cataract Urinary – calcium oxalate urolithiasis (feline lower urinary tract disease) Reproductive – cryptorchidism Gastrointestinal – congenital portosystemic shunt, congenital polycystic liver disease (associated with PKD) Cardiovascular – peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia Immunological – systemic lupus erythematosus Neurological – alpha-mannosidosis Neoplastic – basal-cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland tumours Excessive tearing Eye condition such as cherry eye Heat sensitivity Predisposition to ringworm, a fungal infection Although these health issues are common, many Persians do not exhibit any of these problems. Health and ethics Persian cats, known for their facial structure, raise concerns about the ethics of breeding for certain deformities. Brachycephaly is a highly sought-after characteristic producing big owl-like eyes and an overall petite looking face. Though these features may be "cuter", it results in many health issues including ill-functioning nasolacrimal systems where tears buildup and flow down the face, a soft and long palate that obstructs the upper airway making breathing more difficult, and dental and jaw defects (brachygnathia) where the teeth grow outwardly in unnatural positions, making it difficult to eat and increasing the chance of plaque formation gingivitis. Such health issues affect the quality of life of many Persian cats, especially those that fall into the severe category, and raise questions about the ethics and legality of these deformity breeding programs. Grooming Since Persian cats have long, dense fur that they cannot effectively keep clean, they need regular grooming to prevent matting. To keep their fur in its best condition, they must be brushed frequently. An alternative is to shave the coat. Their eyes may require regular cleaning to prevent crust buildup and tear staining. Persian cats in art The art world and its patrons have long embraced their love for the Persian cat by immortalizing them in art. A 6-by-8.5-foot artwork that is purported to be the "world's largest cat painting" sold at auction for more than $820,000. The late 19th-century oil portrait is called My Wife's Lovers, and it once belonged to a wealthy philanthropist who commissioned an artist to paint her vast assortment of Turkish Angoras and Persians. Other popular Persian paintings include White Persian Cat by famous folk artist Warren Kimble and Two White Persian Cats Looking into a Goldfish Bowl by late feline portraitist Arthur Heyer. The beloved Persian cat has made its way onto the artwork of stamps around the world. References External links Breed Profile: Persian Cat breeds Persian mythology Cat breeds originating