Cats care

Care and Management of Persian Cat

April 1, 2023

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Care and Management of Persian Cat

Purrr-sian‘ Cat lives in the hearts of millions upon millions of people around the globe. In India, its popularity is even more. The silky soft long hairs, flattened nose, peeking eyes, and chubby body make them a favourite of all.

The Persian is the glamor puss of the cat world. His beautiful, flowing coat, sweet face and calm personality have combined to make him the most popular cat breed. He is high maintenance and he has some health issues, but for many his looks and personality overcome those drawbacks.

The Persian is the most popular pedigreed cat in North America, if not the world. He first came into vogue during the Victorian era, but he existed long before then. Little is known about his early history, though.

The Persian comes in two types: show and traditional. The show Persian has a round head enhanced with a thick ruff, small ears, a flat nose, big round copper eyes, a broad, short body with heavy boning atop short tree-trunk legs, and a thick, flowing plume of a tail. The traditional Persian, also known as the Doll Face, does not have the extreme features of the show Persian, and his nose is a normal length, giving him a sweet expression. Both types have a long, glamorous coat that comes in many colors and patterns, and both share the same wonderful personality.

The Persian’s sweet, gentle face turns up to gaze at his favorite people the way a pansy turns its face to the sun. He communicates with his expressive eyes and his soft, melodious voice. The Persian is the epitome of a lap cat, with a restful and undemanding personality. He loves to cuddle, but he’s also playful and curious. He’s not a jumper or climber, instead posing beautifully on a chair or sofa or playing with a favorite feather toy. Persians prefer a serene, predictable environment, but they can be adaptable enough to weather a loud, boisterous family as long as their needs are understood and met.

Most people carry an image of a white Persian in their heads, but the Persian comes in numerous striking colors and patterns. The long, flowing coat must be combed daily to prevent or remove mats and tangles. The Persian needs regular baths to stay clean and sweet-smelling. Introduce a kitten to bathing as soon as you bring him home so he will hopefully learn to accept it readily.

Apt with beauty and a fearsome appearance, Persian cats are becoming more popular as pets in India. If you own a Persian cat, you should be aware that its dietary and health requirements differ significantly from those of a typical cat.Persian cats are both blessed and somewhat cursed with unique characteristics. Their flat, snub-nosed faces and thick, double coat are what make this breed so popular. However, grooming can be quite a challenge. By staying on top of your Persian’s grooming needs, you can eliminate the hassle of working out tangles and mats. Here are a few helpful tips may be all you need to keep your cat’s fur, ears, nails and eyes clean and healthy:

Coat Maintenance: Persian cats have a long, silky double-coat which will matt and tangle easily if not brushed daily. A typical cat brush is not effective on a Persian cat’s fur. A widetoothed comb is the most effective at detangling. Problem areas include: behind the ears, under the chin, the stomach area, and underneath each arm. If you comb the whole coat daily (spending a bit more time in the problem areas) your cat will never have a mat! ·
Eye Cleaning: Most Persian cats have “weepy” eyes and, if left untouched, can stain and build up around the cat’s eyes; sometimes leading to infection. Their eyes will need to be gently wiped twice daily with a special eye cleaning solution or simply warm water on a paper towel or quilted cotton pad. HSCC recommends a betadine and water mixture or a tear stain remover. ·
Ear Cleaning: Persian cats have smaller and fuzzier ears than most breeds so it’s easy for ear infections to go unnoticed or untreated. It’s important to inspect your cat’s ears as part of the grooming process and to clean them if they appear oily or dirty. Use a cotton ball moistened with ear cleaner to gently wipe the cat’s ears. Make sure to see a veterinarian if there is discharge or a bad odor. ·
Nail trimming: Persians, like all cats, will need their nails trimmed. Front claws should be cut every couple weeks, but back claws grow slower and can be done less often. ·
Hairballs: Your Persian cat will inevitably develop hairballs, but brushing on a regular basis will greatly help prevent them from occurring. You can also give a hairball formula (often malt flavored) to your cat to help prevent and treat hairball problems. ·
Dental care: Brushing your Persian’s teeth, as with any cat, will help reduce tartar buildup and prevent dental disease. You can also get specially designed treats to help break down tartar.
Bathing: The frequency of baths will depend on your Persian’s fur. A Persian cat will begin to look greasy as it becomes dirtier and mats will increase quickly if the cat is not bathed.

