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Do Persian Cats Shed? Facts & Grooming Tips

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Persian cat and a pile of shedded cat hair

Do Persian Cats Shed? Facts & Grooming Tips

If you have had your eye on the beautiful Persian cat, you may wonder a little about the grooming. After all, one of the best qualities about this cat is their long, lustrous fur. With coats like that, they are often challenging to keep up with and manage.

In this article, we are going to discuss whether a Persian sheds, how much they shed, and aspects of grooming. Then, you can decide if getting a Persian is the right move for you.

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Persian Cats Shed

Persian cats absolutely shed. When you purchase one of these cats, you can expect to keep up with a lot of grooming daily. Not only will you have to brush them to collect the shed, but you will also have to sweep and clean your fabrics, linens, and furniture.

Are Persians Hypoallergenic?

Persian cats are not hypoallergenic. In fact, their long, thick coats actually might trigger allergies more often. So, if you’re looking for an allergy-friendly breed, the Persian doesn’t fit the bill.

Persian Cat Brown and white coat lying on a towel
Image Credit: pickpik

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What to Expect When Grooming Persians

Grooming Persians can be challenging, especially for novice owners. These cats require daily care, as you have very thick double coats that mat and tangle easily. They need thorough brushing, continuous coat management, and shed collection.

Bathing

Long haired cats such as the Persian need to get a bath roughly every 4 to 6 weeks. Because they have such dense fur, lots of dirt, dander, and debris can get trapped. However, if your Persian has any significant skin issues, you might want to avoid frequent full-body baths.

Brushing

Get used to brushing your Persian! They have extreme grooming needs that will result in you giving them daily brushings. You might even have to brush them multiple times a day to keep up during high shed seasons. Here are some of the tools you should have on hand.

professional groomer grooming persian cat
Image Credit: artcasta, Shutterstock

Slicker Brushes

Slicker brushes are an excellent item to have on hand to keep shedding under control. These brushes are perfect for everyday use, collecting shed and debris in the fur. All slicker brushes are easy to clean, whether they have a manual or a self-cleaning mechanism.

Bristle Brushes

Bristle brushes are terrific for coat maintenance. They smooth the coat, giving it a fresh appearance. While they can lightly remove debris and shed, these aren’t the best for deeply penetrating the coat.

Deshedding Tools

Deshedding tools are very convenient to have on hand. They are designed to deeply penetrate all the way to the skin, taking off the dead undercoat. These tools are not meant to be used on an everyday basis.

In fact, you should only use them during deep grooming sessions, such as when bathing.

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How to Reduce Shedding in Persians

You might wonder how to reduce shedding when you have a Persian. While you can’t stop it completely, there are practices you can put in place to make it less of a hassle.

  • Proper Grooming: If you keep up with proper grooming practices, you should have an easier time reducing shed and keeping your Persian looking fresh.
  • Frequent Cleaning: If you have a Persian, it’s a good idea to run the vacuum every day. Not just on floors but on upholstery and other fabrics, too.
persian cat grooming
Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock

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Other Fun Facts About Owning Persians

Persian cats are stunning beauties. These brachycephalic cats have extremely unique appearances with dashing long coats and smashed-in faces. They look distinguished, renowned, and wise all the while being cute as the day is long—who could ask for more?

Origin

Persian cats, you guessed it, came from Persia—now modern-day Iran. They are an ancient breed that has been around since at least 1684 BC. However, it is uncertain just how they developed. One thing is for sure: we’re glad they did!

Temperament

The Persian is known for its lovable, amiable nature. They are very agreeable in households and tend to acclimate very well to various lifestyles. Because of their docility and patience, they can be good for children and seniors alike.

Because the Persian is laidback and good-natured, they tend to get along well with most other house pets, too. Proper introductions will make them best friends with the family cat or dog. They can be cuddling in the corner or playing with a favorite toy.

Even though they don’t have notable prey drives, they are still cats with predatory instincts. They should never be trusted with smaller pets. So, don’t let your Persian’s innocent face fool you into thinking that they want to be best friends with your pet hamster.

red exotic persian cat sitting on paper bag
Image Credit: Sergey Nemirovsky, Shutterstock

Health

Since Persians are brachycephalic, which means they have short muzzles and shallow eye sockets, they can have breathing problems.

They can also suffer from a number of other ailments, such as:
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bladder stones
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

Kittens

If you want a Persian kitten, you shouldn’t have any trouble locating one. It might be a bit of a drive, but the chances of a breeder being in your area are pretty high. You might have to sign a contract or put down a deposit.

There are also Persians available at rescues and shelters, so check if you’re interested in adoption. Be ready to jump through hoops and match adoption criteria before being selected for a cat.

persian kitten lying
Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

Now you understand that the Persian’s coat takes daily care. If you mismanage the coat, it will quickly develop mats and tangles. So, it’s best to make brushing an everyday occurrence. When you’re cuddled up on the couch, you can use a brush as a petting method when all is calm.

No matter how you choose to integrate coat care into your routine, make sure that you stay ahead of it.


Featured Image Credit: DreamBig, Shutterstock

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