How to Maintain a Chinchilla Cat

A chinchilla cat is a type of Persian with a long white or cream coat. Some of its hairs are tipped with black over the legs, tail, face and body, giving the cat a shimmering silver or golden appearance, according to the Cat Fanciers' Association. Like other types of Persian cats, frequent grooming is needed to maintain the cat's fur and keep it looking its best.

  1. Brushing

    • Chinchilla Persians require daily brushing for 15 minutes to prevent matting of the soft, long coat. Start by using a metal-tooth comb to locate any knots in the coat. Concentrate on the belly, underarms and under the tail. Hold knots at the base, then work through them with the comb to break them up. Severe knots may require shaving with an electric clipper to remove them. Complete the grooming with a slicker brush to smooth out the coat and remove excess hair. Not only does daily brushing prevent knotting of the coat, it also prevents the cat from ingesting excess hair, leading to hairballs.

    Bathing

    • Chinchilla cats require monthly bathing to keep their coats bright, clean and shiny because of their light coat color. Use a non-soap cat shampoo designed to brighten white coats or dish soap to clean away any stubborn stains. Place the cat in a sink or bathtub lined with a bath mat, using a hand-sprayer to soak the coat with warm water. Massage a dime-sized amount of soap into the long layers of fur and undercoat. Rinse the coat well and add a spritz of leave-in conditioner for some shine. Pat the cat dry with a towel and dry it with a hair dryer set to low. Brush the coat with a slicker brush around the face and body to prevent matting.

    Face

    • Persian cats, including the chinchilla, can develop staining around the eyes due to tearing. Moisten cotton pads with a sterile saline solution and wipe the area around the eyes daily. Use a separate pad for each eye to prevent the spread of any infections. You can also wipe the area around the mouth and chin with this solution to clean away food stains and prevent cat acne. Use cotton balls soaked in pet ear-cleaning solution to gently wipe out any excess dirt and wax in the ears weekly. If you notice any redness, swelling or discharge around the eyes or ears, bring your cat to a veterinarian.

    Feet

    • Persian chinchillas need their nails clipped to prevent them from growing into the paw pads or getting caught in fabric. Extend each nail between your fingers and use a pet nail clipper to trim off the very tips of the nails, below the curve. Stay away from the pink quick which contains nerve endings and can cause bleeding if cut. If the cat's feet have become discolored or dirty, use a moist washcloth to wipe them clean. Trim any stained or matted hair behind the legs with an electric clipper.