How to Groom Your Persian Cat

Persian cats are beautiful, elegant, and often believed to be the dogs of the cats due to their inherently loving nature. Known for their pleasant and affectionate tendencies, they are perfect pets for households looking for an easygoing cat that likes being around people.

However, just because they are generally docile, it does not mean they can not get uncomfortable. One of the most common, stressful situations that you will experience with your Persian cat is their grooming routine.

A quick way for your cat to hate you is if you do not groom them properly. Not only will they be uncomfortable, but they are also prone to illnesses. When not maintained, Persian cats are prone to fur matting, overheating, and ticks.

The good news is, we have enough knowledge from cat parents before us to guide us with their care. Since the 17th century, these round-faced, long-haired beautiful creatures have entranced willing humans. With their sweet nature, most of us have do not mind their endless need for care.

Here are some of the ways to keep your Persian Cat beautiful, well-groomed, and happy:

Brushing

The frequency of brushing your Persian cat will depend on the thickness of their coat. Often, Persian cats need daily brushing to avoid matted fur. Brushing helps spread the various oils that keep their cat fur from being stuck together.

Additionally, Persian cats often struggle with keeping themselves free of all the dead hair and tend to get stressed while doing so. During shedding season, brushing makes a difference to maintain your cat's comfort. When brushing your cat’s fur, you can also spot if they have any ticks, fleas, or other skin issues that may need treatment.

In general, experts recommend brushing your Persian cat’s hair daily. It is also a great way to bond with your cat. Invest in special brushes for detangling designed for long-haired animals found online or at your local pet store. Additionally, make sure to be very gentle and associate the experience with relaxation and affection.

Bathing

While many cat owners will argue that most cats do not need baths, any Persian cat owner will tell you otherwise. Experts recommend that a monthly bath for indoor Persian cats. For Persian cats that are allowed to go outdoors, bathing should be every two weeks.

Compared to their short-haired counterparts, Persian cat coats need more baths to remove cat dander that can cause allergic reactions. Bathing Persian cats with specially formulated shampoo keeps their coats thick, vibrant, and healthy.

Many cats will reject going into the water if they are not bath-trained early in life. One way to alleviate their stress is to purchase special handheld showerheads that release water gently. You may also get quiet blow dryers to avoid loud sounds that may scare your cat.

To make the bathing experience less stressful, make sure to have a treat on hand after finishing. If you are not comfortable bathing your cat, you may also bring your cat to a trusted groomer. However, it may get expensive to bring your Persian cat to a groomer so regularly, so it may be well worth the effort to learn how to bathe your cat at home.

Trimming Fur

It is no secret that shaving cats are frowned upon by most owners. Completely shaving long-haired cats can affect the way their body regulates their internal body temperature. Shaving cats can also lead to sunburn that can lead to cancer. Also, shaving leaves cats prone to insect bites that can cause heartworm.

While shaving is up for debate, trimming is generally acceptable for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Aside from cutting off any matted fur, there is nothing wrong with trimming a little hair to even out their coat length.

Trimming fur that extends past their paws can also help Persians grip surfaces better and avoid slipping. Butt hair trimming also helps keep fecal matter from getting stuck, especially for cats prone to stomach issues.

If you are not comfortable being around your cat with a scissor, it is best to include hair trimming as part of your grooming routine at the pet salon. Trained groomers will be able to handle difficult cats and help make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Tick & Flea Treatments

Persian cats are prone to infection by ticks and fleas due to their long coats. Cats can get fleas from a few minutes outside or interaction with infected animals at the groomers. Also, their coats make it challenging to spread anti-parasite medication effectively.

While there are several ways to keep your cat parasite-free, they have to be done in combination and regularly to be effective. With this, it is necessary to both invest in preventive anti-tick and flea efforts in your home in tandem with anti-flea baths and routine vet visits.

Healthy Diet & Water

Beauty starts from within, especially when it comes to cat fur. One of the best ways to keep your Persian Cat’s mane beautiful is to invest in good quality food. There are various types of cat food designed specifically for the needs of a Persian cat. Some of the features that you should look for include hairball control and coat shining ingredients.

Hydration is necessary to keep your cat’s fur soft and silky. Most cats do not like drinking water, but you can help them hydrate by buying pet fountains that encourage them to drink. Alternatively, you may also give them their wet food of choice.

Investing in Your Persian Cat’s Coat Health

For Persian cats, their coat is a reflection of their overall health. While it can be tiring to keep up with everything you need to do to keep them tamed, it is an investment in their wellbeing.

To keep your Persian cat's coat healthy, make sure to feed them well, keep them hydrated, brush them daily, never skip routine vet visits, and bathe them.

First-time Persian cat owners may be overwhelmed with the routine necessary to maintain their cat’s coat. However, once your see your loving cats snuggle up next to you for the first time, you will understand why it is definitely worth it.n