Grooming Information on Persian Cats
With their long, luxurious coats and characteristic flat faces, Persian cats are among the most easily recognized cat breeds. They also come with demanding grooming requirements. If you're considering obtaining a Persian cat, it's best to understand what you will need to do to keep the cat properly groomed.
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Breed
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While the origin of Persian cats isn't known, they are believed to have been imported to the Western world from Persia, along with luxury items such as silk, jewels and spices. They became a status symbol. The breed has a soft, fluffy undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat.
Difficulty
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Fortunately, the Persian has a gentle and laid-back attitude that aids in grooming. If you have to pull out knots and mats, you may find that your Persian's gentleness, however, is not without bounds. This may be particularly true if you have to bathe the cat.
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Brushing
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Regular grooming is a requirement as Persian cats shed a lot. Grooming will not only help keep your house free of "fur bunnies," it also will help keep your cat's coat in top shape. The Fanciers Breeders Referral List suggests a daily brushing lasting between 10 to 15 minutes. While it may seem like a chore, grooming your Persian regularly will prevent its coat from matting. A matted coat may require the use of clippers or shears, or a trip to a professional groomer.
Molting
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Persian cats molt, or shed heavily, twice a year. During this time, a daily brushing is recommended. Most pet supply stores sell metal combs made for pulling loose fur from cats' coats.
Bathing
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While any cat can be bathed occasionally for grooming purposes, you shouldn't have to do this often with regular brushing. The frequency of bathing will depend on whether you groom daily, the cat is sufficiency at self-grooming and the type of environment in which the cat lives. Cats that spend time outdoors will pick up more dirt than indoor cats, and may require more frequent bathing. When bathing your Persian, reward him afterward with a treat so she will begin to associate the experience with a reward.
Eyes and Claws
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Attention also should be paid to a Persian cat's eyes when grooming, as this breed tends to have a lot of eye watering. Over time, this can result in dark tear marks around the eyes. A solution made to prevent and resolve this problem can be purchased at most pet supply stores. When cleaning the eyes and brushing the coat, it's also a good idea to trim the cat's nails. The key is getting the cat used to the routine.
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References
- Photo Credit sir timitri, the cat image by Augenblicke from Fotolia.com
