How to Care for a Flat-Faced Persian

Persian cats are prized for their luxurious coats, unique faces and gentle personalities. While Persian cats are a distinct breed, the flatness of the face varies between individual Persians. Persians with the flattest faces have the highest risk of developing eye and sinus infections or breathing difficulties. Regardless of the degree of flatness of the face, all Persian cats require the same basic care.

  1. Grooming

    • The flat-faced Persian's coat requires daily brushing and combing to keep it free from mats and tangles. Medium- or wide-tooth combs and combs with rotating teeth are useful for daily grooming and removing loose tangles. Mat-removing tools and slicker brushes are good for removing mats, should any develop. Cats have thin, delicate skin, so be gentle during grooming.

      Many Persian cat owners choose to keep their cats in short "lion cuts," making the coat easier to maintain. Claws should also be trimmed on a regular basis using nail-clipping tools designed for cats. If you choose to clip your cat's nails yourself instead of taking your cat to a groomer, be careful to remove just the tip of the nail, never going past where the nail curves, and staying clear of the quick, or vein.

    Feeding

    • Persian cats have sensitive digestive tracts. As a result, many Persians are picky eaters or regurgitate their food after eating. Due to their flat faces and short jaws, Persians must be fed food that is highly palatable and are healthiest on raw diets. Canned food is another good choice, as is dry food specially formulated for flat-faced cats or Persians.

    Health

    • As with most purebreds, flat-faced Persian cats are prone to a variety of health problems, such as polycystic kidney disease, eye ulcers and heart problems. They're also prone to joint trouble, mainly slipping kneecaps and early arthritis. Due to their facial structure, Persians often have watery eyes and are at risk for eye and sinus infections, as well as breathing difficulties, which sometimes require laser surgery to widen the nostril.

      To help prevent eye and sinus infections, wipe around the eyes with a clean paper towel or washcloth damped with warm water once or twice a day. Schedule routine veterinary check-ups to identify and treat health problems early.

    Housekeeping

    • Flat-faced Persian cats do best when kept indoors. Their long coats do little to protect them from the heat or cold, and their coats are easily matted outside. They can be trained to use litter boxes and scratching posts, and their laid-back temperaments make them well-suited to any household.