Beautiful and majestic symbols of the feline kingdom, Persian cats are loved for their long coats and adorable flat snouts. But this is not everything, as individuals of this breed are known for their loving personalities, which leads them to thrive in environments where they feel loved and secure.
They need acceptance and reassurance from their families, and this special type of bond can be easily created through daily caring rituals that are important for both their physical and psychological health. Below you can find tips on how to properly take care of the coat. Make sure you also turn brushing into a moment of relaxation.
Mats and tangles are the two most important things you want to avoid, as they lead to hairballs being formed. This can become a pressing matter if they get stuck in the intestinal tract, and can become a medical emergency. Of course, this is a worst-case scenario, but it’s still one to be taken into account.
Removing tangles
The best way to remove tangles is by brushing your cat’s fur every day. You can choose a natural soft bristle brush, as it is recommended by many owners and grooming experts. Run it gently through the fur until it looks shiny and healthy, with most of the dead hair removed.
You can also use a comb for more severe tangles, but this procedure must also be carried out in a gentle manner to avoid pulling too hard and cause shedding. You can wait until the fur is dry after a recent bath, in order to obtain the best results.
Removing mats
Mats are portions of hair severely tangled which, if left unchecked, can lead to itchiness, irritation and skin infection. Preventing these mats from forming by regular grooming is the number one objective when owning a Persian cat.
However, if a mat is developed, there are several things you can do to take care of it. By using your fingers, you can gently tease apart the hairs until it becomes a more loose tangle that can be brushed away. Be careful not to use nylon combs, as they cause static electricity, making things more difficult.
If the mat is so severe that this solution doesn’t work, then you might need to cut it out from the fur. Be careful to only cut the necessary amount of hair, but rest assured that even if that happens, it will quickly grow back to the beautiful coat you are used to.
Bathing regularly
Although cats do a fine job when it comes to cleaning themselves, regular baths are advisable for breeds with a long fur. Doing this every 4 to 6 weeks helps prevent skin oils building up at the base of the coat which can further accumulate dirt, dander and other debris.
You can also use a conditioner to facilitate brushing, and when this is all over, treat your cat with her favorite food in a specially designed Persian cat bowl.
