Taking care of your Persian

Persian cats are undoubtedly one of the most admired cat breeds. Eminent for their long hair and gentle personalities, Persian cats have extremely attractive features. These cats are considered as great companions for almost everyone, as they are not very demanding. The governing factor to the health of a Persian cat is a stable and appropriate diet, since this cat breed is comparatively more sensitive towards food. Persian cats normally require more vitamins as compared to other breeds. You can give your cat supplements if required. However, a regular balanced diet with adequate amount of vitamins can fulfill the health requirements of your pet.

Feeding Persian cats

One to two months old Persian cats are recommended to be fed milk designed especially for kittens. Soft food enriched with vitamins is necessary for the proper growth of your pet. Therefore, it is recommended to feed them chicken and other similar items with high nutritional value from month 4 to 12. Never feed milk and meat together, as it might cause upset stomach. If your cat has already taken milk, wait for at least 3 hours before feeding it meat. Kitten up to six months old will need four small meals in 24 hours. The amount decreases to three, once your kitten reaches the age of 8 to 12 months. Adult Persian cats require two meals a day. Some Persians cannot tolerate complete dry food. Chronic diarrhea, weight loss and poor growth are some of the symptoms of cat's intolerance to dry food.

Never give your cat anything containing bromide, aspirin, morphine and castor oil. Avoid using shampoos having laurel, as it can prove fatal. Always seek veterinary advice in case of upset stomach, diarrhea and other stomach problems.

Persian cats' grooming

A Persian cat requires regular grooming and gentle handling. Normally, metal pin brushes, bristle brushes and round tooth metal combs are regarded as the best grooming tools. Lay your pet on its side and work gently down from its head, brushing its coat forward in the direction of the head, a little section at a time. Always remember to brush from the roots of the hair to the tip. Otherwise, its coat might tangle at the roots. Be very particular about the area under the front legs and around the bottom. Turn your Persian onto the other side and repeat the process until you have groomed both sides, back and tummy. Your cat might take some time to get used to this routine, but once it does, things will get easier for you.

Never try to bathe a cat with knots or matted coat. This will most definitely make matters worse for your cat as well as you. If the coat becomes terribly knotted, it is better to just cut the knots off than causing your Persian cat discomfort by combing them out. Check your Persian's eyes and ears every day. Wipe around the folds of its ears with damp cotton bud or cotton wool. The area under and around the cat's eyes must also be wiped clean with wet cotton wool every day. Bathe your pet occasionally in order to keep it clean.