Four-month old persian princess steps on her poop a lot--Frustrated and Desperate mom needs help!

**long post** would appreciate your time to read**

I am in desperate need of help in finding solutions, ways, techniques, anything to solve my litter problem with my little princess, Layla, that I decided to join this forum hoping all you pros in caring for feline companions would be a HUGE help. 

Just little background: I am a newbie pet parent. Never had a pet before Layla, nor anybody I've lived with. I'm an only child and while growing up, my parents didn't introduce me or teach me anything about caring for a pet. No one in my family's a "pet person". Didn't ask for one but I have been very friendly to cats and dogs, and find them extremely adorable. Until last year when I had this longing for a furry friend. I wanted to take care and raise a kitten. Long story short, my boyfriend had been listening to my "cat talks", so last christmas he got me a persian kitten as a christmas present! 

First experience: We brought her home Dec. 22nd. She was a little shy at first, but when she became comfortable in her new home, she became very playful and got attached to us right away. She used her litter box right away that night we brought her home! I'm assuming she was trained at the pet shop. She had ONE accident, when I closed the bathroom (for me to use) second night, I thought she would already know how to scratch (to knock) on the door, so I'd know she wanted to use it. She decided to eliminate under my work desk on the carpet! Welcome! Lol

THE REAL PROBLEM: She steps on her poop. She is a smart kitty so I don't think she's slow to "pick up". She hasn't missed the box so I know she pretty much knows her routine. Does she have a leg problem? I'm starting to think her back legs are weak? But she runs and even jumps pretty high already (not sure if this is normal at this age), and does circus (jumps backwards! cute!) lol Or is this really a phase kittens go through??? What could be the problem?!!! She is white and so furry, so you could just imagine my horror the very first time it happened! .... and still, each time - - although I've sort of gotten used to it or already expects it! I have a 9-6 work hours and BF even works longer, so when I get home at around past 7, I always cross my fingers now hoping she doesn't have poopy paws. We are carpeted and she's left alone during the day (I had two full weeks with her when I was on holiday vacation-so it's not like she has anxiety or something<?>). So I would sometimes (thank god it's not literally every single day) come home, litter all over bathroom floor with poop crumbs, and her paws all brown with litters stuck on them! I feel very bad for feeling this, but I sometimes think of giving her to a new home already, afraid that I might not be able to take this any longer (believe me, I feel like sh*t having to say this, but I am being brutally honest here!). I really want to keep her but won't be fair to her if mommy is feeling frustrated to the point that she wanted to almost give her up.  The mess is unbearable. (Quick fact about myself: I am a super, OC, neat freak). But I really have fallen in love with her already and she is SO sweet to me. She sleeps with me on the bed; and she first slept above my head on her THIRD night with us! Very affectionate and she is the sweetest, but she is deceiving because she gets REALLY feisty and SUPER stubborn. I have to always rinse her paws (wiping with wet cloth doesn't work -- lots of litter get left behind, stuck in the middle of her toes, and stool stain is hard to just wipe off). I started with a big measuring cup --- filled it with water each time and DIP her paws. Now, I've learned to just get her straight in the sink. Our rinsing time is never easy. She HATES being rinsed. She gets really evil about it and this task alone, whenever she soils herself, takes us more than half an hour! Then I'll clean the floor, scoop, vacuum, disinfect, wipe her off, every single time. I spend an hour or so whenever this happens, and there were several times it happened in less than 12 hours! Sometimes she gets it right. But mostly not. 

It even happens in the middle of the night. Good thing I catch her before jumping back on the bed. Although not always, because it already happened when we were sleeping and just felt her stepped on my arm, crossing the bed using my BF and I as her bridge, and the smell and stool from paws so close on our faces

....or sometimes she'd run across the room when she already knows it rinsing time. 

SOLUTION #1: 

I've read a ton of forum discussions and online articles, and a lot have said to get a new, wider litter box. The first one we had was an uncovered, very average size tray. Spacious litter box, I've read, would give her more space to turn around and step forward. I set it up yesterday. Messy situation happened three times yesterday. I just cleaned the whole day yesterday.

