FAQ

Neuter or Spay

Neuter or Spay?  One of the decisions you have to make as a new Persian Cat Parent – is whether or not to spay or neuter your newest family member when the time is right. But when is that time? Why is it a good idea to spay or neuter – or is it? How old does he or she have to be? What are the health benefits, if any? Is it safe – what are the risks? If you have been asking yourself any of these questions – we will try to address them all right here in one place!

Neuter or Spay?

First, let’s define what exactly it means to spay or neuter your cat. Spay simply means to remove the female feline’s reproductive organs to prevent her from having a litter. This usually involves surgically removing the uterus and ovaries. Neutering a male involves surgical removal of his testicles to prevent him from fathering a litter. For sake of concise writing, from here on out – spay and neuter will be used interchangeably with “fixed.” Now, with those technical medical definitions out of the way – let’s talk about why some people choose to fix their cats.

It seems like almost daily you hear or watch news stories in which thousands of unwanted companion cats (and dogs too, for that matter) are euthanized because there aren’t enough volunteers to go around to give them a loving home.

Females that are not spayed and have not been mated will come into heat every two or three weeks until she is mated – which can make her life – an yours miserable. She may roll around and rub on you (yuck!), yowl pitifully waiting for a mate and even possibly spray urine throughout the house. She also may try to dart out every time the door is opened!

A male cat who remains un-neutered also is very persistent to get out and roam around looking for a mate, and he too will yowl and probably spray urine. Un-neutered males also have a desire to fight with other males to mark out their territory. On the other hand neutered males tend to be more affectionate and neutering reduces the strong urine smell.

How is My Persian “Fixed” and What Age Should He or She Be?

Cats are fixed through a simple surgical procedure. Males are castrated – which simply means the testicles are surgically removed through the scrotal sac which soon will shrivel up and disappear.
Female cats have their ovaries and uterus removed through a small incision in the abdomen, and this surgery is slightly more invasive – but safe.

Ask your veterinarian if you are unsure about a good age to have your pet fixed. Some vets do it as young as 3 months, while others prefer to wait until the feline is more sexually mature – somewhere between the 6 – 10 month stage.

What are the Health Benefits and Risks of Spaying or Neutering Persian Cats?

Neuter or Spay? As with any surgery there is always a slight risk, but generally spaying and neutering is a common and safe procedure.

The benefits for spaying females not only reduces unwanted litters, but may include reduction in mammary cancer, and fatal infections of the uterus. For males neutering reduces prostrate problems, large jowls, and decreases his urge to be aggressive and roam the neighborhood and fight.

For most Persian owners, getting your cat spayed or neutered may be the kindest and best choice for your pet – chances are he or she will live a longer and healthier life.

Persian Cats, just like us humans, have their own distinct personalities that can be greatly affected by their gender. When choosing teacup cats and small kittens, it’s important to consider the characteristics and behaviors you are looking for. While each Persian Cat will have his or her own quirks despite gender, as humans do, there are certain qualities that are distinct to male kittens or female kittens. As experienced, responsible Persian breeders, we know these traits well, so we can be very helpful as you choose the right white teacup Persian kitten to add to your family.  Basic background information on general behaviors will provide you with a foundation as you begin your search. Whether you are choosing a kitten to be the first family cat or adding a new member to an existing bunch, gender is an important consideration. As a whole, male kittens are more affectionate and easygoing, while females are independent and spunky.

One of the most common misconceptions has to do with male kittens. Often, people may believe that male kittens are less desirable because they have territorial or aggressive tendencies.  They’re often accused of naughty behavior such as marking or spraying. Nothing can be further from the truth;  in fact females show this behavior quite a bit more.  Spaying or neutering at the proper age will stop all these concerns in either gender. In actuality, boy kittens are extremely lovable and warm. They are the first to show affection and usually adore being cuddled and held. While they are the typical “cuddlers,” they also have a playful side. Boys are goofballs by nature. They will tend to hold on to the qualities of kittenhood long into their adult years. With playfulness comes an easygoing nature and an inclination to be less dignified. Commonly, male cats will be the ones to keep you laughing. Males are quick to warm up to strangers and less likely to hide from the house guests.

While males will remain playful and laid-back, females are quick to mature. However, maturity is in no way a negative aspect of female nature. A mature personality doesn’t necessarily translate to an aloof or distant and detached attitude. With maturity comes a responsiveness and a quickness to learn new things. Though females are slower to warm up to strangers or new cats, they are quicker to leave things alone. Typically, a female cat will need less caring for. Male cats love constant attention. Females are independent and able to figure things out on their own.

Each gender offers positives and negatives. While knowing the basics about each gender can help you with your decision, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. In the end, personality will trump everything. Just like people, there will always be oddballs that don’t fit the mold. When considering one of our lovely Persian kittens, you can be assured of high quality.  Ask us about the parents so you can learn of possible inherited behaviors.  You’ll also get an excellent idea of the “look” your kitten will have as he or she grows.

We hope this article was informative.  If you have any more questions feel free to email catscreation@aol.com or call 407.709.9541.

Should it be a powered type?  Covered or uncovered?  Do I need a special box for my tiny Persian kitten?  Let’s explore some answers.

