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Question: Advice on persian cats?

(Posted by: Irezumi Muzan on 2008-11-21 05:44:54)

I have a rescued Persian cat. We think he's somewhere around 10 years old but obviously know nothing about him other than he was starving when we got him and we had to have all but 4 of his teeth removed due to severe infection. He's got this thing, though, that when something makes him jump (like the dogs walking up behind him unexpectedly), he starts to cough. Is that normal? Could there be something the vet hasn't picked up on? Definitely not hissing. This is a real hacking cough. Like a heavy smoker first thing in the morning. I assume it's a defence mechanism but it seems like a strange one.

Posted by: aurorasreddawn on 2008-11-21, 07:54:19

Many times Persian cats have respiratory problems due to their little flat faces. I would take him to a vet and explain what he's doing. It's possible that he could be short of breath due to being startled. And given his age, it's not uncommon for respiratory problems to emerge. Good luck and that's so kind of you to rescue a Persian, they are such loving cats!

Posted by: IT'S A NEWFIE ALL-SKATE!! on 2008-11-21, 06:13:29

Persians have a lot of potential problems. I have two and they are both clearly from very bad breeding. They pretty much have no face at all. Both of mine have almost no teeth also. I have one that coughs quite a bit, but so far we have not been able to determine what the cause is. He has been tested and x-rayed and poked and prodded and the vets have not been able to figure out why he does this. He is only about 5. As long as the vet finds the cat healthy otherwise, it may not be a problem. 10 is getting up there for these guys, so make sure good vet care is pretty routine!!!