What made it worst is that I'm trying to switch her to wet food diet so I have been giving her wet food, but still mix with the dry in between as "snacks". So, yesterday, new box. great! Thought it would be my last night to be cleaning her paws ( I don't mind vacuuming litter particles --- she digs like a mad girl!). What happened? She went in, did her business, stepped on it, came out, I washed her, came back in after just few minutes WHILE paws and furr were STILL wet (of course she's stubborn and doesn't even want me to gently towel dry her --would run away from me as if she doesn't like me at all), and TADA! Wet paws, stepping inside the box, with wet poopy, sprinkled with litter!!!!!  It was a nightmare. Always is, actually. You could just imagine the mess --- for a neat freak like me, it's unbearable (all poop stains on our pillows, carpet, bathroom floor and rugs, etc. )

The nature of my job is very exhausting. I hate to say it but I really don't want to do this cycle anymore; especially at 3 in the morning, and then go to a meeting at 8. I don't want to sound like a complainer, but I am opening myself up  in the hopes of getting good advice with no judgement. I really don't want to give her up. But I'm afraid I may if it doesn't get any better. We only have one bathroom in a 1BR apt, and being in NYC,  we really don't have a different room where we can buy or make our own EXTRA HUGE litter box (I don't even know if the box space is the problem). 

Oh, and also, I hate that she'd get her white furr all brown-stained, hence my need to always give her a rinse instead of just wiping with wet warm cloth. 

PLEASE, all you cat pros out there. Please tell me what to do. Would she grow out of this? I love her, I really do. We have bonded a lot in a month. This is why I'm thinking, instead of badly breaking her and my heart in the long run, I'd just give her up sooner that it wouldn't probably hurt us way too bad :-( 

Is this just a phase? Should I expect this to change in the next couple of months? 

I plan on getting her spayed by March when she turns six months. I'm afraid that if she would still be getting in trouble with soiling her paws with her stool by March, it might be a hell of a lot worse when she comes back home from surgery. 

I'd really love to hear and would appreciate your thoughts on this. And any experiences the same as this with a white long-haired cat too would really help me a lot. 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING! 

P.S. That is her on my avatar. 

First, if her poop is the proper texture, it shouldn't stick too much even if she does step in it. So does she have runny poop? Or not quite runny, just mushy? It should look like logs coming out, fairly firm (haha, only new parents and pet owners talk about poop so much! XD). If it's runny, you should take her to the vet to find the reason. She should get a vet checkup anyway; all new pets should see a vet in the first week, plus pet shop animals are frequently from very bad breeders and she may not have had the best start in life.

After that's taken care of, yes, she should outgrow it, and probably soon. More coordination means less mess. But Persians need tons of grooming throughout their entire lives, though, so she really needs to get used to baths and combing now or you're going to have a war when she gets older .

Also, what food and what litter are you using?

You might want to consider getting her spayed sooner. I have had kittens go into heat at 4 months, and you definitely want it done before she goes into heat! Although I hear a lot of Persians are slower to mature.

I agree with Willowy. The texture of a normal stool shouldn't cause such a mess. If I accidentally bump it with the litter scoop it doesn't smoosh onto the scoop or anything. I would get her a vet check up to look for any GI issues or maybe she needs a diet change.

Considering you talking about being a neat freak & the OCD you have, I am not sure that a Persian was the best choice of kitten for you.  Having had one and having a partial one now, if they don't have poop on their feet they generally have it around their behinds.  Hair is so long that everything catches.  Goes with the territory.  And  Willowy is right, they are high maintenance so she might as well get used to baths now.  We always just kept her behind, as we do with the one we have now. clipped real close or even shaved to avoid stuff getting caught in it.  You are right, nothing like waking in the middle of the night to the aroma of poop stuck on them somewhere.  But my dear I think you are going to drive yourself crazy trying to keep her feet so meticulously clean......I doubt that you will ever keep all the litter out from between her little toes.  Unlike some other domestic  breeds of cats, they have what I call pajama feet.....that is lots and lots of hair tufts on their feet and betwen their toes which just attracts things.  And Willowy is right, pet store kitties often come from less than ideal beginnings - from kitty mills so she might have a multitude of things that could cause her to have soft or runny poop if she does.  I have lots of kitties and have never had a problem with it sticking unless it was very soft or runny......or what they call pancake consistency. I concur with Willowy about getting her checked out but Persians require a lot of work.....especially grooming.  Most of them if not groomed every day develop hair mats and that can be really bad and painful for them.  You should probably find a good groomer right at the start.  Don't mean to sound like doom and gloom but they are a high maintenance cat.  Having said that though, they are one of the sweetest, most lovable of all the breeds and will bring you much joy and happiness for your trouble.      

