Persians, with their luxurious coat makes them a unique and desirable breed. Their long fur requires more upkeep than other types of cats so this breed of feline needs to be groomed every day. In addition to the usual pet grooming practices, such as cutting nails and cleaning ears, you’ll have to go a few steps farther to make your Persian happy and healthy.

Here are our top six tips to make grooming your furbaby quicker and easier, including our favorite products and tools required for a healthy, show-worthy coat.

1. Prevent Matting with Strategic Combing

Persian cats have several areas on their bodies that are prone to matted fur, such as around their armpits and behind their ears, they are likely to suffer from irritation and infections if the matting isn’t prevented in the first place. Brushing through the entire coat is a key part of taking care of your Persian cat. Comb through the coat with a wide, metal comb, like  Chris Christensens’s 013 Cat Comb, this will make your grooming session easier and increase your cat’s comfort.

Suggested product:  Chris Christensen 013 Cat Comb

2. Eliminate Dirt Buildup with Monthly Baths

Persian cats have long fur that lock in dirt, so they’re in greater need of regular bathing compared to other breeds with shorter fur. Washing their fur every two to six weeks is an essential part of tending to your Persian cat; remove matts, wet the coat and clean it with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo or one that matches his or her fur color to restore and enhance natural color tones.

Suggest products:  Artero 4 Cats Shampoo, Chris Christensen White on White, or Chris Christensen Black on Black, Eye Envy Moisturizing Shampoo

3. Cut Away Grease with Powder

Persian cats are more likely to excrete grease because of their thick coats that pick-up dirt and matt easily. Treating greasy fur regularly is a critical part of catering to your Persian cat; dust your feline with powder from time to time to facilitate your grooming session and soften your cat’s fur.

Suggested product: Baby powder

4. Treat Tear Stains with an Anti-Bacterial Stain Free Products

Flat Persian cat face structures are susceptible to bacteria building up and causing unsightly tear stains. Paying close attention to eye health is an important part of caring for your Persian cat: manage bacteria build up and discoloration by applying a topical treatment. If your kitty has a lot of crusty debris along with staining, first wash the face with a facial cleanser, such as Eye Envy Tear Stain Facial Cleanser. Then apply Eye Envy Tear Stain Solution for Cats, this contains a natural antibacterial, which will treat the cause of the staining. For best results use a pad like the  Gentle Applicator Pad with a waffle-like texture which is non-irritating and gently exfoliates the area. Then follow up with Eye Envy Tear Stain Powder - this will absorb and repel the tear before soaks into the fur. For ease of application and your cat’s comfort, we suggest using a small brush.

Suggested products:  Eye Envy Tear Stain Facial Cleanser, Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover Solution for Cats, Eye Envy Tear Stain Remover Powder, Eye Envy Applicator Pads and Eye Envy ProPowder Brush (Small)

5. Smooth Fur

An essential part of grooming is maintaining a healthy coat while also limiting shedding. Persian cats have the most fur out of any type of cat, so it is key to remove the undercoat. This is best achieved by using a slicker brush with high grade steel pins. This will penetrate the fur deeply and remove the undercoat without creating any damage. Brush the coat deeply with a brush like  Chris Christensen Mark II Slicker Brush, until the undercoat has come out.

Suggested product:  Chris Christensen Mark II Slicker Brush

6. Clear Space for Litter Box Use with Scissors

As previously mentioned, Persians have long, thick coats, including long strands of fur that surround their anuses; owners need to trim this area with a shear like the  Show Gear Classic Balltip, so their cats’ feces don’t come in contact with their fur. Trimming their backside area and ensuring a high quality of sanitation are crucial parts of increasing your Persian cat’s quality of life, so cut long fur away from the derrière to avoid messes and ease your cat’s litter box usage.

Suggested product:  Show Gear Classic Balltip

With the help of these top tips, your cat will have a smooth, flowing coat in no time. Although owning a Persian cat comes with some added responsibilities, you’ll get to spend quality time with your furbaby and develop a bond that will last a lifetime. Plan on setting aside a few minutes each day to give your cat some love and attention, although cats groom themselves, they always appreciate extra TLC.