Best Food for Persian Cats

Every cat-loving person has envisioned the kind of cat they would like to parent/foster. If you are looking for a kind that loves to laze around and is a cuddle bug, Persian cats are the ones to go for. The unique breed has been dignified for being very relaxed and easy to get along with. In contrast to other breeds, they may be slower to react and reciprocate (by hissing or scratching). Nevertheless, they do get annoyed after a certain point in time.

A few other things to know about Persian Cats:

Persian cats are purebred and hence exposed to genetic conditions.
They can be very playful.
Their coats can deceive their actual size and may make them look larger than they are.
Persian cats are not largely active or energetic.
They weigh somewhere between 8-15 pounds, while males are heavier than females.
They have an average life span of about 9-11 years.
They are affectionate and kid-friendly but only when their privacy and space is honoured. In other circumstances, they are pretty vocal if things get unsuitable.
Persian cats shed a tonne!

Now that you know what your basic Persian Cat will be, you need to know what kinds of food are good for them.

Everything you need to know before choosing a Cat Food for Persian Cats:

Broadly speaking, a thoughtful combination of both dry and wet cat foods can be effective for Persian cats. A lot of cat parents begin with wet foods for breakfast to provide energy as well as hydration early in the day. Later on, you can switch to dry foods along with a consistent freshwater supply throughout the day.

Coming to the configuration, Persian cats should be given a high-quality diet that is enriched with Proteins, a moderate amount of fats, and a menial amount of carbohydrates.

On a cautionary note, certain things prove to be harmful to Persian Cats:

Chocolates: Chocolates are just as toxic to cats as they are to dogs. They contain methylxanthines that adversely affect the cat’s health.
Caffeine: Caffeine also contains Methylxanthines.
Grapes and Raisins: Cat parents have observed that cats experience discomfort after consuming them. Although, it is not clear why this happens.
Raw eggs: Raw eggs can cause E Coli poisoning in cats.
Alcohol: Cats should be prevented from consuming alcohol in any form. Any form of alcoholic consumption could be toxic and lead to liver damage.
Onions: Surprising as it may sound, onions can be harmful to Persian cats. Onions contain ‘thiosulfate’, which has been a recognized causative agent of Anemia in cats.
Garlic: Garlic also contains thiosulfates.

Having a pet at home comes with a lot of duties and responsibilities. And if that pet is a cute fluffy feline, then you definitely can’t leave them without proper care and food. Cat parents would surely agree to the fact that cats have different and very unique nutritional needs that should unquestionably need to be taken care of. Today, cat foods are also designed keeping in mind their breeds. Persian cats are one of a kind whose dietary requirements require more attention to detail. From a sea of brands, finding the best cat food for the Persian could prove to be a daunting task but don’t worry as we bring forth a list of the top 10 cat foods available for your kitty to nibble on.

Royal Canin Persian Adult 40 Cat Food for Persian Cats

Royal Canin has always been a top-ranked brand in cat food formulae. The 2 kg pellet cat food is designed, keeping in mind the special dietary requirements of the Persian cat breed. Not only is it light on your pockets, but also the bag reseals easily after use, and the pellets stay fresh for a long time. It will help your kitty with stomach issues and make their coat healthier and shinier. From its flavours to quality, this Persian cat food surely won’t disappoint your feline!

Specification:

Brand: Royal Canin

Flavour: Chicken

Age Range: Adult

Item Form: Pellets

Specific uses for this product: sensitive stomach

Item Weight: 2 kg

MaxiPersian Adult Dry Cat Food

MaxiPersian dry cat food is a wholesome cat food made of ocean fish with combinations of vitamins that keep their fur coat healthy and radiant. This is a highly recommended product for the Persian cat breed as they have long and soft hair that can accumulate in the stomach and form hairballs. This can interfere with their healthy digestion. In such cases, the prebiotics and probiotics available in this food would help protect from hairball formation and improve gut health. It is entirely safe and balanced for adult cats, prepared with vital ingredients to cater to their nutritional requirements.

