Persian cats are popular cat breeds around the world. Their flat faces, stubby noses and distinct facial expressions have stolen the hearts of many.
Teacup Persian cats are small and can fit in the palm of your hand. But should you own one of these miniature cats?
This is controversial as Teacup Persian cats often experience various health problems due to their selective breeding.
If you’re committed to caring for one, you should know everything about them. So, let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- History Of Teacup Persian Cats
- Characteristics Of Teacup Persian Cats
- What Does A Teacup Persian Cat Look Like?
- Teacup Persian Cats Temperament
- Common Health Risks For Teacup Persian Cats
- How To Care For Your Teacup Persian?
- Is Breeding Teacup Persians Ethical?
- Teacup Persian Cats – Final Thoughts
History Of Teacup Persian Cats
Although Teacup Persian cats are miniature versions of full-sized Persian cats, they are not a breed per see.
All cat breeds are recognised by the International Cat Association (ICA), but Teacup Persians are not currently listed.
Teacup Persian cats only date back to the 19th century. These teacup-sized cats were thought to be bred in Britain in the 1870s to make a manageable version of a Persian cat. They were mainly for the aristocrats of that time who wanted a small, effortless pet that was still appealing.
The Teacup Persian cat did get recognition as a breed in 1993 from the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA), even though they are not technically considered a specific breed.
Like their larger version, Teacup Persians are prone to various diseases and have a lower lifespan. Their health problems are even more significant than the original Persian cats, but many countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom breed them for their popularity.
Characteristics Of Teacup Persian Cats
Characteristics include the Teacup Persian cats’ weight, height, fur growth, lifespan, personality, etc. A brief explanation of these features will help you determine if they are your ideal pet.
Height
Persian Teacup cats don’t grow very tall. Their height ranges from only six to seven inches up to their shoulder.
However, some can grow even taller depending on how many original Persian cat gene characteristics have passed.
Weight
Teacup Persian cats are adored for their small size, giving them a kitten-like appearance even when they grow up to be adults. They are two-thirds of the size of a standard Persian breed.
Depending on their body structure, they don’t tend to weigh more than 6 to 8 lbs.
Lifespan
You might think Teacup Persians don’t live long like other cat breeds because of health problems.
The standard lifespan of this breed is 13 to 14 years.
If owners take good care of their needs and health, Teacup Persian cats can live longer, and some can live up to 17 years.
Fur Growth
Like the common Persian cat breed, Teacup Persian cats have long, luscious fur coats covering their whole body.
All Persian cats shed their fur; you can read more about this here.
(Fun Fact: If you shave a Teacup Persian cat, its fur will grow in 10 to 12 weeks maximum.)
What Does A Teacup Persian Cat Look Like?
As you can guess, the Teacup Persian cat is famous for its adorable looks.
Like all tabby cats, you will see they have instantly recognisable “M” shaped markings on their head. Read more about tabby cats and their markings in this article.
The combinations are endless regarding the colour of their fur coat. The most expensive Teacup Persian cats usually have silver, golden, and chinchilla-like coloured fur coats.
Other attractive colours are also available, like cream, black, black-blue, smoky tortoiseshell, and smoky blue.
Teacup Persian cats have kitten-like facial features and are primarily similar to their regular-sized counterparts. They can either have the standard flat face or the more popular doll face.
Doll-face Teacup Persian cats are popular among people because of their adorable faces. Having fewer respiratory problems than the flat-face Teacup Persian is also advantageous.
However, to describe in one sentence, Teacup Persian cats are small, frail, and will fit in your hand.
Teacup Persian Cats Temperament
Teacup Persian cats are beautiful both on the outside and inside. They have a gentle, calm, and loving attitude. They love quiet naps and peaceful environments without much noise.
Furthermore, they like getting pets from children but refuse to be manhandled by them. So, teaching children how to hold cats is better because mishandling can be dangerous for the kids and the cat.
One thing you don’t need to worry about with Teacup Persians is that they don’t feel depressed or get separation anxiety when away from their owners. They love staying alone in their little bubble.
But vet trips and a long time away from the owners will stress your little fur buddy.
So, it is better to ask or hire someone to look after your Teacup Persian cat if you are on an extended vacation.
Common Health Risks For Teacup Persian Cats
Persians have genetic disorders passed to their miniature version, Teacup Persian cats.
