Life expectancy varies due to the fragile nature of this breed, but it tends to range between 12 and 18 years.
Their physical characteristics make them a perfect indoor cat. In fact, their morphology does not allow them to breathe properly both when it is very hot or very cold. The abundant undercoat keeps them warm but gets tangled easily.
The placide and greedy nature of this feline means they can easily put on weight. The choice of food and how it is offered to the cat is vital in controlling their weight.
The Chinchilla Persian is predisposed to developing certain hereditary diseases:
- Polycystic kidney: cysts appear gradually and slowly on the kidneys, hindering their proper function. There is a screening test for this disease
- Idiopathic cystitis: this inflammation of the bladder is often observed in castrated males. There are many causes but often remains unidentified
- Urolithiasis (or urinary stones): usually appear after 7 years, mostly in sterilised animals and males
-Basal Cell Tumor: Mostly benign, these skin tumors are often located on the head and neck
-Sebaceous gland tumor: these benign skin tumors can be isolated or multiple
-Hypertrophic heart disease: heart disease characterised by thickening of the myocardium
-Pericardial-diaphragmatic hernia: anomaly of development of the diaphragm causing the passage of the abdominal organs in the pericardial cavity
-Progressive atrophy of the retina, which causes vision loss almost from birth
-Corneal sequestration (or necrosis of the cornea)
-Coloboma of the eyelids: malformation of the external part of the upper eyelids
-Entropion: malformation leading to the edge of the eyelid winding inwards
-Idiopathic epiphora: anomaly of tear secretion related to the shape of the Persian’s head
-Ringworm: Mycosis most often developing on the back or at the base of the tail causing ulcerated nodules
-Cryptorchidism, testicular monorchidism: no descent of either one or both testicles
-It can also develop the same diseases as any other cat, such as oral diseases.
From the age of 7, it is advisable to carefully monitor your cat’s health by having an annual checkup with the vet.
Females give birth to smaller litters than other breeds. In addition, farrowing must be supervised. Indeed, kittens with large skulls may cause difficulty at birth. Caesareans are quite common.
Reproduction of Chinchilla Persian is unusual. This is because the green colour of the eyes is recessive, meaning they can disappear if crossed with a Persian with blue or brass eyes for example. The colour of the coat may also become too light if the crosses are made only with a Chinchilla Persian.