Willowy said:

First, if her poop is the proper texture, it shouldn't stick too much even if she does step in it. So does she have runny poop? Or not quite runny, just mushy? It should look like logs coming out, fairly firm (haha, only new parents and pet owners talk about poop so much! XD). If it's runny, you should take her to the vet to find the reason. She should get a vet checkup anyway; all new pets should see a vet in the first week, plus pet shop animals are frequently from very bad breeders and she may not have had the best start in life.

After that's taken care of, yes, she should outgrow it, and probably soon. More coordination means less mess. But Persians need tons of grooming throughout their entire lives, though, so she really needs to get used to baths and combing now or you're going to have a war when she gets older

.

Also, what food and what litter are you using?

You might want to consider getting her spayed sooner. I have had kittens go into heat at 4 months, and you definitely want it done before she goes into heat! Although I hear a lot of Persians are slower to mature.

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Hi Willowy --- thanks!

It's between mushy and runny! There had times though when they were firm. 

We brought to the vet December 29, and took advantage of the pet shop's complimentary check up at the vet clinic they're affiliated with. Vet who checked her said she was fine and healthy. 

Actually, my BF and I think that she wasn't being properly taken care of. She wasn't on display when we got her, the snotty pet shop owner just said he has more kittens IN THE BASEMENT! And he would only bring them up if we're guaranteed buyers. We feel glad that we took her because we think we saved her from that mean pet shop owner. And who knows what's going on in that basement! 

Should I take her again for a second visit? I'm contemplating on bringing her next Saturday, but she was out couple of times already in one month (vet and groomer) it might stress her out.... no??? 

Started on Eukanuba kitten - chicken (that's what they gave us at the shop), then base on reading too much kitten info, I've read a lot that Royal Canin Kitten 36 is a better dry food, then read too much info again, and most cat owners say wet food diet is healthier, so I went ahead and started Fancy Feast turkey, she hates it, so I discontinued -- then I bought Innova and EVO. She loves Innova -- started it last Thursday and she finishes it each time.

Does this mean it's my fault? Too much food change in one month??? I only want the best for her  

Now I'm looking at Weruva because it's totally grain-free. All these info are so overwhelming for me --- which food is better which litter is better, etc.

Yes, she might get spayed sooner --- but I'll see what the vet has to say when I bring her back. I believe she needs to get a blood test done and a few more vaccines before she gets spayed. 

Michalann65 said:

Considering you talking about being a neat freak & the OCD you have, I am not sure that a Persian was the best choice of kitten for you.  Having had one and having a partial one now, if they don't have poop on their feet they generally have it around their behinds.  Hair is so long that everything catches.  Goes with the territory.  And  Willowy is right, they are high maintenance so she might as well get used to baths now.  We always just kept her behind, as we do with the one we have now. clipped real close or even shaved to avoid stuff getting caught in it.  You are right, nothing like waking in the middle of the night to the aroma of poop stuck on them somewhere.  But my dear I think you are going to drive yourself crazy trying to keep her feet so meticulously clean......I doubt that you will ever keep all the litter out from between her little toes.  Unlike some other domestic  breeds of cats, they have what I call pajama feet.....that is lots and lots of hair tufts on their feet and betwen their toes which just attracts things.  And Willowy is right, pet store kitties often come from less than ideal beginnings - from kitty mills so she might have a multitude of things that could cause her to have soft or runny poop if she does.  I have lots of kitties and have never had a problem with it sticking unless it was very soft or runny......or what they call pancake consistency. I concur with Willowy about getting her checked out but Persians require a lot of work.....especially grooming.  Most of them if not groomed every day develop hair mats and that can be really bad and painful for them.  You should probably find a good groomer right at the start.  Don't mean to sound like doom and gloom but they are a high maintenance cat.  Having said that though, they are one of the sweetest, most lovable of all the breeds and will bring you much joy and happiness for your trouble.      