What Type of Litter Box Is Best For A Teacup Persian?

The standard box comes covered or open, with a top or side entry.  Some may be flat, so the kitty simply steps in.  There are also many types of litter box covers, in many styles – and some can be quite clever. There are types that double as a living room table, or some that look like an artificial plant.  Some are made of wicker, wood, or plastic.  They may have shelves on top, and they all come in an array of colors and styles to fit any décor.

Covered or open boxes must be scooped daily. These boxes can be cleaned easily using soap and water. It is always good to use detergent which kills germs. We recommend that you do this weekly to monthly depending on the number of cats you have, and which kind of litter you’re using.

To Scoop or Not to Scoop – That is the Question!

Don’t want to scoop?  Okay…let’s look at your options.  Consider using what we call a “power” box.  These run on batteries or house power, and automatically sift the litter every time the cat uses the box.  The clumps of soiled litter are swept into a container that you empty periodically.  They work reasonably well, but we have discovered that they generally do not do a very good job of controlling odor.  This is because every time kitty goes in the box the container of soiled litter opens.  And they may not be adequate if you have more than two cats.

One other consideration.  You have to take apart a powered litter box to clean it, and this task can take up to half an hour.  You might consider using a box that actually connects to your plumbing.  These have plastic litter granules which are rinsed off after each use.  We like these very much.

There is a litter box called The Breeze with also uses plastic pellets, but it still needs to be scooped.  A pad underneath collects the urine, and you replace the pellets once a month.  We also recommend these very highly.

All litter boxes must be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s directions.  Each power box is different and has different requirements. You can check your owner’s manual for a list of instructions or simply go online.

For any litter box you can find several choices of litter mats. They come in carpet, plastic, vinyl grooved or smooth. These can cut down on litter being tracked through you r home. So explore all the different possibilities and wonderful products available.

Where Should I Put My Kitten’s Litter Box?

If you have a very large home you might consider two boxes. This is also true in a two-story house. Where you keep the box is strictly up to you. Some folks choose the laundry room or a bathroom, while others keep the boxes in plain sight. If you have more than one cat or kitten you may want to have more than one box. You should never have more than two cats or kittens using a single box.

So whether you use a power box or a simple box, keeping it clean is the key to a happy cat – and an odor-free home.  Have fun exploring all the choices and select the one that best fits your needs.

Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 407 709 9541 should you have any questions. At CatsCreation we love to talk (brag!) about our tiny little teacup sized babies!

Of course, keeping your new Teacup Persian kitten happy, healthy and safe is a top priority. Many people ask the question, “Should I keep my Persian indoors, outdoors, or a little of both?” We believe that although happy kittens and cats need lots of playtime and exercise, this can be the most safely accomplished indoors. There are many hazards that can befall your precious new baby out of doors, so let’s look at both sides of the question.

Outdoors?

Allowing your cat to live outdoors may be fine for some breeds of cats – but certainly not for Persians.  By nature, they’re gentle and loving, and require a lot of care – both physically and environmentally. People who believe in letting cats live outdoors all of the time, or even part of the time, claim that you can do this safely within a securely fenced yard. But do fences keep all hazards out? What about parasites and worms? Outdoor chemicals and pesticides? Or, have you ever really seen a fence that can keep other cats out that are truly determined to get in?  And what about keeping your Persian’s beautiful coat clean, well-groomed and mat-free? This is much more difficult when they are living outdoors. Indeed,Teacup Persian kitten care is a completely different ball of yarn!

Teacup Persian Kittens Live Longer Indoors

Kittens and cats require almost constant supervision out of doors.  Feline experts agree that cats that live happy, healthy lives indoors have a life expectancy of about 15 years, while outdoor cats seldom live longer than 2 or 3 years.

That’s because outdoor cats are exposed to many dangers, including predators like dogs, raccoons, or even coyotes in very rural areas.  They are often run over by cars, , or poisoned by rodent poisons or chemicals. There are also dangers from fighting with other (very territorial) cats, and they often get lost, so you’ll never see them again.  And most worrisome is their almost certain exposure to deadly feline diseases that are carried by other cats.

Teacup Persians Live Healthier Indoors

Consider your Persian’s need to exercise and socialize.  Although Persians are more laid-back by nature, they do require exercise, and lots of attention and play time. Here are some tips to help keep your darling healthy and happy when living indoors:

  • Keeping him or her well-groomed.  This is a must whether living indoors or outdoors. This includes grooming their coat, nails and eyes.
  • Provide plenty of toys, scratching posts, toys dangling on a string with supervision, or a window shelf where they can enjoy looking outdoors.  This also gives them a place to perch and leap from.
  • Give lots of attention to your Teacup Persian kitten by snuggling them and holding them close to you. Be careful to not play with them aggressively with your hands to help keep them gentle.
  • Get a companion cat so they can keep each other company and provide lots of play and activity.  This is especially important if you’re not home during the day.  Besides, watching their antics will keep your family in stitches!
  • Finally, if you feel you must let your precious Persian cat or kitten outdoors, you can train him to walk with a leash or harness.  It takes a little patience, but it’s worth the effort.

By following this essential Teacup Persian kitten care advice, you have a much better chance of having many safe, happy and healthy years with your fluffy baby.