or arthritic cats, place a stepstool in front of the gate to help the cat jump up and over.

We have multiple cats and want to avoid litter pan problems. Any suggestions?

If you have more than one cat, make sure that the litter box is not in a location where one cat can 'corner' another as she leaves the litter box (for example in a hallway that ends in a dead-end). There should always be an entrance and an escape route.

How many boxes should I have per cat?

The rule of thumb here is that you should provide one litter box per cat, plus one extra. While this may seem excessive to us, some cats will not use a litter box that other cats have used. Some cats also prefer to use one box to urinate in and another to defecate in. If your house has several levels, make sure there are litter boxes on every floor.

What type of litter should I use?

In general, cats seem to like a litter that has the consistency of beach sand or garden soil. They seem to prefer fine-textured litter (such as the clumping type) to more coarse litter, and unscented litter to scented. Two inches of litter in the box is usually sufficient. It generally works better to use less litter and change it more frequently. If you're not sure what type of litter to use, put several types out, including clumping and non-clumping, and see which your cats prefer. We use non-toxic litter to train them here, but when they leave, any commercial clumping litter is fine.

How can I make sure my kitten will use the litter box?

Cats are extremely clean creatures, and they may avoid a litter box that is not cleaned often enough. Scoop the litter boxes at least once daily. Wash the litter box and change the litter completely once a week. Do not clean the box with a strong smelling disinfectant, but rinse the box well after washing it. Any accidents should be cleaned up with an enzyme cleaner specifically made for pet stains, including cat urine. Regular cleaners may mask the odor so that we can't smell it, but to a cat's superior sense of smell, the odor will still be detectable, and they can continue to use that area as the bathroom.

How do I introduce my new kitten to an older cat?

It is generally thought that cats thrive better with the company of another feline, especially cats confined indoors. Here are a few tips to make bringing home a new kitten as stress free as possible:

•  Choose a time when your home is not too busy and you will have time to devote to your new kitty and your existing cat. Avoid busy times, or other times when friends and family are likely to visit.

•  Before bringing home the new kitten, take her to your veterinarian to get her checked. Consider adopting a cat of the opposite sex to your existing cat, this will avoid same sex rivalry and associated problems.

•  A short isolation period is necessary when introducing a new kitten. It would be best to have a separate room for the new kitten. Your new little pet will need its own litter box ,food and water bowl. Some kittens will hide under furniture initially, but more adventurous ones will be eager to explore their new home. Do not try and force kitty to leave the room, you will know when she is ready.

•  Allow your new kitten to explore around your home while your older cat is in another room. Make the introduction slowly. It is a good idea to let your existing cat sniff your new kitten's blanket a few times before they actually meet. Make the initial periods of contact short. Gradually increase the time that they spend together as they get used to one another. It is not unusual for there to be a few spats in these first meetings, so do not leave them alone together. If a fight does break out, distract the combatants and get them into separate rooms as soon as possible, never punish either cat. The process of introducing a new kitten to an older cat, can often be relatively stress free and need not be full of problems.