I have a wonderful story about my cat and his best friend, my house rabbit, a very small Netherland Dwarf bunny. Ten years ago, in an empty parking lot in Seattle, Washington, my son found a cat. He was malnourished, dirty, covered with sores, infested with fleas, and so ugly. He brought him home, and we took him to the vet. They groomed him and treated him. When we picked him up later that day, here was this beautiful white Persian with one blue eye and one gold eye. He got well and is the most beautiful, sweet, gentle animal.

I moved back to southern California 5 years later. Of course, Sinbad and my son stayed in Seattle to finish college. I found an apartment here, and the landlady (and soon-to-be best friend) was also an animal lover. But her animals of choice were Netherland Dwarf Rabbits.

Sinbad is a total house cat. When I introduced him to the bunnies, I didn't know if he would attack them or love them. I got a small female bunny and had her fixed. I was very watchful at first to see if Sinbad would be aggressive. Much to my surprise, they loved each other! They use the same litter box, sleep together, groom each other, play chase, and just sit still next to one another.

Sinbad weighs 20 lbs, and she is a small 2 lbs. He has had some life-threatening health problems, and I think just having her around has kept him alive. (He has cancer in the sinus cavity and has nose bleeds). The vet is surprised he is still alive and seems pain free. His estmated age is about 18 years. He has had several teeth removed, has to have shots of Depomedrol for allergies, and has arthritis. But every morning, the two of them play chase, bat toys around, and groom one another. He lays down, and she runs over him. He turns on his back, and she gets on his tummy. She hides, and he calls to her until she comes out of hiding. It is a wonder to me that these two animals (one at the top of the food chain and the other at the bottom of the food chain) love and enjoy each other. In this terrible time of hate and war, we could all learn from the animals.

Interested in starting a cattery this year? Now is a good time to begin your research. First it is a good idea to visit the CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) site at www.cfainc.org. They have a useful article about designing a cattery. Before you buy your first cats, you should read up on the written standards for the Persian breed at the CFA, ACFA (American Cat Fanciers Association) and TICA (The International Cat Association) sites.

The most important thing is to stay small. Keep only a number of cats for which you can easily care. Remember that you will probably also want to keep kittens from certain litters.

Go to as many shows as you can and see which cats are winning. Find a cattery that consistently produces a look that you like. Also, look at the other breeds. There could be a breed that you find more appealing and easier to work with than Persians.

If you are set on breeding quality Persians, then you need to choose your cats and breeder carefully. Ask questions and be prepared for a reputable breeder to ask as many questions of you. You will want to know about any health issues that may be present in the line and the longevity of the cats in that line. Find a breeder with which you are comfortable - one who is willing to mentor you and help you get your breeding program going in the right direction.