Are Persians the Most Troublesome Cats? 7 Common Complaints About Them

#1: They Need Daily Grooming

Persians need their fur combed down to the skin daily, which takes more time than brushing a shorthaired cat. You should also regularly wipe their eyes to prevent tear stains.

Their sanitary area (the fur around their bottoms) tends to get messy as well, so many people will regularly give their cats a sanitary shave or trim. Otherwise, you may occasionally find poop stuck in their fur.

#2: They’re Messy Eaters 

Another thing you may need to do is wipe your Persian’s face or the area around their bowl after a meal. Their flat faces make eating messy.

They also have difficulty reaching into deep dishes, so feed them on a plate or shallow bowl and keep their water dish filled.

#3: They’re Clingy

If you want a lap cat, Persians are great! If you prefer your space, however, they may be too needy for you.

Persians are also prone to developing separation or isolation anxiety, which can make it difficult to leave them alone. Make sure you have plenty of time to spend with your cat before adopting a Persian.

Adopting two cats at once, preferably litter mates or a bonded pair, can also make things easier as they’ll never be alone–making isolation anxiety irrelevant to your day-to-day life.

#4: Persians are Expensive

Persian kittens are expensive to buy from a breeder. You should also be looking to adopt two kittens at once because kittens shouldn’t grow up alone! It can cause single kitten syndrome, which is a set of behavioral issues caused by poor socialization and stress.

Persians can also develop costly veterinary issues, so it’s important to purchase pet insurance when you adopt your new fur babies.

#5: They’re Poorly Bred

Persians are purposefully bred to have flat faces. Their short snouts can cause an abundance of health problems, including difficulties breathing day to day.

There are no reputable Persian breeders because reputable breeders do not put an animal’s appearance above their health.

While you may be able to find a Persian at a rescue or shelter, you’ll likely be waiting a while for one to show up. You’ll also still be facing the health problems inherent to the breed.

It may be better to adopt a longhaired rescue cat or kittens that look similar to Persians. If they have longer snouts, they may be healthier than Persians as well.

#6: They’re Prone to Heat Stroke

Another consequence of a Persian’s short snout is that they’re more prone to heat stroke than other cat breeds. The best way to combat this is to keep your cat strictly indoors, which is best for their safety anyway!

If you choose to let them explore safely on a harness or in a catio, consider keeping them indoors when it’s hot outside or making sure they can go back in as soon as they’re ready.

While some people think shaving a longhaired cat will keep them cooler, this isn’t true! Their double coats regulate their body temperature by not only insulating them against the cold but also cooling them down in warm weather.

Shaving your Persian can damage their coat and may make it even more difficult for them to maintain their body temperature going forward. It’s best avoided unless necessary for medical reasons.

#7: Persians are Prone to Health Problems

Lastly, Persians are prone to a variety of health problems. Common health issues include:

• Dental disease
• Eye conditions
• Brachycephalic syndrome
• Heart disease

Breeders can reduce the risk of health problems in their kittens by screening for genetic conditions in both parents and breeding responsibly. However, many Persian health problems are directly related to their short snouts.