Specification:

Brand: MaxiPersian
Flavor: Ocean Fish
Age Range: Adult
Item Form: Dry
Specific uses for this product: Urinary tract health
Item Weight: 1.2 Kg

3 . Let’s Bite Active Persian Adult dry cat food

The Let’s Bite active Persian adult dry cat is formulated with sardine, egg and mackerel, which makes this a top-notch cat food with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids found in this Persian cat food maintain the quality of the fur coat. It becomes softer, lustrous, and healthier. One of the essential ingredients of this preparation is the natural fibres that prevent and protect cats from hairball formation, and the probiotics keep digestion issues away. If you are looking for a brand of cat food that promotes good health and helps manage the weight of your Persian beauty, this product is for you!

Specification:

Brand: Let’s Bite Active Persian adult dry cat food

Flavour: Fish

Age Range: Adult

Item Form: Dry

Specific uses for this product: Weight management

Item Weight: 500 g

Kitty Yums Dry Adult Persian Cat food

The kitty Yums presents dry adult Persian cat food with 30 per cent high–quality protein, which helps in muscle growth. The cat food is enriched with vitamin E, which assists in building a stronger immune system which is of utmost importance for your furry feline. Two meals a day is recommended for adult cats, which will help in promoting coat quality and overall wellness, growth and gut health. With its tasty seafood flavour, this product will be a feline favourite.

Specification:

Brand: Kitty Yums dry adult cat food

Flavour: Seafood

Age Range: Adult

Item Form: Dry

Specific uses for this product: wellness and growth

Item Weight: 1.2 Kg

Me-O Dry Adult Persian Cat Food (Meat flavour)

Besides being a fluff ball, the Persian cat breed is famous for having long hair, which may cause cat hairball formation and develop digestive issues. To curb this problem, the Me-O cat food brand has launched this dry adult cat food with an anti-hairball formula to ensure your kitty’s smooth digestion and good health. The food contains highly digestible fibre and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from high-quality oil to help nourish the fur and skin. Other essential ingredients include calcium, vitamin D and phosphorous, which strengthens the teeth and bones and promotes the activeness of your kitty. It is undoubtedly one of the best cat foods for Persian cats!

Specification:

Brand: Me-O
Flavor: Meat
Age Range: Adult
Item Form: Dry
Specific uses for this product: Oral Health
Item Weight: 1.1 Kg

Signature Grain Zero Persian and Long Coat Cat Dry Food

Almost every cat parent faces the dilemma of what to feed their Persian cat. To solve your queries, grain zero has come out with a Hypo allergic complete nutrition cat food tailored specifically for Persian and long-haired cats. The signature grain zero Persian and long-coat cat dry food is made with real ocean fish, sardines and mackerel. This dry cat food can be given at all life stages, so it’s safe to be consumed by a kitten or an adult cat. This product ensures complete hairball control and joint protection care and builds overall body strength and immunity. It is a safe option for your pet as it has no added artificial preservatives or by-products.

Specification:

Brand: Grain Zero
Flavor: Seafood
Age Range: All life stages
Item Form: Granule
Specific uses for this product: Training
Item Weight: 1.2 Kg

7.Drools Adult Dry cat food

The paraben-free drools adult dry cat food is enriched with essential nutrients to provide your kitty with a whole and balanced meal. The product offers complete nutrition for cats. As a cat parent, one of the most critical concerns is the safety standards of a food brand. Drools make no compromises in that area. With no artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, this dry cat food guarantees a safe and all-natural meal for your beloved pet. With the crunchy chunks packed with real mackerel and sardine, this product will rank high with your kitty.

Specification:

Brand: Drools
Flavor: Fish
Age Range: Adult
Item Form: Chunks
Specific uses for this product: Sensitive stomach

Item Weight: 4200 g

Number of Items: 2

Meat Up Adult Cat Food

Are you looking for cat food flavour other than regular chicken?

Then the Meat Up adult cat food is what you’re looking for. It is formulated from ingredients which add a tempting flavour to adult Persian cat food. Ocean fish such as sardines, mackerel, and eggs enhance palatability and promotes a healthy digestive system. The prebiotics and probiotics improve gut health and prevent hairball formation in your feline. Not only does this cat food provide healthy skin and a beautiful coat for your cat, but it also offers a mix of organic minerals and necessary ingredients to control the urinary pH.

