Grooming and Nutrition

General

Long-haired cats require regular grooming and maintenance to keep their coats healthy and prevent matting. Regular combing or brushing helps to remove loose hair, prevent tangles, and keep the coat clean and free from mats. It also provides an opportunity for bonding and helps to monitor the cat's overall health by checking for any abnormalities or skin issues.

 In addition to grooming, providing proper nutrition is essential for maintaining the health and beauty of your long-haired cat. High-quality cat food that is specifically formulated for their needs will ensure they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being. It's important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your cat's specific needs.

Hydration is also crucial for a long-haired cat's health. Providing fresh and clean sources of water is essential to keep them well-hydrated and support their overall health. Consider using a water fountain to encourage your cat to drink more water, as cats are naturally attracted to moving water.

By prioritizing regular grooming, providing a balanced diet, and ensuring access to clean water, you are taking important steps to maintain your long-haired cat's health and beauty. This level of care and attention will contribute to their overall well-being and help them thrive in your home.

Combing

Regular grooming is a daily or weekly job for long-haired cats. Combing them with a metal, de-matting comb is an effective way to prevent mats and keep your cat comfortable.

Using a metal, de-matting comb that can reach down to the skin is important because it helps to remove any tangles or mats that may have formed in the fur. These combs have special teeth that can gently untangle the hair without causing any discomfort or pain to your cat. By reaching down to the skin, you can ensure that you are thoroughly combing through the entire length of the coat and removing any potential mats before they become more difficult to untangle.

Regular combing with a de-matting comb not only prevents mats but also helps to distribute the natural oils in your cat's fur, which promotes a healthy and shiny coat. It also provides an opportunity for you to bond with your cat and monitor their overall health by checking for any signs of skin issues, parasites, or abnormalities.

Remember to be gentle and patient while combing your cat to avoid causing any discomfort or stress. Start by combing in the direction of hair growth and gradually work through any tangles or mats using short, gentle strokes. If you encounter stubborn mats that cannot be easily untangled, it's best to seek professional help from a groomer or veterinarian who can safely remove them without causing harm to your cat.

By incorporating regular combing with a metal, de-matting comb into your grooming routine, you can help prevent mats and ensure your long-haired cat remains comfortable and healthy.

Tangles:

When you encounter tangles in your cat's fur, it's important to handle them gently. You can run the comb through the tangle using short, gentle strokes until the coat looks shiny. This helps to untangle the hair without causing any discomfort to your cat.

Mats:

Mats are more severe tangles that can cause skin irritation and potentially lead to skin infections. While the goal is to prevent mats from forming, they can sometimes occur. When you come across a mat, it's best to gently tease the fur loose with your fingers. By loosening the mat, you should be able to comb out the rest of it. However, if the mat is extremely bad and cannot be untangled, you may need to cut or shave the fur. It's important to cut as little as possible to avoid accidentally injuring your cat. It's recommended to use rounded-tipped scissors for safety.

It's crucial to approach grooming with care and patience to ensure the comfort and well-being of your feline friend. It is always recommended to make it a positive experience for them, often times you can add their favorite treat as a reward to accomplish this.

Eyes

Persians often experience eye drainage. We breed to minimize this issue, but it is still important to address any eye discharge that may occur. 

A simple and gentle approach to cleaning the eyes is to use a warm, wet cloth to wipe the eyes daily. This helps to remove any discharge and keep the eye area clean. 

If you find that the eye staining persists or becomes more noticeable, there are various products available on the market specifically designed to address staining. Two recommended options are Eye Envy and Angel Eyes. These products can help to reduce or eliminate staining around the eyes.

Remember to consult with your veterinarian before using any new products on your cat, especially around their eyes. They can provide guidance on the best approach for your cat's specific needs.

It's important to keep the eye area clean and seek professional advice when necessary to ensure the health and well-being of your cat.

Bathing

Giving your cat a bath is an important part of their grooming process. Establishing a regular bathing routine from a young age can help them become more accustomed to it and be less resistant. Here are some steps to follow when giving your cat a bath:

 Wet the cat thoroughly:

Before applying shampoo, make sure to wet your cat's fur thoroughly. Use lukewarm water to make them comfortable.

