Well i want to buy a persian cat, but everyone's telling me not to buy because it is unhealthy.?

Question

And it is unhealthy for women omsehow....it negatively affects pregnentsy....
So it is true or it;s just a myth?

Answer 1

there is a very good article on the web where you can read about if you have a cat and then become pregnant you CAN keep the cat.

http://cats.about.com/cs/catmanagement101/a/humanpregnancy.htm

the article also has info on toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that can infect your cat if she eats prey already harboring the parasite or comes into contact with contaminated soil. Toxoplasmosis is rare among indoor-only cats.

Many people naturally acquire an immunity to toxoplasmosis, and will not pass it on to their unborn child. Your doctor can test to see if you are in this group. Please read up on this article before you get your cat.

If you do decide to get a Persian please rescue one from a shelter as a opposed to buying one from a breeder. Also know that Persians need extra care with grooming due to their long hair. Pure bred cats from breeders usually have a history of being inbred and thus are more likely to be sickly.

Answer 2

It's generally a misconception that pregnant women shouldn't have cats around. It comes from the fact that toxoplasmosis can cause problems for the foetus - this is a disease humans can catch from tapeworms in the cat. So keep the cat regularly wormed and there won't be a problem! Also a good idea to wear plastic gloves when changing the litter tray. But toxoplasmosis is the only potential problem, and it's not hard to avoid. I've known plenty of pregnant women have cats, including my own sister, and I've never known of a problem.

As for persian cats themselves - well, they tend to not be the healthiest of breeds because of their squashed faces - they nearly always have problems breathing which can lead to other problems down the line. I would say they're a lot more delicate than your regular moggy! They also require a lot more maintenance - daily combing - and I mean daily because when their coats matt it's a nightmare - and often cleaning their little faces too because muck gets caught in all the creases and can become quite gross!

So it's up to you if you want a persian cat or not - there's absolutely no reason any cat should be a health risk especially if you just practice basic hygiene! There are sooo many old wives tales about cats around.

Chalice

Answer 3

Persians are extremely popular. With greater popularity comes a higher number of people breeding just to make money, not with concern for the health and temperament of the breed. Buying from a reputable breeder, or adopting from a rescue that has checked for health problems, will get you a healthier cat than buying from a pet store or the lady down the street who wanted to make kittens.

Unfortunately, the structure of the Persian has lead to some health problems, such as respiratory and nasal issues. They are also prone to hydrocephalus, which is what leads to elimination problems. Yes, Persians are known to have difficulty using the litter box regularly. I wouldn't call the breed unhealthy, but there are certainly hardier breeds around.

Your cat would need to have toxoplasmosis for you to be at risk while cleaning the litter pan. Cats get toxoplasmosis by coming in contact with the organism in infected soil outdoors or eating meat/an animal that is infected. People can also become infected with toxoplasmosis by gardening in infected soil or eating undercooked meat, especially pork. If your cat is indoors only, you shouldn't have a problem with toxo. I would think the bigger concern would be inhaling the dust from the litter. Wearing a mask while cleaning, using a low-dust litter, or having someone else clean the box should keep you and baby healthy.

Answer 4

Persians are bred to look a certain way. As a result they have other health issues.. including breathing problems - which make them more lazier..
they are well known for having poor bathroom habits (as are Himalayans)

the risk to pregnant women is very small and can be avoided by keeping the cat indoors only (they get the sickness from mice)

I would say you are best to adopt a cat or kitten from your local SPCA or shelter - you can get a nice long haird one for less $ than if you got a FREE kitten and did all the medical to it.. (vaccination, deworming, earmites etc.. spay/neuter)

NEVER NEVER NEVER buy from a pet store - you will pay TOO much for a low quality pet and they will LIE to you to get a sale.

Answer 5

I have a Persian and it is not unhealthy!! But do not let a pregnant women clean a litter box and defiantly use organic cat litter.

Answer 6

It is understandable that you would like to have a beautiful Persian. However, unless you are intending to enter it into shows, please don't buy. Two reasons, first, there are part Persians in the shelters [I wouldn't be surprised to find a pure bred, as fickle as people are] which are beautiful & need a home, second, buying encourages breeding, which is sad when so many wonderful animals are waiting in shelters or worse.

Answer 7

big time myth. the only POTENTIAL problem is if you are scooping the litter when you are pregnant your kid may have toxoplasmosis, that is only if your cat already has it. most cats don't. if your cat eats raw meat it is more likely to have it.

PLEASE adopt, you will be saving a life.

Answer 8

It has nothing to do with what kind of breed of cat you get. Pregnant women should not dispose of litter boxes because they can get toxoplasmosis.

Answer 9

in a way yes,if a pregnant woman cleans the litter box theres something in a cats feces thats toxic to her. she shouldnt come in contact with the contaminated litter.

Answer 10

If the cat has a very flat face, you are going to have medical issues with it. I have two and they are a nightmare. Nasal/sinus issues, eye issues,breathing issues.......the list goes on and on. At least make sure it does not have such a flat face that you are asking for trouble!