Cat Care: Tips For Keeping Your Persian’s Coat Healthy And Mat-Free
Persian cats are renowned for their luxurious coat and singular appearance. A well-groomed Persian looks like a cloud and feels like silk. This coat leads thousands of people to buy or adopt a Persian, but then many end up clipping its coat short. Why? Most often, the short “lion cut” is used to remove mats that could no longer be combed out. Here are a few ways to avoid mats and keep your Persian’s naturally long hair healthy and beautiful.
Check the quality of your cat’s food
High-quality food is essential for a high-quality coat. The cat’s food should have plenty of lean proteins from whole meats; ingredients listed as “by-products” may have connective tissue and bone as well as meat, with less usable protein for your pet. Calcium and B-vitamins also contribute to hair growth, while fatty acids – such as those from fish – are essential to produce the oily substance that protects each hair follicle. Dietary supplements such as coconut oil may also help improve coat condition.
Groom the cat daily
Most people think of pet grooming as something that dog owners do. While cats tend to most of their own grooming needs, they can’t always keep up with their own coat. For extremely heavy-coated cats like the Persian, grooming is an essential part of cat care. Persians must be combed daily with a wide-tooth comb, removing any tangles or mats.
Bathe your Persian regularly
The first rule of cat grooming is that most cats are not cooperative at bath time. They don’t like to be combed and bathed, and strenuously protest at the first hint of water. Many cat owners opt to take their pets to a professional cat groomer.
If you choose to bathe your cat yourself, only use shampoo that’s specially formulated for long-haired cats. Dog shampoos and human shampoos usually leave too much build-up, leaving the cat even more prone to tangles. Some shampoos are specially formulated to suit the needs of certain colors of cats. The bath helps remove loose hair, dead skin and any clinging dirt or debris that can stain your cat’s fur.
Remove visible soil immediately
Especially in light-coated cats, discharge from the cat’s eyes and dust on its paws may stain the fur and leave permanent discoloration. Using a damp cloth, wipe any dripping around the eyes and any noticeably soiled areas on the cat’s coat.
Keep up on veterinary checks
A cat’s coat and eyes are the first indicators of its overall health. Make sure your cat gets regular veterinary checkups, and make an additional appointment if the cat’s coat problems persist even with regular care.
Keeping a Persian is a lot of work, but vigilant grooming keeps it manageable. With a little time investment, your beloved house cat can look like a champion bound for the show ring.