Degrease the fur:

For the first lathering, you can use a degreasing shampoo like Dawn Dish Soap (Blue bottle). This helps to remove any excess oils from the fur. Gently massage the shampoo into their coat, avoiding the face.

Rinse completely:

After lathering, rinse the cat thoroughly to ensure all the shampoo is removed from their fur. Leftover residue can cause skin irritation.

Conditioning shampoo:

For the second lathering, you can use a conditioning shampoo like Eye Envy Shampoo. This helps to keep the fur soft and manageable. Again, gently massage the shampoo into the coat and rinse thoroughly.

Wipe the face:

The face should be wiped last, using a gentle cloth, or specifically designed cat wipes. Be careful around the delicate eye area and avoid getting water or shampoo in their eyes.

Drying process:

It's important to fully dry your cat to prevent the growth of skin bacteria. You can use a drying box or a quiet blow dryer on a low setting. Make sure to keep a safe distance from your cat and monitor their comfort level. Continue drying for an additional 5-10 minutes after you think they are fully dry. Dampness left in the coat can allow for the growth of skin bacteria.

Remember, not all cats enjoy or tolerate baths, so it's important to be patient and observe their reactions. If your cat becomes stressed or agitated during the bathing process, it may be best to seek professional grooming assistance or consult with your veterinarian for alternative grooming methods.

Grooming and proper drying can contribute to the overall health and well-being of your cat.

Water

It's important to ensure that the water that your cat drinks is clean and free from potentially harmful minerals or contaminants. Here are some tips to consider when providing water for your cat:

  •  Filtered or distilled water: Tap water may contain minerals or impurities that can be harmful to small animals. Using fully filtered or distilled water can help ensure that your cat is drinking clean and safe water.

  •  Use fountains: Cats are naturally drawn to moving water, as stagnant water in the wild can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Providing a fountain can encourage your cat to drink more water. The flowing water mimics their natural instincts and can help keep the water fresh.

  •  Stainless or ceramic fountains: When choosing a fountain for your cat, opt for materials like stainless steel or ceramic. These materials are less likely to harbor bacteria or toxins compared to plastic. They are also easier to clean and maintain.

  •  Avoid plastic dishes: In addition to fountains, it's also recommended to use stainless steel or ceramic dishes for your cat's food and water. Plastic dishes can scratch easily, creating spaces for bacteria to grow. They can also contain harmful chemicals that may leach into the water or food.

By providing clean and fresh water in a suitable fountain or dish, you can help ensure that your cat stays hydrated and healthy. Remember to clean the fountain or dish regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain the water's quality.

Nutrition

Having a balanced and appropriate diet is crucial for the health and well-being of kittens and cats. Our favorite and go to food is Royal Canin Kitten, as it is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of growing kittens. Here are some recommendations to consider for your kitten's diet: 

  • Royal Canin Kitten: Continuing to feed your kitten Royal Canin Kitten until 6 months of age is a good choice. This formula is designed to provide the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development during this crucial stage.

  •  Transition to Royal Canin Persian: At around 6-9 months of age, you may consider transitioning to Royal Canin Persian formula. This formula is tailored to meet the specific needs of Persian cats, considering their unique coat and digestive sensitivities.

  •  Royal Canin Urinary Tract Formula for neutered males: If you have a male kitten that has been neutered, it is recommended to switch to a Urinary Tract Formula. Neutered males can be more prone to kidney, bladder, and urinary tract issues, and this formula can help support their urinary health. All adult cats in the house can thrive on this formula. This formula is designed to promote urinary tract health and help prevent the formation of urinary crystals or stones.

Remember to consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your kitten's specific needs, health condition, and any dietary restrictions they may have. They can provide guidance on the appropriate feeding amounts and schedule based on your kitten's age, weight, and activity level.

Buyer beware: It is not a requirement to use Royal Canin Kitten but please be aware that there is very little oversight for animal food quality. This has a very real effect on your cat’s health. We personally have learned the hard way in our family. If you do choose to use another food, please make sure to do your research.

Thank you for prioritizing your kitten's diet and considering their specific nutritional needs.