Persian Cat

Persians are famous for their luxe coats, which require daily grooming to keep them healthy and beautiful.

This regular upkeep is perhaps the most demanding part of caring for a Persian cat, and it is nonnegotiable—not only because of the discomfort matted coats can cause, but also because of potential health risks like skin infections.

“At minimum, you should plan to brush your Persian three to four times per week, and more frequently as a kitten to help them become accustomed to grooming,” Glinsky says.

• Brushing: To avoid matting, comb out tangles with a metal-toothed comb, then brush out your Persian’s coat with a brush. It’s important to start grooming your Persian kittens when they’re young so they grow used to this lifelong routine.
• Bathing: Bathe your Persian cat every month or two to help keep their coat clean and healthy.
• Ear care: Because of their long fur and small ears, Persian ears can trap debris and are prone to infections. Check them weekly for dirt or irritation, cleaning them gently with a vet-approved solution, like Virbac Epi-Otic, if needed.
• Eye care: During ear checks, look at your Persian’s eyes as well. Use a damp cloth or a tear-stain cleaner, like Optixcare Cleaning Wipes or Angels’ Eyes Tear Stain Wipes, if needed.
• Dental care: The Persian breed is at higher than average risk for periodontal disease and should have regular dental checkups. At home, brush their teeth daily, or at minimum three to four times a week, using a vet-approved toothpaste and toothbrush.
• Nail care: Keep an eye on your Persian’s nails, and don’t let them grow too long. You’ll likely need to trim your cat’s claws every four weeks or so.

Persian cats benefit most from a high-quality, protein-rich diet paired with intentional hydration.

Your veterinarian can offer guidance on the best cat food for your Persian. Some brands, like Royal Canin, even offer breed-specific foods made for Persian kittens and adults. Your vet can also recommend a feeding schedule, though most cats do best with small, frequent meals.

For maximum comfort, Glinsky says, consider serving your Persian’s meal in a shallow food bowl (like this one from Frisco), which will be better suited to their flat-faced anatomy. 

Making sure your cat drinks enough water is just as important as monitoring their diet.

“Many house cats do not drink enough water on their own,” Glinsky says. This can be associated with dehydration, lower urinary tract disease, and may worsen kidney disease.

One way to help, she says, is by “adding watered-down wet food to their daily diet” at least once a day. Feeding a wet food diet is another good option, but talk to your vet if you’re concerned about your Persian’s hydration.

It’s also important to keep fresh water sources available throughout the house, via clean bowls or water fountains.

Persians are calm by nature, but like all cats, they benefit from regular activity.

Their body isn’t built for high jumps or lots of running, but they still crave interactive play that keeps them engaged. Many Persian cats enjoy feather wands, crinkle balls, or plush mice to bat around. Short play sessions sprinkled through the day help prevent boredom and excess weight gain, which is common in this breed due to their tendency to lounge.

Give your Persian activities to engage in while you’re away, like scratching posts and food puzzles, and encourage movement while you’re there. 

Remember: Persian cats love to be in the company of their people. Make a point of setting aside time each day to encourage activity and movement in your cat. Even moving a laser pointer for a few minutes can spark a playful burst of exercise.

Persians thrive in calm, predictable environments. They’re not fans of chaos, loud noise, or nonstop commotion, which is why they do best in homes where quiet time and subdued routines are the norm.

Still, they’re usually fine with other pets if properly introduced. Because Persian cats are so mellow, they’re also great with children, Glinsky says. In general, the Persian breed prefers company. Homes that will be empty for eight hours a day might not be the right fit.

“Most of these cats do need a human present to feel content,” Glinsky says. “They want you to be close to them.”

Indoor life suits Persians best. Their long coats and flat faces can make outdoor hazards like overheating, tangles, and debris tricky. Safe indoor spaces stocked with comfy cat beds, low perches, and cat trees give them options for lounging at every level. A window perch is especially beloved: It’s perfect for bird-watching.

Provide a few scratching posts and cozy hideaways to support natural behaviors, too. Persians appreciate predictability, so routine feeding and playtimes help them feel secure and happy.