Have you ever watched TV or been at a friend's house and seen a marshmallow with feet prance by? It was probably a Chinchilla Persian. A variation of the popular Persian cat breed, these fluff balls are quickly rising in popularity.
It's hard to say no to such a sweet face, but before you decide to bring a Chinchilla Persian into your home, learn the basics about these fancy felines, from grooming to the cat's history and more.
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WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF THE CHINCHILLA PERSIAN?
Name: Chinchilla Persian
Origin: First recorded in Khorasan, Persia
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Colors: White, silver and gold
Life Span: 10-12 years
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WHAT'S THE APPEARANCE OF A CHINCHILLA PERSIAN?
These cats are well known for their long, luxurious coats and "peke-faced" look. The original Chinchilla Persians got their name for their similarity between their coats and those of rodent Chinchillas. Many of these felines have white fur, tipped with black along the face, legs, back and ears, but there are also pure white and golden varieties. Chinchilla Persians stand out for their stunning emerald eye color, which starts off as blue in kittens. They have slightly longer noses than other Persians, which helps prevent health concerns like eye tearing and breathing problems.
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WHAT'S THE CHINCHILLA PERSIAN'S HISTORY?
The general Persian cat breed was first recorded in Persia, where it was imported throughout Europe. The cats rose to fame in Victorian England, where they appeared in the country's first cat shows. A cat named Chinnie became the recognized Silver Persian in 1882. While Chinnie did not have the clear, desirable coloring that Chinchilla Persians' have today, through selective breeding this variation and its signature coat developed over time, getting official recognition from the Cat Fancier Association in 1894. Work has been done to get the Chinchilla Persian separated as its own breed, but has had no success so far.
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WHAT'S THE CHINCHILLA PERSIAN'S PERSONALITY?
Chinchilla Persians are gentle, quiet and affectionate felines. They can become attached to their owners quickly, enjoying quality lap time and plenty of petting. They are relatively unadventurous, preferring to stay inside and be admired. It is best for these cats to be in a households with less activity. Chinchilla Persians can get along with children and other cats as long as both treat them with respect and kindness.
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HOW DO YOU GROOM A CHINCHILLA PERSIAN?
As you can imagine, these cats' coats require a lot of upkeep, and usually the cats cannot do it all by themselves. To keep your Chinchilla Persian clean and content, you need to brush it on a daily basis with a stainless steel comb to remove mats, excess hair and tangles. Additionally, it is best to bathe Chinchilla Persians weekly and blow dry their coats, brushing as you go. Some of these felines will experience tear-staining around their eyes because of their flat faces, so it is best to clean the face every day.
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WHAT ARE SOME HEALTH CONCERNS FOR A CHINCHILLA PERSIAN?
As purebred cats, Chinchilla Persians are more susceptible to genetic health issues. These can include kidney problems, bladder infections and heart problems. Progressive retinal atrophy is widespread in all Persians. PRA begins to affect a cat's vision early in life, progressing rapidly. Flat-faced cats are more likely to have breathing problems and are more sensitive to heat. These are both issues you need to watch for if you own a Persian.
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WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF HAVING A CHINCHILLA PERSIAN?
Chinchilla Persians are affectionate and loyal cats who do not get into too much trouble. Their calm nature makes them great companions for adults, but can be more troublesome for families with young children. This breed is renowned for their gorgeous coats and their ability to compete in shows, but with great hair comes great responsibility. Chinchilla Persians require more grooming than many other breeds, and come with more potential health problems, due to their flat faces and purebred lineage.
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WHAT ACTIVITIES DO CHINCHILLA PERSIANS ENJOY?
These cats love to be adored. Many Chinchilla Persians love nothing more than to sit with one of their favorite people and receive coos and pats. While the breed isn't one for extreme athletic prowess, they do enjoy occasionally batting around a pretty toy. Because these cats are usually fond of being handled, they are perfect candidates for cat shows and often enjoy the attention.
MORE: 12 Cats With the Biggest Smiles
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WHERE HAVE I SEEN CHINCHILLA PERSIANS BEFORE?
The recent viral star "Disappointed Cat," also known as Foo-Chan, is at least part Chinchilla Persian. The worried-looking kitty was found as a stray, but vets believe he has some of the breed in its blood. Additionally, the famous, fluffy, snow-white feline of Fancy Feast fame is also a member of the Chinchilla Persian clique.
Image via foochan0711/twitter
