Persian vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

Cat lovers the world over know the Persian cat very well. It's a beautiful long-haired cat breed with its familiar round face and blunt muzzle.

It is not really known when long-haired cats first appeared, or where the Persian originated but their history stems from Persia or Iran as it is known today, where it seems they were first sighted.

The cats were grey-coated and some were white and soon the cats arrived in Britain. They were introduced to the United States in the 1900s. The cat was developed first by the English, and then also by American breeders after the Second World War and the breeding of these cats has also meant a lot of coat colors.

The first thing to know is that a Bicolor cat isn’t in fact a breed. Bicolor is just a term that describes a certain look that a cat has with its coat. It’s a cat with two colors such as red and white or black and white.

A popular name for bi-color cats is also Piebald or Tuxedo, and in fact many cat breeds can produce bicolor kittens, or black and white kittens such as Cornish Rex, Maine Coon, Manx, and others.

There are different coat color combinations when it comes to bicolor cats and the black and white markings may be more common but there are other color combinations too such as orange and white.

Nobody seems to know the origins of the Bicolor cats so we are going to assume they come from the USA.

The Persian cat is a medium- to large-sized cat and is heavily boned. He can weigh between 3 and 6kg.

He has stocky legs, a thick neck, small ears, round head, round eyes, and the face is flat or blunt. The kittens are gorgeous balls of fluff.

The coat of the Persian is thick, long, and silky. People many times think only of a white Persian, when in fact the cat comes in many colors and patterns. Eye color for the cat can be blue, green, brown, copper or even odd-eyed.

Temperament:

The Persian isn’t the most active of cats, so attention will need to be given to exercising the cat so as to manage his weight. This cat will also need to have his nutrition controlled to stay in shape and in good health.

Persians enjoy games with their human family and will need some toys to encourage play and exercise.

He is placid and calm but that doesn’t mean he can’t have bursts of energy. They’re quieter than other cats, are sweet-natured, preferring to live in quieter, less boisterous households.

They aren’t loudly vocal but communicate with their eyes and their soft voices. They won’t get on well with small, noisy children but can be loving pets and companions of older children who allow them their own space.

Regardless of the breed they belong to, information on these cats suggests that they can have many different looks. Look at the amazing Turkish Van cat for instance – each of these cats is recognizable for its long, luxurious fur. You’ll find a few touches of color on the cat's ears and tail, making in a Bicolor. They also have an interesting characteristic – being fond of water!

These Bicolor cats weigh in the region of 3 – 7kg, and can tend towards the smaller or larger size. Some of them can have short or long hair, larger or smaller ears and green or yellow eyes.

Temperament:

Coming from different cat breeds, the bicolor cat can have a mix of wonderful characteristics – they can be vocal or quiet or confident or shy.

They’re always wonderful though and can be curious, intelligent, playful, loving and loyal. They make great companions who just love the interaction they have with their human owners.

The amicable personality of the Persian cat makes it easy to have these cats in your home. The long hair becomes a bit of an issue as the cat sheds quite a bit.

They’re sweet, quiet cats and they don’t demand attention from you. They are more than happy just lying quietly in a warm spot. They are calm, loving cats and it's no wonder that they are still such a popular breed of cat.

The Bicolor cat is such a steady, reliable cat-friend to have. When you start looking as these cats as your companion, you're going to get a smart, funny, adoring, playful family member who will be there for you whether you go to work each day or stay at home.

They’re such easygoing cats, with no airs and graces. They’re happy, relaxed, and uncomplicated cats and when you make a Bicolor your pet and friend, your life just becomes that much more meaningful.

The structure of this cat’s head can mean some health problems. Hereditary Polycystic kidney disease is prevalent with the Persian cat. It is an inherited condition that causes cysts to form in the kidneys. These cysts are actually present from birth, growing larger over time and interfering with kidney function and ending in kidney failure.

Also, with a larger breed cat such as the Persian, hip dysplasia is a problem.

Persians are also susceptible to malocclusion which means ‘incorrect bite’. This particular condition can affect the cat’s ability to grasp and actually hold food. So much so in fact, that now pet food manufacturing companies have even developed specially-shaped kibble to cater particularly for the Persian.

By providing your kitty cat with a loving home, you can ensure that he stays as healthy as possible. Unfortunately though, cats can get sick, regardless of how well you take care of them and then as a responsible pet owner, you will be able to take your pet to your local vet.

Some of the common cat problems you get can be kidney disease, ear infections, dental disease, parasites such as heartworm, cancer or something like feline immunodeficiency virus.

Whether your cat has a virus or an infection, remember that getting your cat to the vet can mean nipping the problem in the bud before it gets more serious.

The Persian cat’s coat is long and silky and because he is a fairly heavy shedder, he will require regular brushing – certainly once or twice a week to get rid of that loose hair. It is important to brush and also cut the hair so as to get rid of the tangled knots that form.

While brushing your Persian, make sure that his eyes and nose are clear. This is important because the flat face creates problems with these cats.

Excellent cat food for your Persian involves reading labels and understanding what brands are best for your beautiful cat. The Persian cat is a carnivore and will require high-quality food rich in protein.

Speak to your vet if you are in any doubt about the best food for your cat’s health and wellbeing. Make sure your pet has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Make sure to keep the litter box clean. Buy a small rake from the pet shop and rake up your cat's feces every single day and dispose of them.

Caring for your Bicolor cat is much the same as with any other cat. Your Bicolor will shed, so brushing him will tickle him pink, especially if you do it lovingly and gently – it’s like a bonding session. The weekly brushing will get rid of loose hairs and dust and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Spay or neuter your pet to avoid unwanted kittens. Stay up to date on veterinary visits and vaccinations.

Provide your cat with stimulating toys as well as all the equipment he needs to be comfortable – food and water bowls, litter box, grooming equipment, bedding, climbing- and scratching equipment.

All cat owners, whether their cats eat homemade food or wet- or dry food should read cat food labels and understand the nutrients content.

Certainly, as a carnivore, cats require certain vitamins, minerals, and proteins that only meat can provide.

Understand how to work out if the cat food is balanced or not and not packed with too many grains and carbohydrates.

How much your Bicolor eats will depend on his age and his activity levels. Be careful not to overfeed your cat as overfeeding is dangerous. When cats put on too much weight, it leads to problems such as diabetes, heart- and joint disease.