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Hi! Thank you! 

It does drive me crazy  - the mess. But I can't ever get mad at her -- I'm sure she doesn't like the dirtiness either. 

I don't mind wiping her behind using cat wipes. It's not as hard at all as when she's being rinsed. And yes, you are right, the white long hair catches everything, so when I brought her the first time to see a vet, we had them shaved her behind. 

Yes, we actually do think she wasn't in good condition while she was living in that pet store. And being a pet store in NYC, I think these business owners just take without checking the breeder's background thoroughly, and sell for a very high price. It is not right at all. This is why, as I mentioned in reply to WIllowy, we were glad we got her and took her away from that horrible store. 

Her hair is fuzzy and sheds a lot. She is indeed high maintenance. But I would take that any day, and would even pay a groomer (we already brought her for the first time - Jan. 5th), over really dirty, poopy paws :-( 

Willowy said:

First, if her poop is the proper texture, it shouldn't stick too much even if she does step in it. So does she have runny poop? Or not quite runny, just mushy? It should look like logs coming out, fairly firm (haha, only new parents and pet owners talk about poop so much! XD). If it's runny, you should take her to the vet to find the reason. She should get a vet checkup anyway; all new pets should see a vet in the first week, plus pet shop animals are frequently from very bad breeders and she may not have had the best start in life.

After that's taken care of, yes, she should outgrow it, and probably soon. More coordination means less mess. But Persians need tons of grooming throughout their entire lives, though, so she really needs to get used to baths and combing now or you're going to have a war when she gets older

.

Also, what food and what litter are you using?

You might want to consider getting her spayed sooner. I have had kittens go into heat at 4 months, and you definitely want it done before she goes into heat! Although I hear a lot of Persians are slower to mature.

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BTW, litter is Ever Clean Extra Strength Cat Litter

Had Precious Cat Ultra Premium Clumping Cat Litter ---- but then again, with all these, not sure which one is really the best, hence the change.

smitten4kittens said:

I agree with Willowy. The texture of a normal stool shouldn't cause such a mess. If I accidentally bump it with the litter scoop it doesn't smoosh onto the scoop or anything. I would get her a vet check up to look for any GI issues or maybe she needs a diet change.

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I do look forward to bringing her again for a check up. 

I just really hope this doesn't go on any longer. 

This is not uncommon for a Persian.  This is why a lot opt for a "sanitary clip" at the groomers.  Basically they shave the bum and back legs area so poop won't stick as much or as badly.  That way, it's easier for you to clean them without it being a big ordeal. 

Persian's are high maintenance.  I have 2.  They require grooming and all sorts of stuff.  You may take her to the groomers and just ask for a lion cut which is what a lot do with this breed.  They are prone to mats if not groomed everyday, sometimes twice. 

Also, have her checked for PKD and have her screened at your vet.  For her runny eyes, you can buy some stuff called "Angel Eyes" that helps a lot.

But, Persians are also prone to being somewhat clumsy in the bathroom department.  And she is young so a sanitary clip or lion cut at this point is the way to go.   

P3 and The King said:

This is not uncommon for a Persian.  This is why a lot opt for a "sanitary clip" at the groomers.  Basically they shave the bum and back legs area so poop won't stick as much or as badly.  That way, it's easier for you to clean them without it being a big ordeal. 

Persian's are high maintenance.  I have 2.  They require grooming and all sorts of stuff.  You may take her to the groomers and just ask for a lion cut which is what a lot do with this breed.  They are prone to mats if not groomed everyday, sometimes twice. 

Also, have her checked for PKD and have her screened at your vet.  For her runny eyes, you can buy some stuff called "Angel Eyes" that helps a lot.

But, Persians are also prone to being somewhat clumsy in the bathroom department.  And she is young so a sanitary clip or lion cut at this point is the way to go.   

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Thanks, P3.

