Persian cats are high-maintenance animals. That’s because they require a lot of grooming – regular brushing and baths, along with litter box maintenance. Schedule these visits around their eating and sleeping hours to avoid overworking your cat. In addition, please provide them with a litter box that is large enough for them to use and easily accessible from all sides of the house.
Things That a Persian Cat Needs
Attention
Persian cats require plenty of attention regarding eating, drinking, and toileting habits – they’re not picky like some other cat breeds but still need some TLC.
Diet
Since Persians are such heavy-calorie eaters, it’s essential to feed them healthy foods that will reward them with weight loss in the long run. Aside from feeding them healthy foods, Persian cat owners need to be aware of other maintenance needs their cat has, like providing plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Persians also need plenty of love and attention, so provide it regularly!
Facial
Their facial hair needs regular trimming, as does their skin. In addition to that, you’ll also need to keep their teeth clean and free of plaque and brush them twice a day.
Facials are essential to keeping Persians healthy, and they can help reduce skin problems like acne, wrinkles, and dry skin. Finally, feed them a healthy diet to prevent dental issues down the road!
Bathing
Persian cats are also prone to skin problems, so keeping them healthy and clean is essential. Make sure to bathe them regularly, using mild soap and lukewarm water; if they get filthy, sponge bath only. After bathing, dry them off entirely and let them out the door.
Brushing
Persians are adorable and playful and require a lot of attention to prevent mats from forming. To brush a Persian cat’s body, start by combing through its hair with the long side of the brush.
Brush their torso, hindquarters, front legs, and tail tips using short circular strokes in one direction only. Always rinse off the brush after brushing so you don’t introduce bacteria into your cat’s fur!
Grooming
Persian cats are one of the most high-maintenance cat breeds, requiring a lot of brushing and grooming. Depending on the level of care your cat needs, grooming costs can range from $10 to $40 per month. A good rule of thumb is to budget at least $30 per month for pet expenses, which includes grooming costs. Make sure you have enough money saved so you don’t have to worry about these costs for too long!
General Health Information for Your Persian
Weight Management
Persian cats are a not-so-active breed, and as such, they need to be kept on a regular diet. Trying to feed them an unlimited amount of junk food will only make things worse for them in the long run. So instead, give your cat high-quality protein foods low in sugar – this will help keep their weight under control.
While regular exercise is essential for keeping Persians healthy, some may find it challenging to get enough of it due to their love of running around! Make sure you provide your cat with plenty of toys and places where they can play to stay entertained and fit.
Dental Disease
Persian cats are known for their high maintenance needs regarding teeth because they have a diet mainly consisting of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. As a result, Persian cats are particularly prone to developing the dental disease – the most common of which are cavities.
Apart from cavities, other common dental problems include gum disease and tooth extraction surgeries. Keeping your cat’s teeth clean and healthy is essential by providing them with a good diet (combining wet food with dry food) and regular brushing sessions.
Vaccine-Preventable Infections
Ensure your cat receives all its required vaccinations – the most important ones are Feline-Leukemia and Feline-Adenovirus.
Regular vet checkups can help detect any health problems early on and prevent them from worsening. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, losing appetite, or diarrhea – these could be signs that your cat has been infected with a disease.
Parasites
Persians are highly susceptible to parasites, which can be fatal if not treated correctly. Regular vet checkups and deworming medication will help protect your cat from these pests. To avoid infection, regularly cleaning all surfaces your cat uses – such as the toilet, litter box, etcetera – is also essential. Feeding your cat fresh food and water without additives or flavors will help keep them parasite-free.
Spay or Neuter
Spaying or neutering your Persian cat is one of the most important things you can do for them. Not only will it help prevent unwanted litters from being created, but it will also reduce the number of cat bites in your neighborhood. Regular vet checkups are also a must to ensure their health is kept in check and that they’re getting adequate food and water intake – both of which are necessary for their size and breed.
Others
Persian cats also have a higher incidence of hairballs and litter box problems, so be prepared to deal with these regularly. Keep in mind that Persians are a breed of cat prone to obesity, so ensure that they are kept active by providing them with plenty of playtimes and a healthy diet.