But, as Teacup Persian cats are artificially bred to be smaller, their health problems increase. These health problems can be made worse due to inadequate care.
For instance, Teacup Persian cats are prone to bone and organ problems and more susceptible to other diseases than any different cat breed.
Before getting a Teacup Persian cat, you must know about these common health problems:
- Urinary Tract Problems
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common disease for 2% of all cats. So, Teacup Persian cats can also have this disease; however, they are affected more than others.
If you notice potty difficulties and pain reactions in your cat, change their diet by including more wet substances. If the problem extends further, contact a veterinarian.
- Renal Failure
Renal Failure is a hereditary disease in most Persian cats. About 33% of Persian cat breeds experience it, where cysts form in their kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
The condition can be cured if recognised at the initial stage; otherwise, the cysts will grow and burst and can lead to death.
- Respiratory Problems
Persian cats have flat faces, which make them prone to respiratory diseases. The most common respiratory problem is asthma. Teacup Persian cats experience more respiratory issues due to their small size and short nose. So, if they are wheezing or huffing, take them to the vet.
- Dental Problems
Teacup Persian cats have dental problems due to their small jaw, which is also common for larger Persian breeds. About 11% of them face dental issues due to improper teeth care, no teeth brushing, and not getting any treats for cleaning teeth. These issues are more common in male cats than female cats.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cats can also have severe heart diseases, which include Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). Vets commonly diagnose Teacup Persian cats with this cardiac illness. It thickens the heart’s muscular tissue, which leads to rapid heartbeat and increases oxygen use.
When the heart cells don’t receive enough oxygen, they die, causing arrhythmias.
HCM can also cause blood flow, pumping issues, and blood clotting in heart chambers and lungs. However, if the disease is caught in its early stages, with proper diagnosis, care, and medical treatment, Teacup Persian cats’ life expectancy and quality will improve for the better.
How To Care For Your Teacup Persian?
Teacup Persian cats are very hard to care for because they are a delicate cat breed.
Even with all the fur, Teacup Persian cats cannot control their body temperature like the standard Persian cats. They must always be in a warm environment to avoid getting a cold.
Moreover, Teacup Persian cats’ bones are fragile, making them prone to arthritis and risk of fractures.
You must spay or neuter (at the cost of about $50 to $300) them immediately because breeding them is a health risk, and microchipping (at the expense of about $20 to $30) is also an excellent way to keep track of your beloved pet.
Food And Eating Habits
You have to choose the best-balanced diet for your sweet Teacup Persian cat. They can gain weight quickly and become obese. This can increase the chances of having heart disease.
Using cat-safe natural ingredients can extend the lifespan and quality of your furry pet. You can make homemade cat food if you want to avoid giving kibble to your pet. Moreover, it will be gentler for their teeth as kibbles are sometimes hard for them to chew.
Adult kibble will be a proper diet and provide all the essential nutrients compared to kitten-specific food. Even if you decide to feed kibble, the size of it shouldn’t be large because it will be harder to eat. It is also not advised to feed “kibbles for kittens” because even when they look small, they are not technically kittens.
Grooming Needs
Cats are natural groomers. They love to lick themselves clean, so your Teacup Persian won’t need frequent baths unless they roll in the dirt.
The bright side is that you will save time and avoid inconvenience. However, your cat will need proper grooming now and then.
Teacup Persian cats have long fur that can get matted; brushing twice a week with a good quality fur brush removes extra hair and avoids hairballs. You can also take them to a groomer for extra pampering.
Persian cats will shed their fur like all cats, and you can read more about how to deal with this here.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is essential for everyone, even your pet Teacup Persian cat.
Physical activities help your pet stay healthy, avoid obesity, digest food better, and have a healthy heart. Regular exercise can also increase mobility, build muscle and improve bone health.
No one should let their cat become bored or dormant because it can lead to depression, stress, and anxiety. Half an hour of playtime can help your cat remain happy and healthy.
You can include the following accessories in their playtime routine:
You can also include other toys or activities to help your Teacup Persian cat.
Routine Health Check-Ups
Vet visits are essential for every pet, even if they don’t enjoy it. It is wise to schedule routine checkups to avoid any severe health problems.
Regular checkups help catch diseases at an early stage and help to cure them quickly.
Teacup Persian cats are more prone to health problems, so you must take them to the vet once a month. It is also essential to get your Teacup Persian cat vaccinated. Consult your veterinarian about the vaccines your pet must get to remain healthy.
