Persian Cats and the Story of Squeaky

Persian cats have thick hair in three lengths and/or types. There is a long, sparse over-layer, thick, medium length hair, and a very dense under-layer that is very fine. All this hair mats up if not brushed regularly.

Persian cats have shortened skulls, giving a pushed-in nose appearance. Like many animals with this feature, they can have breathing troubles. Many Persians have noisy breathing, which is normal. However, if the cat's breathing gets noisy suddenly or becomes labored, check for congestion or obstructions. If either is present, seek veterinary attention. Gentle cleaning with a damp cloth may help temporarily.

The Persian personality is pretty laid-back most of the time. Because of their copious fur, they do not care to be held. They tolerate grooming fairly well, which is a plus. They make great "lions" when groomed in the spring. They make good parents and bask in attention. They can be very affectionate.

I was lucky enough to be adopted by one of these wonderful cats. I was gardening one day, and a cat came into the yard. He looked scraggly, but that did not concern me too much. He wasn't mine - yet. He wrapped his front legs around my ankle, bit my ankle lightly, stood on his hind legs and stretched up to my waist. He squeaked. I named him "Squeaky Wheel" because they get the grease. He moved in within the week, bringing a lot of mats and a gentle personality. My other cats tolerated him just fine.

At first, I tried to cut the mats off him because he was covered with four big mats: one for each side, one on his back and one on his belly. I did not have luck cutting the mats off because they were too close to the skin. I kept nipping him with the scissors. I finally gave in and took him to the groomer. When I got him back, he looked like a lion, with a tuft on his tail, tufts on his feet, and a great big mane. He looked gorgeous! I made a big fuss over him and he strutted around for hours. It became an annual tradition.

At the time Squeaky moved in, I had Oscar and Toni. I have yet to write Toni's story, but it will come. I got a dog shortly after Squeaky came, named Clio. She was a Lab-Rott-Terrier mix, stood about knee high and was really smart. I still miss her.

Squeaky tolerated everything very well. As my lifestyle changed, he adjusted, until he was the last cat along with Clio. When I would walk the dog, Squeaky would come along and keep right up with us. It didn't matter if I walked across the street, around the block or just to the end of the driveway. Squeaky came with. He was walking the dog, too.

Male Persian cats have another trait that is not well known. Their testicles do not drop together. It can take up to 12 months for the second testicle to drop. If the cat is neutered before it drops, it may never drop. This means that the cat has viable sperm and typical intact male behaviors for all his life, although "neutered." If you don't mind the behaviors, then don't worry about it. Squeaky had this condition, and one testicle was still in his abdomen. Even so, he was a wonderful cat. He was very affectionate, gentle and did not fight other cats often.

Apparently, his people moved away and left him. He probably didn't want to get in the car or carrier and couldn't be found when it was time to go. He was scraggly because he had been on his own for about a week. Yes, only a week. The Persian hair mats very quickly. He was hungry, but a gentleman at the food bowls. He was housebroken, never chased the other cats from their napping places, and appreciated scratches. His purr was very quiet, but his whole body vibrated.

I was never able to get a photo of Squeaky. He lives in my heart. He was truly orange, with no stripes or any other coloring. His nose was pushed back but not as far as the typical Persian in the ring. His eyes were clear and his love was true.

When I moved to another state, I had to leave him behind with a friend. I miss him, but I know he is well cared for. I also felt bad because he had been abandoned before. Squeaky taught me to not be afraid to move forward, while remembering where I came from.

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