Persian vs Oriental Bicolour - 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.

Oriental Bicolour cats owe their origins to Lindajean Grillo of Ciara Cattery. The cats hail from the United States. It was in 1979 that Grillo paired a Siamese and bicolored American Shorthair, selecting the best bicolored offspring to mate again with Siamese or Orientals.

This particular variety was granted recognition in 1983 by TICA. It was during the 1980s that European breeders started their own Oriental bicolor breeding lines. The first modern Oriental Bicolours were imported to the UK during 2004.

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.

These cats with a triangular-shaped head and slender, long body have a fairly thin tail. The ears are widely set and are large. The eyes are green, but blue with the colorpoint varieties.

The coat is short, close-lying and sleek while the coat of the long-haired variety is fine and silky with no thick undercoat. The tail forms a plume. The coat is mostly white and the other part of the coat can be in any other color. You’ll always see quite a bit of white around the legs.

Temperament:

These cats are suited for singles, couples, families, and seniors - in fact, anyone still active enough to provide this cat with lots of attention.

These vibrant cats are known for their social, friendly and loving personality. They are intelligent, inquisitive, active cats that need to have plenty of interaction with their human family members. They love their human family and love to hold conversations with them.

They're entertaining too, and love nothing more to ve the center of attention. They're so into their human family that you may even have him waiting patiently for you to come home fro work. He shouldn't be left alone for hours on end and should rather have a pet friend to keep him company during the day.

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 Oriental Bicolor is such a wonderful pet to have. They are intelligent, entertaining, loving, active, playful, and inquisitive.

They’re also athletic and energetic. These cats have got all the characteristics you want in a good friend. They make a fantastic companion to people who are active and happy. They’re also very vocal and have a lot to say to their human family.

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.

Any cat can develop health problems. Even kittens that come with a certificate of health can develop illnesses that you never thought possible.

Orientals are generally healthy cats, but the health issues that may affect the Oriental are similar to that of the Siamese cat.

One of these is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is a genetic eye problem that can lead to blindness. Another disease to look out for is Asthma. The Siamese is susceptible to this disease which means your Oriental Bicolor will also be. You will have to get your furry friend to the vet who may precribe anti-inflammatory drugs.

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.

The Oriental Bicolor will require a brushing once a week. A good idea is to also take a warm, damp cloth and to wipe your cat down. It’s an excellent way to rid your cat of loose hairs as well as dust. The cat has a sparse coat, so brush him gently.

Other grooming requires nail clipping and checking inside his ears. If you clean his ears, be careful not to go deep into the ear. It is precisely why so many cat owners take their cat to the pet groomers where they can do these things professionally.

It’s very important to keep your Bicolor’s litter box spotlessly clean because like most cats, they won’t use their litterbox if it’s still got yesterday’s feces in it. It needs to be cleaned every day.

The Oriental’s diet is much like that of other cats – it has to be meaty. You can’t afford to not understand your feline pet’s dietary needs. Cats are carnivorous and they need commercial cat food that will be equal to fresh meat that they would normally find in the wild.

They need foods high in protein but they will still need some carbohydrates, amino acids, and vitamins, and minerals. Always go for the best quality pet cat foods because by buying the poorer quality ones you put your cat at risk of developing health problems. Never ever leave your cat without a constant supply of fresh, cool drinking water.

Supply your cat with all the things that make it a pleasure to have a cat. You don’t want to bring your pet home and only then start looking for things to make him at home. He’ll need food and water bowls, a nice warm, soft bed, a litter box, grooming accessories, collar, toys climbing tree and scratching pole.

Have your pet neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted kittens.

Make sure he is taken to the vet when ill. You shouldn't own a pet if you can't afford to pay vet fees. There are some cat illnesses that can make your cat very sick and uncomfortable. He should have his vaccines and also be treated for parasites.