Is Breeding Teacup Persians Ethical?
Many popular dog and cat breeds are the result of selective breeding. However selective breeding has been taking place for thousands of years, leading to the domestication of many animals. There is an ethical dilemma when it comes to selective breeding.
In some instances, selective breeding has become for aesthetic reasons. This is causing harmful mutations that may seem cute but are painful for the animal.
However, many ethical breeders don’t breed animals for profit and even oppose the unfit breeding of animals with more significant health risks. Many original dog and cat breeds only survive today due to selective breeding. So selective breeding has some bright sides too.
How to Choose Ethically?
If you want the best for your pet Teacup Persian cat, then it is better to look for one in a shelter and adopt. However, there are other ways to get a Teacup Persian ethically.
Remember, these cats can cost more than $1,000 and require additional expenditure due to higher than normal vet bills expected.
- Find a Reliable Breeder
Breeders play a vital role in a Teacup Persian cat’s general health. You should always check for reliable and ethical breeders and avoid backyard breeders.
You can quickly identify a breeder by their breeding process and the conditions the animals are bred in. However, a reliable breeder will cost you a few hundred bucks more.
- Check the Authenticity of the Breeder
Not all reliable breeders are authentic, which could lead you to Teacup Persian cats with serious yet undetected health problems.
High-quality cat breeders avoid breeding genetically risky cats to prevent the further spreading of the disease-causing gene(s).
They have more experience and will always provide a list of vaccinations and health tests before you plan to get a Teacup Persian.
- Take Note of the Vaccinations
When you have found a reliable and authentic breeder, ask about the kitten’s past and future required vaccinations. They will hand you a list of all the necessary details, which you can cross-check and verify.
- Ask About the Breed’s Parents
A Teacup Persian cat’s parent information can inform you about all the health risks and characteristics it has or is likely to have. Thus, if you want one, ask the breeder to see the parents first.
You should also ask for vaccination details along with any disease possibilities. If your breeder cannot answer immediately, ask to test for any health complications before settling with their kitten.
How Much Do Teacup Persian Cats Cost?
Buying a teacup Persian cat could cost $500 – $2000, depending on the breeder and the cat’s history.
Finding a cat that suits your requirements from a shelter is likely to be a low or even no-cost alternative to buying an expensive kitten and offers a cat another chance at finding a home.
On top of the initial cost of purchasing a teacup Persian, there are likely to be higher than normal vet bills and care costs due to the common health problems outlined above.
Teacup Persian Cats – Final Thoughts
Teacup Persian cats are adorable, no doubt about that. Their gentle, calm, and quiet nature, combined with their irresistibly cute looks, make them one of the best cats that every cat lover should consider getting.
However, it would help if you were also prepared that they will experience health problems more often than regular Persian cats.
We hope all the details in this article have helped you determine if Teacup Persian cats are the perfect cat breed for you. Try to take note of the financial and care factors when considering getting one.
If you are ready, research the breeders and provide all the love and care your pet needs to be healthy and happy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teacup Persians, also known as miniature Persians, are not a recognized breed by major cat associations. However, breeders claim they can weigh as little as 3 pounds, much smaller than the average Persian cat, which can weigh 7-12 pounds.
There is no scientific evidence that teacup Persian cats have a shorter lifespan than regular Persian cats. They can live for 12-17 years or more if properly cared for.
Teacup Persians are not a recognized breed by major cat associations. They are believed to result from breeding small-sized Persian cats, which can lead to potential health problems.
Teacup Persians are said to have similar personalities to regular Persian cats, known to be affectionate, calm, and friendly. They enjoy being around people and can be good lap cats.
Teacup cats, including Teacup Persians, can suffer health problems due to their small size. These can include respiratory problems, dental issues, and organ failure. Additionally, breeders of teacup cats may use unethical practices to achieve their small size, leading to other potential health issues.
Several cat breeds, including the Singapura, Munchkin, and Devon Rex, are naturally small. However, it’s important to remember that size can vary within a breed, and cats can grow larger or smaller than expected.
Teacup breeds, including Teacup Persians, can be unhealthy due to potential health problems associated with their small size. Additionally, breeders may use unethical practices to achieve their small size, leading to further health problems. Researching and choosing a reputable breeder is essential if considering a teacup breed.