Persian Cat

A cloud of fur, a round face and a calm, gentle nature: the Persian is one of the best-known cat breeds in the world [1]. It's a sofa companion, not an acrobat. But that gorgeous coat and flat face come with real care needs, so here's the quick guide.

Persian cat quick facts

How often should I brush a Persian cat?

Every day. The long coat tangles fast, and mats can be painful and trap dirt against the skin [3]. A simple routine [3]:

• Gently massage the skin first.
• Comb head to tail with a wide-toothed comb.
• Go softly under the "armpits" and around the back legs.
• Finish with a rubber glove or damp cloth.

What should a Persian cat eat?

Ask a licensed vet which food suits your cat. Vet guidance on how to feed [7]:

• Adults: usually two measured meals a day, not a bowl left full all day.
• Kittens: 3 to 4 smaller meals a day until about 9 to 12 months.
• Water: always fresh. Several bowls or a fountain can help cats drink more.

Persians are quiet cats, so overfeeding can easily lead to weight gain [1][7].

Why do Persian cats' eyes water?

It's the flat face. Their tear ducts are short, so tears spill down the face instead of draining into the nose [2]. Wipe the eye area gently every day [2]. Thick or coloured discharge, redness or squinting? See a licensed vet.

How do I keep a Persian cool in the Saudi summer?

Any cat can get heatstroke in a hot, stuffy room [4]. And a Persian's flat face means a narrower airway [2]. So:

• It's a sensible precaution to keep it in a cool, air-conditioned room [2][4].
• Offer shade, a cooling mat and plenty of water [4].
• No play or exertion in the heat.

Go to a vet right away if you see heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, collapse, or laboured or open-mouth breathing [2][4].

What health problems do Persian cats get?

In a UK study of over 3,000 Persians, the most common problems were skin (17.9%), eyes (15.3%) and teeth (12.3%) [6]. Kidney disease was the top recorded cause of death [6]. Watch for:

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): inherited, and most common in Persians and related breeds [5].
• Breathing problems from small nostrils and a long soft palate [2].
• Eye and tear problems [2][6].

An honest word on the flat face: that cute round face is linked to breathing, eye, teeth and skin-fold problems [2]. These tend to be worse in more extremely flat-faced lines [6]. So ask breeders about it directly. A cat's welfare matters more than its looks.

Did you know? An Italian traveller, Pietro della Valle, is credited with bringing long-haired cats from Persia to Europe back in 1626 [1].

Before you buy or adopt

• Ask for both parents' PKD test results [5].
• Watch the kitten breathe at rest. Snoring or open-mouth breathing? Talk to a vet first [2].
• Check the eyes for heavy discharge or redness [2].
• Ask for the health record, vaccination card and microchip [8].
• Plan for costs: food, daily grooming tools, vet check-ups and vaccinations, kidney and dental checks, and an emergency fund [3][5][6].

Can a Persian cat travel by plane?

It can, with careful planning. Rules vary by airline and change often, so check with the airline and with MEWA through the Anaam platform before you book [8][9].

• Coming into Saudi Arabia: register on Anaam and get an import permit, valid for 30 days. The cat needs an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an official health certificate from the exporting country [8].
• Leaving Saudi Arabia: apply for an export permit on Anaam with a health certificate from a Ministry-accredited clinic. The permit is valid for 30 days [9]. The destination country's own rules apply too.

What the airlines say:

• Saudia: cabin travel only if the cat and carrier together weigh 5 kg or less [10].
• Etihad: cabin travel up to 8 kg including the carrier [13].
• Qatar Airways and Emirates: no pet cabin option; cats travel in the hold or as cargo. Both say some cat breeds face extra restrictions, so ask about your cat [11][12].

Why the flat face matters: a Persian has a narrower airway [2]. Qatar Airways warns that certain breeds of dogs and cats face a higher heat-stroke risk in transit [11], while IATA’s hot-weather caution names snub-nosed dog breeds specifically [14]. IATA also advises against sedating pets in transit [14]. Talk to a licensed vet before you fly.

Persian cat FAQ

How long do Persian cats live?

The median was 13.5 years in UK vet data. Females lived slightly longer than males [6].

What's the difference between a Persian and a Himalayan?

The CFA treats the Himalayan as a colour division within the Persian breed, with a pointed colour pattern [1].

Are Persian cats good for families?

They're usually sweet, quiet and affectionate with family, though shy with strangers at first [1]. Just be ready for daily brushing [3].