With a charming snout and large, doll-like eyes, sweet temperament and affectionate personality, Persian cats are a highly regarded breed. As with all pets, having a Persian cat comes with responsibilities. From coat care to health issues, there are many aspects to consider when caring for a Persian. Read this article to find out more.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Taking Care of the Cat's Coat
Step 1. Start brushing your cat from a young age
To make sure your Persian gets brushed for a long time, you'll need to start brushing from an early age. From day one, brush your cat to get used to it. If you don't start when he's very young, he may not get used to being brushed, which would make grooming a lot more difficult.
One way to help your cat accept being brushed is to do it right before feeding him. In this way, the cat will associate being brushed with food (i.e. with something they like)
Step 2. Buy a good comb suitable for the Persian's coat
You will need a metal comb with fine teeth on one side and further apart on the other side to get the knots out of your cat's coat. A metal carder is also good for removing excess hair, which tends to form knots.
Step 3. Learn the right way to brush the Persian's coat
A frequent mistake consists in brushing only the surface of the coat, without reaching the root of the hair. You have to brush the cat in the same way you comb your hair: you have to separate the hair and untangle the knots starting from the root, continuing to the ends. The same goes for the cat's coat. As with your hair, it is more effective (and comfortable for the cat!) To brush in the direction of hair growth. The right way to brush your cat involves:
- Separate the hair strands and use the wide-toothed part of the comb to remove the knots. This step is also useful for pulling all the hairs down in the same direction, making it easier to untangle them.
- Using the carder, proceed with each strand from head to tail. This helps eliminate fallen hair.
- After removing the fallen hair from the coat, pass the wide-toothed comb again, from the root to the tip of the hair, then finish the operation by brushing it with the narrower-toothed part.
Step 4. Brush your cat daily to keep him healthy
While it may not seem like a big deal to comb it, the Persian's lush coat can become problematic to manage in no time. If the hair gets knotted, it quickly becomes felted.
- Tufts of knotted hair can pull the cat's skin and cause a lot of discomfort, and they can spread and create large masses of knotted hair on various areas of the body.
- Knotted hair can also increase the risk of getting skin infections. If the fur is knotted, it becomes very difficult for the cat to be able to clean its skin. If the skin is dirty, infections are likely to develop.
Step 5. Talk to a professional
A cat's coat can become felted for a variety of reasons. Not brushing it properly could be one of the causes. If your cat is overweight or aging and gets sick, they may not be able to take care of themselves or have difficulty grooming themselves.
Consider seeing a professional if you are unable to properly care for your cat's fur. The groomer can try to remove specific areas of the coat with felted hair; in the worst case, he may have to shear the cat completely to avoid possible skin problems
Part 2 of 4: Helping the Cat with Respiratory Problems
Step 1. Find out what brachycephaly is
The Persian is brachycephalic, a term which means that the nose and bridge of the nose are very small when compared to those of other cats. This aspect is one of the requirements of the breed, required by the pedigree of the Persian. In profile, the nose should not protrude beyond the eyes.
Unfortunately, this means that the cat does not have nasal membranes that filter and heat the air. This predisposes Persian cats to sneezing and colds, as they lack the normal filter that forms the first line of defense against infection
Step 2. Keep the Persian's nose clean
The best way to help your cat avoid and defeat respiratory tract infections is to keep their nose clean. Making sure the Persian's nose is clean is very important, as these cats' short noses clog up easily, making breathing difficult. You can use a cloth moistened with warm water to rub the cat's nose and make sure it is clean.
Clean the Persian's nose at least once a day and whenever it seems a little plugged
Step 3. Get your cat vaccinated regularly
Persians are prone to respiratory infections as they do not have sufficient protection from pathogens due to their stubby noses. Cats usually have an additional defensive layer in their nose, which helps repel bacteria and other pathogens, but Persians lack this additional defense. Therefore it is important to take the cat to the vet for regular flu vaccinations.
- If you see your cat struggling to breathe or sneezing a lot, take him to the vet.
- Persians are prone to a lot of health problems. For this reason, you should think carefully before breeding a cat that may have respiratory or other disorders.
Part 3 of 4: Taking Care of the Cat's Eyes
Step 1. Understand that Persian can have eye problems due to their facial structure
Part of the Persian's charm is linked to its round, flat muzzle and large eyes. Unfortunately, these characteristics that make it so popular can also cause problems. All cats produce tear secretions, which serve to keep the surface of the eye moist and the cornea healthy. These secretions should drain through the tear ducts. Unfortunately, the Persian's squashed nose causes the tear ducts to become twisted and not working properly.
Imagine them as rubber tubes that you bend or squeeze to stop them from leaking water. This is what happens due to the pinched nose
Step 2. Cleanse the cat's tear secretions
The best way to help is to simply clean up the tear secretions, which tend to stain his fur and irritate his face. If you see that the cat has a dirty face with these secretions, use a cloth or paper towels to clean it up.
Clean the Persian's eyes at least once a day. You have to make an effort to clean it whenever you notice any traces of moisture under your eyes
Step 3. Find out why Persian's tear secretions turn brown
You may be wondering why secretions dripping from your cat's eyes turn brown. The reason is chemicals, called porphyrins, contained in tear secretions: when exposed to air, these substances oxidize and take on a brown-rust color.
- This is the same process that causes a cut apple to turn brown.
- You should be able to prevent these secretions from pooling on the cat's fur. One way is certainly to thoroughly clean his eyes as described above. You could also rub a small amount of liquid boric acid around your eyes using a cotton ball. Rub the area under and around the eye with cotton balls dipped in warm water twice a day once the stain is removed.
Part 4 of 4: Dealing with Race Health Issues
Step 1. Look out for any symptoms of illness
Persians are bred for their unique appearance, but crossbreeding has predisposed them to some diseases. Although there is nothing you can do to prevent the onset of a disease if there is a genetic predisposition to it, you can check for symptoms and have your cat treated as soon as you notice the onset.
Step 2. Beware of polycystic kidney disease
This genetic disorder affects one in three Persian cats and results in the formation of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure. When the disease is diagnosed, it is possible to extend the life of the cat thanks to an appropriate diet and drugs such as ACE inhibitors, which can improve the filtering capacity of the kidneys. Symtomes include:
- Drink more than normal
- Loss of appetite
- Apathy
- Weight loss
- He retched
- If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat to the vet right away.
Step 3. Check for symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart disease)
This disease thickens the ventricular walls, preventing the heart from pumping blood around the body. Fortunately, medicines such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors are available that can lighten the work of the heart muscle and increase longevity. Symptoms of suspected heart disease can be vague and non-specific. Anyway, check:
- Exercise intolerance
- Get more sleep than normal
- Lack of interest in food and own cleanliness
- Wheezing and open mouth breathing
Step 4. Pay attention to the onset of Progressive Retinal Atrophy
It is a genetically programmed thinning of the retina, which can also lead to blindness. While it may sound terrible, cats are able to compensate for blindness very well. They are very adept at using whiskers, smell and hearing to move around. If your cat becomes blind, keep it indoors and don't move the furniture, as it could easily lose its orientation. Signs of blindness can include:
- The cat stumbles upon objects in its path.
- The pupils stop shrinking with light, remain large and black.