I already her bum haved. As I've said in my recent responses, I have no problem wiping her bum, I'd rather wipe than go through this whole struggling process (so stressful for both of us) of washing her paws. 

I don't think I'd get her a lion cut now that it's still very cold. Don't they need their fur to protect them from cold weather; but I am, definitely considering doing that around Spring. 

What food do they eat?? 

I am noticing how my Layla is really loving this Innova. She licks her dish and finishes all the time, compare to when I tried giving her Fancy Feast Turkey-flavored. 

Am I on the right track with food? 

TYPO *** her bum shaved, I mean ^^^

She doesn't look much like a Persian, but pet shops will often call any long hair a Persian. If she has any Persian in her she needs to be health tested for PKD, since byb's that sell to pet shops don't do any testing. Reputable breeders don't sell to pet shops and in most countries aren't allowed to, pet shops are well aware their animals come from mills, but they don't care. And people always buy them, so it's supply and demand. Long term health is not their concern. 

How old is she? 

Young kittens shouldn't have clumping litter, and especially in this case where she can easily ingest it. 

I would definitely  get another vets opinion and full check up.  definitely. 

None of the Persian breeders I know shave their cats or have kittens covered in poop, so i wouldn't say as a breed they are clumsy in the litter tray. It depends how they are raised.

missymotus said:

She doesn't look much like a Persian, but pet shops will often call any long hair a Persian. If she has any Persian in her she needs to be health tested for PKD, since byb's that sell to pet shops don't do any testing. Reputable breeders don't sell to pet shops and in most countries aren't allowed to, pet shops are well aware their animals come from mills, but they don't care. And people always buy them, so it's supply and demand. Long term health is not their concern. 

How old is she? 

Young kittens shouldn't have clumping litter, and especially in this case where she can easily ingest it. 

I would definitely  get another vets opinion and full check up.  definitely. 

None of the Persian breeders I know shave their cats or have kittens covered in poop, so i wouldn't say as a breed they are clumsy in the litter tray. It depends how they are raised. 0 

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Hi, thank you. 

She is four month-old. 

I do notice and have compared some photos of persians to her. I have seen some that look like her, and some don't look like her at all. So, I don't know. But according to her papers and first vet visit, she is. 

To be honest, we do not know if she was a product of a mill. I don't think they would disclose that either. So, it's not like we knew and condone mill-product pets. But either way, we would still saved her and taken her away from the pet shop. So, to me, it doesn't matter at all now if she is pure-bred or not. I just really want to find out if accidentally stepping on poop is a phase some kittens really have go through because she is really technically a baby, or what. I just want to resolve the issue whether she is pure-bred or not. 

missymotus said:

She doesn't look much like a Persian, but pet shops will often call any long hair a Persian. If she has any Persian in her she needs to be health tested for PKD, since byb's that sell to pet shops don't do any testing. Reputable breeders don't sell to pet shops and in most countries aren't allowed to, pet shops are well aware their animals come from mills, but they don't care. And people always buy them, so it's supply and demand. Long term health is not their concern. 

How old is she? 

Young kittens shouldn't have clumping litter, and especially in this case where she can easily ingest it. 

I would definitely  get another vets opinion and full check up.  definitely. 

None of the Persian breeders I know shave their cats or have kittens covered in poop, so i wouldn't say as a breed they are clumsy in the litter tray. It depends how they are raised.

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I disagree with you here.  She is obviously a Persian... A doll faced.  Not show or breeding quality but she does have Persian in her.  This is typical for a "pet shop" Persian. 

A lion cut would be OK because she is indoors and as long as you have a heater, she should be fine.  Persians will eat just about any food you give them.  Innova is a much better quality food so yes, you are on the right track here. 

I was once the proud owner of a pure golden Persian and oh wow was he more work than I imagined when I adopted him.   I learned in time, but it was quite a process.    Klnyc07, definitely definitely definitely the problem is that your kitten is having GI trouble.   Normal poop does not stick to their paws even if they step right on it while burying it.    Worst case should be a little formed ball of it gets stuck in the britches and you just pull it off.    Now diarrhea stuck in fluffy britches is misery and requires an immediate bath.    