Specification:

Brand: Meat up
Flavor: Mackerel
Age Range: Adult
Item Form: Dry
Specific uses for this product: Activeness

Item Weight: 2400 g

Number of items: 2

Me-O Persian Dry Adult Cat Food (Chicken flavour)

A complete and nutritionally balanced cat food, the Me-O Persian dry adult cat food is highly digestible and promotes good health in cats. The cat food contains taurine, an essential amino acid which is extremely important for the proper functioning of the eyes. It is available in a chicken flavour and has a low sodium formula that lowers the risk of high blood pressure and heart and kidney disease. It also contains vitamin –C, which helps in boosting the immunity system. Treat your feline with this best cat food for Persians.

Specification:

Brand: Me-O

Flavour: Chicken

Age Range: Adult

Item Form: Dry

Specific uses for this product: Promotes oral health

Item Weight: 1.1 kg

Whiskas Adult (+1 year) Dry Cat food

Whiskas Adult Dry cat food is made with high-quality ingredients and nutrition to ensure that your pet has a well-balanced diet and gets all the essential nutrients for proper functioning. This dry cat food is beneficial in managing your kitty’s weight as it helps prevent obesity when fed in a calculated amount. The food can be given as treats as well. The crunchy chunks packed with delicious chicken flavour will lure your pet cat into finishing its entire bowl. Since it is recommended for cat breeds, from Persian cats to Siamese cats, this dry cat food could make for a worthy purchase.

Specification:

Brand: Whiskas
Flavor: Chicken
Age Range: Adult
Item Form: Dry
Specific uses for this product: Weight management
Item Weight: 1200 g

Other Quick Facts

The Persian has a sweet, gentle personality and is a quiet companion.
The Persian has a long, flowing coat that must be groomed daily.
The Persian is an old breed, but little is known of its history.

The History of Persians

Persians take their name from the country where they are thought to have originated. They became popular pets in animal-mad Victorian Britain and were seen at the very first cat shows in that country. Persians have always been bred to have a round head, short face, snub nose, chubby cheeks and a short, cobby body, but over time those features have become exaggerated. The result is that the Persian now comes in two types, show and traditional. Traditional Persians do not have as short a face as show Persians and look more like the earlier examples of the breed, but both have the same sweet personality. Today the Persian is the most popular cat registered by the Cat Fanciers Association.

Persian Temperament and Personality

Persians are gentle, quiet cats who like a serene environment and people who treat them kindly. Unlike more athletic cats, they prefer lounging on a sofa to scaling the heights of your bookcase or fireplace mantel. Children are acceptable to the Persian as long as they are content to simply pet him and not drag him around or dress him up. On the other hand, the Persian may be a welcome guest at a little girl’s tea party and will bat decorously at a peacock feather before returning to pose beautifully on his sofa. In general, just make sure children treat this cat with the gentle respect he deserves.

The Persian may greet you with a quiet meow, but in most cases he lets his eyes do the speaking for him. He doesn’t mind spending time alone, but your presence will always make him happy. When you go on a trip, it may be better to have a pet sitter come in and care for him in his own familiar surroundings than to board him in a strange place.

What You Need to Know About Persian Health

All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Any breeder who claims that her breed has no health or genetic problems is either lying or is not knowledgeable about the breed. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.

Persians have hereditary health issues that can be a concern. They include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), bladder stones, cystitis (bladder infections), and liver shunts. Responsible breeders take steps to avoid these problems.

Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition that causes cystic degeneration of the kidneys and eventual kidney dysfunction. It can affect one or both kidneys. Signs of illness initially appear between 7 and 10 years of age, although it can appear much earlier in some cats. Reputable breeders are working to establish PKD-free breeding programs. Ask the breeder for proof that both of a kitten’s parents are free of kidney cysts, which can be detected on ultrasound.

