Atchoum is a 1-year-old Persian kitty from Quebec, Canada. His extreme furriness is the result of a rare hormonal condition never-before seen in cats called hypertrichosis, also known as "werewolf syndrome." Hypertrichosis causes fast and continual hair growth and thickening of the claws, but that's not stopping Atchoum from world domination.

Every living thing on Earth, from ladybugs to whales, has something about their appearance that's unique only to them. Atchoum is a Persian cat with a very, very special something. In fact, when you look at him you may not even realize at first what he actually is – and that's okay, because you've probably never seen anything like it before.

Atchoum is the first cat to ever be diagnosed with hypertrichosis, a hormonal condition that causes his hair to grow out uncontrollably. It's also called 'werewolf syndrome', and you're about to see why. Meet Atchoum. He's the only cat in the world to have Hypertrichosis – aka "werewolf syndrome".

Fortunately, Atchoum's owner is a pet groomer. But she never cuts too much. She prefers to let him be his own special self. The condition is thankfully mostly harmless. But it causes Atchoum to have a rather unique appearance. Just look at this little guy! Despite not being the most photogenic of cats, he loves to pose for the camera.

Persian cats are, perhaps, best known for their flat faces, big eyes, and long, luxurious coats, but there's much more to these pretty kitties than just looks. From their interesting—and somewhat mysterious—origins to the genetic change-up that contributed to their famous flat faces back in the 1950s, there's a lot to learn (and love) about Persians. However, those who treat the Persian cat with the dignity and gentleness they deserve will be rewarded with an affectionate lap cat who enjoys a good petting, or even a brush through their hair. If you want a best friend who will return all your dedication and love in kind, the Persian may be the right feline for your family.

The Persian is an old breed. To those who love this elegant cat, it will come as no surprise that the longhaired beauty originated in the cradle of civilization: Mesopotamia, which was later known as Persia and is now modern-day Iran. The breed's long hair was probably the result of a natural mutation, and its striking appearance attracted the attention of 17th-century Italian nobleman and world traveler Pietro Della Valle, who is credited with bringing the first longhaired cats to Europe in 1626. At that time, the cats had shiny, silky gray fur, but thanks to selective breeding Persians are now found in a kaleidoscope of colors, including bi-color (a color plus white).

Until the late 19th century, when breeding and showing cats became popular, longhaired cats from Persia, Turkey, Afghanistan and other exotic locales were known simply as "Asiatic" cats and were often bred together. At the Crystal Palace cat show in 1871, Persian-type cats were among the breeds exhibited. They were popular pets of the time and had a special cachet because of Queen Victoria's fondness for the breed. Even in the Victoria era, association with a "celebrity" ensured an animal's desirability.

Through selective breeding, cat fanciers began to mold the Persian to its present-day appearance. They bred cats to have a round head, short face, snub nose, chubby cheeks, small, rounded ears, big eyes, and a sturdy body. Their fur was longer than that of the Angora cat, and they had shorter legs. Soon, the Persians surpassed the Angoras in popularity. In the United States, where they were first imported in the late 19th century, they also became favorites, edging out the longhaired Maine Coon cat, which had once held pride of place as an American sweetheart. In the little more than a century since, the Persian has become the most beloved cat breed in the world, prized for its beautiful appearance and sweet personality.

The dignified and docile Persian is known for being quiet and sweet. She is an ornament to any home where she can enjoy sitting in a lap—surely her rightful place—being petted by those who are discerning enough to recognize her superior qualities, and playing house with kind children who will gently comb her hair, wheel her around in a baby buggy, then serve her tea at their parties. Persians are affectionate but discriminating. They reserve their attention for family members and those few guests whom they feel they can trust.

Loud environments aren't a Persian's style; they are sedate cats who prefer a serene home where little changes from day to day. With large, expressive eyes and a voice that has been described as soft, pleasant and musical, Persians let their simple needs be known: regular meals, a little playtime with a catnip mouse or feather teaser, and lots of love, which they return tenfold. This is one cat who is unlikely to climb up your curtains, jump on your kitchen counters, or perch on top of your refrigerator. She is perfectly happy to rule her domain from the floor or more accessible pieces of furniture. When you are at work or are busy around the house, the Persian is content to adorn a chair, sofa or bed until you are free to admire her and give her the attention she willingly receives but never demands.

The most important thing to understand about caring for a Persian is the need for daily grooming. That long, beautiful coat doesn't stay clean and tangle-free on its own. It must be gently but thoroughly combed and brushed every day, and regular bathing—at least once a month—is a good idea. Another factor to consider is the litter box issue. Litter may become lodged in a Persian's paws or coat. If the cat and the litter box aren't kept scrupulously clean, a Persian is more likely than most to just stop using the box. Persians aren't the best choice for a houseful of boisterous children and dogs, but they have no objection to being the object of a gentle child's attentions or to rubbing along with a friendly dog who doesn't chase them or otherwise cause them anxiety.