Persian cats are gaining more and more popularity among pet lovers. Cats of this breed have unique physical characteristics and require special care for themselves. At the same time, it will not be difficult for a responsible and loving owner to take care of her.
Wool
One of the main features of Persian cats is their long hair. This same feature is the most problematic. Long hair quickly accumulates on its surface a large amount of all kinds of dirt, fleas, ticks, etc. This forces the cats to brush it endlessly. Spend at least 15 minutes a day brushing your cat's fur, using a fine-toothed metal comb. Pay special attention to those parts of the body to which the cat itself does not have access, for example, the neck, back or some parts of the paws.
Diet
Persian cats are known for their inactivity, which in turn contributes to rapid weight gain. To avoid this problem, you can switch your cat to a vegetarian diet using special foods. Cats are predatory animals by nature, so the rapid replacement of animal food with plant food can negatively affect their health. Always check with your veterinarian before changing her diet. As a rule, the transition to a new diet is done gradually. Vegetarian food is added in small, but increasing doses each time until it completely replaces animal food.
Bathing
Like other members of the feline family, Persian cats do not like water. However, having a long coat requires bathing them weekly, especially if they go outside. The fur of these cats is susceptible to contamination even if they do not leave the premises. A litter box or dirt on the floor can cause bacteria to enter the coat, and subsequently into the cat's body, which in turn can lead to illness. Regular bathing will help avoid these problems and keep both the cat and the owner healthy.
Nostrils
The special structure of the face of Persian cats often causes difficulty breathing through the nose. In the most severe cases, cats breathe only through their mouths. This problem occurs due to foreign objects entering the nose, but can also be caused by the anatomy itself. In some cases, surgery is required to widen the nasal passage. A common cold can also lead to breathing problems, so pay special attention to your cat's overall health. At the same time, the snorting and unusual sneezing of the Persian cat is natural, they are caused by the specific structure of the bones of its muzzle.
Kidney
Up to half of all Persian cats suffer from polycystic kidney disease. Symptoms of this disease begin to appear between the ages of 3 and 10 and include: depression, lethargy, weight loss, frequent urination, etc. Visit your veterinarian regularly and check your cat for this condition. Unfortunately, there are no effective methods of treating this disease today. Almost all cats with polycystic disease die after a while. However, adhering to special diets prescribed by your veterinarian can prolong their life. The earlier this disease is diagnosed, the longer the cat can live later.
