The Persian cat is one of everyone’s favorites. Their beautiful long and silky fur and their characteristic smooshed face make them stand out from the crowd. To top it off, these felines have a desirable personalities: they are easygoing, super sweet, relaxed, and very docile. The Persian loves to spend time with his human family, so much so that they are known as lap cats, as most of them like to sit on your lap while you work or watch TV. How adorable, right? The only detail is that after spending some time on your lap, you will end up with a finely decorated garment embroidered with loose hair! But do Persian cats shed a lot?
If you want to adopt a regal Persian cat, you’ve come to the right place to learn everything you ever wanted about caring for this kitty’s coat.
Do Persian cats shed a lot?
Such a perfect cat had to have a catch. The reality is that Persian cats do shed, and compared to other breeds, they shed more than the average cat.
The Persian cat has a double coat, and while its undercoat is very dense, its outer coat is long and thick, so no matter how you look at it, there is no way to prevent your cat from shedding. Fortunately, many tools can help you make the shedding much more bearable nowadays. You will see that it is not impossible to have a Persian cat, although if you are allergic to felines, I’m afraid you shouldn’t adopt one.
Grooming needs of a Persian cat
If you want to have a Persian cat, you must invest time in keeping its coat healthy and beautiful. Everything good comes at a high price, so be prepared.
Daily brushing is recommended; well, it’s almost mandatory. This way, you make sure that their coat will always be free of knots and debris. Although cats usually take care of their grooming as they spend more than half of their active day cleaning themselves, the problem with Persians is that they have a wide and short body, which makes them less flexible, plus their flat face prevents them from cleaning themselves as well as other cats would.
As for showers, like most cats, they should be bathed every month and a half to two months. If your cat hates water terribly, you can use a dry shampoo, they do the same job, and it is much easier, although it will also take some time. In addition to the bath, occasionally wipe the eye contour with wet wipes for cats since the constant tearing, so common in this breed, stains the fur in that area with a brown shade.
Why is my Persian shedding excessively?
Although Persian cats are known for shedding a lot of hair, there are times when it can become excessive, which is no longer normal. Here’s a list of the most common reasons that can cause your cat to turn your home into a sea of fur.
It’s the season!
Cats shed moderately throughout the year, but there are two seasons when they tend to shed almost all of their fur, so it is impossible to ignore it. During the spring and fall, cats prepare their coats for the change of weather, so they shed in the summer to stay cool and comfortable on hot days, while in the winter, they shed to grow new fur to protect them from the winter cold.
Unbalanced diet
Cats are obligate carnivores, their diet should consist mainly of animal proteins, and when this is not the case, their organism suffers. One way to know that your cat’s diet is inadequate is if you notice that his coat is dry, dull, and shedding excessively. Ensure your cat’s diet is adequate for its nutritional needs and age. This will help its health and save you from vacuuming it daily.
Allergies or illnesses
Like us, cats also get sick and suffer from allergies. When a cat’s skin is irritated, it itches, and, logically, it wants to scratch or bite itself, thus losing hair. See your veterinarian before it is too late if you notice allergy symptoms. In addition, diseases such as hypothyroidism or cancer can cause your cat’s coat to lose strength and fall out in clumps.
Stress or fear
Cats are very sensitive animals that are easily stressed and frightened. You may have a new pet they don’t like, or the move may have been a significant change that causes stress—a cat in trouble resorts to excessive grooming, which can lead to bald spots.
Tips to control shedding
Luckily, you can do several things to avoid having your house filled with loose hair, but you must be consistent. Try following these tips, and after a while, you will surely notice that you spend less and less time vacuuming because of your cat.
- Daily brushing, even twice a day
- Providing a balanced diet
- Keeping the cat well hydrated
- Reducing the elements that cause stress
- Creating a space just for your cat so that most of the hair is concentrated there
Do Persian cats shed a lot? Final words
You know that Persian cats shed a lot, and the more attention you pay to their coat, the less shedding you will have to deal with. Regular brushing and grooming ensures your cat’s coat will remain healthy and clean for extended periods. Finally, if you notice any suspicious changes in your cat’s health or behavior, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. They are experts in this matter and can help you prevent possible complications.
Also, remember that no matter how much hair they shed, Persian cats are always worth it! Do you have a Persian cat? Tell us about your experience in the comments section! Happy grooming!