A hereditary form of progressive retinal atrophy occurs in Persians, although its prevalence is unknown. In Persians, PRA causes vision problems early in life, at four to eight weeks of age, and progresses rapidly. Cats can become completely blind by the time they are 15 weeks old. You may have heard that PRA in Persian cats is limited to those from chocolate or pointed (Himalayan) lines, but in a recent study, no such associations were found. That means that PRA may be more widespread in the breed than is currently believed. A study is under way to determine which gene causes the disease and to develop a genetic test to identify cats that are carriers of this disease. Because many other breeds use Persians as outcrosses, health problems such as PRA can spread quickly and widely to other breeds.

Persians should be healthy and vigorous, able to breathe normally and produce only normal amounts of tears. Even if Persians do not have any overt breathing problems, flat-faced breeds are sensitive to heat. They need to live in air-conditioned comfort, protected from hot weather. Keep in mind that many airlines will not transport them in the cargo bay (which isn’t recommended for other reasons, as well) because of their potential for respiratory distress or even death in stressful conditions.

Remember that after you’ve taken a new kitten into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Persian at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to protect his overall health. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier cat for life.

The Basics of Persian Grooming

There’s no getting around it: a Persian cat is high maintenance. The coat must be groomed daily with a stainless steel comb to remove mats, tangles and loose hair. Mats and tangles can be painful to a cat, and loose hair gets all over your clothes and furniture, so you can see the benefit to spending the time needed to care for the coat.

Depending on its color, a Persian can have a silky, shiny coat or one with a soft, cottonlike texture. The drawback to the soft coat is that it tangles more easily and requires additional grooming time.

In addition to daily combing, the Persian should be bathed weekly. Start this practice as soon as you get your kitten so hopefully he will come to look forward to it as a special part of spending time with you. Blow the coat dry (using the lowest heat setting to avoid burning the cat), combing as you go.

Because of his pushed-in face, the Persian’s eyes can have a tendency to tear. To prevent ugly staining, wash or wipe his face daily, particularly beneath the eyes. Trim the nails as needed, and don’t forget to brush the teeth regularly with a vet-approved pet toothpaste.

10 grooming tips for Persian cat parents in India

Grooming is an essential aspect of caring for a Persian cat. These elegant felines are known for their lush, long coats that require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. As a Persian cat parent in India, you’ll need to pay extra attention to your cat’s grooming needs to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Here are 10 grooming tips for Persian cat parents in India that will help you keep your cat’s coat and overall appearance in tip-top shape.

Brush your cat’s coat at least once a daily. Persian cats have a thick, luxurious coat that can easily become matted and tangled if not properly maintained. Use a wide-toothed comb or slicker brush to work out any tangles, and pay special attention to the areas around the ears and under the belly.
Bathe your cat regularly. Persian cats have a double coat that can become greasy and dirty, especially in the hot and humid climate of India. It’s important to bathe your cat at least once a month to keep their coat clean and shiny. Use a mild cat shampoo and be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent skin irritation.
Trim your cat’s nails. Persian cats are indoor cats, so they may not wear their nails down as much as cats that spend time outdoors. Trim your cat’s nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent them from becoming too long and sharp, which can cause injury to both you and your cat.
Clean your cat’s eyes. Persian cats are prone to tear staining, which can cause discoloration around their eyes. Use a damp cloth to gently clean the area around their eyes every day to prevent staining.
Brush your cat’s teeth. Dental hygiene is important for all cats, but Persian cats can be particularly prone to dental problems. Brush your cat’s teeth at least once a week to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup.
Groom your cat’s ears. Persian cats have long, furry ears that can easily become dirty and infected. Use a cotton ball dampened with a mild ear cleaner to gently clean the inside of your cat’s ears every week.
Keep your cat’s living environment clean. Persian cats have sensitive respiratory systems, so it’s important to keep their living space clean and free of dust and other irritants. Use a HEPA filter to remove dust and other particles from the air, and vacuum your cat’s living area at least once a week.
Provide your cat with dental chews and toys. Persian cats need to chew to keep their teeth healthy, so provide them with dental chews and toys that will help keep their teeth clean and strong.
Be mindful of your cat’s diet. Persian cats have delicate digestive systems, so it’s important to feed them a high-quality, low-grain diet. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps or human food, as this can upset their stomach and lead to weight gain.
Show your cat love and affection. Persian cats are very social animals and thrive on human companionship. Make sure to spend quality time with your cat every day, whether it’s playing, grooming, or just cuddling.