Persian Cat Grooming General

 

Persians require grooming. A wide-metal greyhound comb is suggested and should be combed through the coat daily from the root to the end. Don't forget the chest area, behind the ears and up under the armpits.

 

Frequency of baths depend on each individual cat's fur. Dilute coated cats tend to be able to go longer between baths yet they mat up faster. Silk coats tend to look string faster- yet hardly ever mat and knot.

 

Some Persians require baths bi-weekly, while others can go up to six weeks between before even looking dirty.

 

To the untrained eye, a Persian cat most likely will appear clean even when dirty. Show cats are degreased and bathed to look their very best. The coat of a well- groomed Persian will not look separated or greasy. Many breeders degrease with either Dawn or Joy dishwashing liquid in the bath water or Goop on a dry coat. But be careful, because degreasing can also strip a coat if moisture is not replenished when weekly show baths are given.

 

 

Each color of coat may require a different Cat Shampoo. For example, Whites need a shampoo with a brightening or bluing formula to whiten the coat. Blacks need to be darkened and spared from too much light and drying. Tabbies require their bars to be enriched and Reds need to redden the orange appearance. Bicolor's and Dilutes require a shampoo to bring out the color they have the most of, keeping in mind to also brighten the white. Shampoos are sold with colors of coats in mind and will specify exactly what they are intended to do. Our Oatmeal Almond can take care of any coat color and texture.

 

Mats need to be removed before the bath or they will become worse. Never cut them out with a sharp-pointed tool such as scissors...you could cut the kitty if he jumps. Rip them apart into little knots and try working them out with a comb or your fingers. Sometimes powder can help too.

 

 

Work large mats into smaller knots and work from the skin-side out. Skin under the mat is normally very tender and sore. An infection can occur if the mat is left too long. Keeping the cat clean is the best way to avoid mats. When Persians become greasy under the chest, and especially and under the armpits, small knots become large mats very quickly. Powder can help absorb some of the grease. I would suggest using soft white grooming powder between baths.

 

I recall in junior high school- someone telling me they didn't have time to wash their hair so they used baby powder and brushed it through. Well- this works for the cats too- but please be careful and don't over do it and don't allow it to get in their eyes.

 

Speaking of eyes- always be careful with powder and soap in the eyes, rinse well and protect the eyes from outside invaders. Keep ears free of water too! Might save your kitty from catching a cold:-)

 

If you simply can not work those mats out - you might need to call on your vet or a groomer and get a haircut.

 

However- PLEASE make sure the groomer doesn't give your kitty some fungus or mites - you don't need to get a haircut to come home with a new problem or issue- and neither does your kitty.

 

Many breeders enjoy what is called a lion's cut during the breeding season when the kitty isn't being showed. This cut is a shaved body with the tail, legs, and mane unshaved. It is quite charming, but the cat isn't allowed to be showed with this cut. :-)

 

For stain removal- go here to tear stain removers!

 

CB has designed a special line of soaps to help with your Persian grooming need.

Never flea bath or flea dip a kitten!