It sounds like you are doing a lot of frequent food changes that alone can cause diarrhea.    When switching to a new food it must be introduced gradually over at least a week mixed into the old food.   1/8 new and 7/8 old the first day, 2/8 new 6/8 old the second etc. until you have her transitioned over.    You may even need to switch your kitten over to a prescription diet for a little while to resolve the diarrhea (that switch you don't do slow) - Hills w/d is great for this and Royal Canin also makes a high fiber food that helped stabilize my kitty with mild IBD.    Then once she's stable you can very gradually switch her to a high quality non-prescrip food.   

General Persian tips:

- get a daily routine where you brush her all over, taking about 5 minutes total with lots of treats and praise

- if she still tends to mat getting a lion cut twice a year will keep her fur manageable and getting her used to having this done early is a blessing for her because it won't be scary later on

- any time before she takes antibiotics get the sanitary shave done because of the high risk of diarrhea side effects

- make brushing her teeth part of her fur brushing routine, Persians tend to have dental issues; this can be a positive thing too if you gently train her to accept it with tasty CET toothpaste

- this might be controversial, but you could try a crystal type litter - I didn't find it necessary though; there's one at my Petco that claims to be especially helpful for long haired cats

Don't give up, good luck!

Bastfriend said:

I was once the proud owner of a pure golden Persian and oh wow was he more work than I imagined when I adopted him.   I learned in time, but it was quite a process.    Klnyc07, definitely definitely definitely the problem is that your kitten is having GI trouble.   Normal poop does not stick to their paws even if they step right on it while burying it.    Worst case should be a little formed ball of it gets stuck in the britches and you just pull it off.    Now diarrhea stuck in fluffy britches is misery and requires an immediate bath.    

It sounds like you are doing a lot of frequent food changes that alone can cause diarrhea.    When switching to a new food it must be introduced gradually over at least a week mixed into the old food.   1/8 new and 7/8 old the first day, 2/8 new 6/8 old the second etc. until you have her transitioned over.    You may even need to switch your kitten over to a prescription diet for a little while to resolve the diarrhea (that switch you don't do slow) - Hills w/d is great for this and Royal Canin also makes a high fiber food that helped stabilize my kitty with mild IBD.    Then once she's stable you can very gradually switch her to a high quality non-prescrip food.   

General Persian tips:

- get a daily routine where you brush her all over, taking about 5 minutes total with lots of treats and praise

- if she still tends to mat getting a lion cut twice a year will keep her fur manageable and getting her used to having this done early is a blessing for her because it won't be scary later on

- any time before she takes antibiotics get the sanitary shave done because of the high risk of diarrhea side effects

- make brushing her teeth part of her fur brushing routine, Persians tend to have dental issues; this can be a positive thing too if you gently train her to accept it with tasty CET toothpaste

- this might be controversial, but you could try a crystal type litter - I didn't find it necessary though; there's one at my Petco that claims to be especially helpful for long haired cats

Don't give up, good luck!

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Thank you so much! Lots of important info you've mentioned there. 

I have already made an appointment on Saturday to have her checked. I am also going to have her stool checked. I am really hoping it firms up soon; because you are all right, that it shouldn't stain her/stick to her too much if it wasn't soft/mushy. 

I was in the process of trial and error on her food, hence the frequent change within the few past weeks. But now I am pretty sure this'd be the last time as I have finally got what she likes (Innova). What I have been doing now is feed her wet in the morning, leave enough dry for to nibble on until I get back from work, then wet again for dinner. Am I doing it right??? They're not measured though, but I think the mix of what she was used to (dry) and wet food would help in transition. She is eating Royal Canin Kitten 36 in between her "full" canned meals. 

- She DOES NOT like the treat I got her (Temptations Creamy Dairy) ! What brand of treats are good? She is not very impressed with this Temptations's Creamy Dairy flavor

- She doesn't get mats (just yet), thank god! I use Furminator on her but even with combing she gets very stubborn

- Layla barely has teeth (4 months). They're super tiny (but very sharp and it does quite hurt when she play-bite).  What age should I start brushing her teeth? 

Furminators aren't great for longhaired cats---they cut the fur, and really only skim the surface. You need a good metal comb. She still has her kitten fur now, so it probably won't mat for awhile. But you still need to comb her every day so she gets used to it. Lots of treats, no pulling on tangles, etc.---make it as enjoyable as possible.

Same with brushing her teeth. . .it might not do any good to brush baby teeth that are just going to fall out, but she needs to get used to it.

Kittens should be fed as much as they want. Leaving dry food available all the time and giving canned food 2-3 times a day is good at her age. Around a year old you'll want to restrict her intake so she doesn't get fat,but for now she needs all the calories she can get.

Treats. . .aren't really necessary, and the ingredients are usually crummy. Small bits of meat or cheese would be OK, if you want to give store-bought treats you can find freeze-dried meat treats, usually chicken or liver. Sometimes they're in the dog section, but as long as the only ingredient is freeze-dried meat that's the right stuff.

LOL, I just realized I said to give her treats for letting you comb her, and then said treats aren't necessary XD. I meant that store-bought treats aren't necessary. . .:tongue2:.

She-is-not-a-Persian-and-she-is-not-a-doll-face-Persian,the-head-is-wrong,even-the-doll-face-Persian,has-the-wider-head,like-the-Persian,lol.

No-pet-shop,is-going-to-have-a-registered-Persian.

If-you-didn't-pay-alot,of-money-for-her-and-you-weren't-given-registration-papers,she-is-just-a-domestic-LH-kitten,which-is-what-she-looks-like,lol,and-the-pet-shop-called-her-a-Persian,to-sell-her.Even-the-coat-is-wrong,for-a-Persian,doll-face-or-not.Either-way,it-doesn't-matter,lol,your-not-looking-to-show-her.

I-can-put-you-in-touch-with-several-Persian-breeders,in-the-New-York-state-area,I-got-contacts-all-over,if-you-are-interested.

Kittens-have-very-sensative-little-systems,constant-changing-of-food,with-give-them-diarea-or-soft-stools.They-should-also-be-on-kitten-food,not-adult-food,that-will-upset-their-little-systems-too.

Feeding-a-kitten-food-with-grains-and-by-products-and-glutens,will-also-give-them-upset-tummies.Royal-Canin,is-full-of-them.

I-feed-Blue-Wilderness,its-by-Blue-Buffalo.

I-highly-recommend,you-do-not-go-back-to-the-vet,that-was-recommended,by-the-pet-store,about-a-zillion-reason-why,which-I-don't-have-time-to-type.

I-can-find-you-a-vet,a-good-vet-in-the-NYC-area,I-got-contacts-all-over,lol,if-you-want.

She-should-be-taken-to-a-good-vet,given-an-x-ray,it-will-most-likely-show,she-has-intestional-upset,and-put-on-Metronidazole,then-put-on-one-good-quality,grain-free,by-product-free,gluten-free-kitten-food.

Make-sure-she-has-a-large-and-deep-cat-box,and-not-a-hooded-one,that-is-bedded-deep,with-scoopable-litter,I-use-Cats-Pride,in-the-jug.

You-will-need-to-teach-her-to-be-combed-every-day,that-will-eliminate-matts-that-LH-kitties-get,and-if-you-get-her-on-a-good-quality-kitten-food,that-will-eliminate,the-messy-feet-and-messy-bee-hind.

Mine-are-show-kittens,they-cannot-have-matts,they-cannot-have-messy-bee-hinds,and-they-cannot-have-a-shaved-bee-hind,lol.Its-just-learning-how-to-groom-a-LH-kitten,lol.

Sorry-you-are-going-thru-all-this,but-she-sure-is-a-cute-little-kitten,and-glad-you-and-your-bf-got-her,you-rescued-her.((((((((BIG-HUGS))))))))

Here-is-a-good-site-to-read.

http://catinfo.org/

CFA-Persians.

http://www.cfainc.org/client/breedPersian.aspx

CFA-Persian-breeders.

http://www.persianbc.org/

Hmm, the pet store here WILL order registered kittens (goodness knows where they get them), so I won't say that pet stores never sell registered kittens, but considering the situation I doubt she is registered. Either way, a lot of the advice here is applicable to longhairs of all types .