Persian Cat

About My Cats

Let me give some background first. I currently have two Persian cats, Mochi and Luna. Mochi is white and seven years old this year. Luna is gray and three years old. Both were purchased from reputable breeders, and both have been spayed/neutered.

White Persian cats like Mochi ✨

Gray Persian cats like Luna 💫

Coat Care

Persian cats have long fur. I knew that before getting one. What I didn't know was that you need to brush them every day. Not a suggestion—a must.

When Mochi first came home, I thought brushing every two or three days was enough. A month later, she had a huge mat under her belly. Getting it shaved off at the pet groomer cost 400 yuan, and the cat suffered too.

Daily brushing keeps the coat beautiful and mat-free 🪮

Now I brush at a fixed time every evening, using a dematting comb and a steel comb together. The dematting comb goes first, then a thorough pass with the steel comb. The whole process takes about ten minutes. In seven years, there hasn't been another mat.

I've tried many types of combs. Cheap plastic ones don't work—they create static and the cat is uncomfortable. Metal steel combs work well. I use a Chris Christensen one that I bought five years ago and still use today. Over 400 yuan, but truly durable.

Facial Cleaning

Persian cats have flat faces and blocked tear ducts, so there are often tear stains under their eyes. You need to wipe them daily.

I use medical cotton pads with warm water. Once in the morning, once at night. After wiping, I use a dry cotton pad to absorb the moisture. When tear stains are severe, I use boric acid solution—can't use it every day, just two or three times a week.

Those adorable flat faces need extra cleaning attention 👀

Luna's tear stains are worse than Mochi's. I took her to the vet, who said her tear ducts are narrower, which is individual variation within the normal range. There's no cure, only daily care to keep it under control.

I've tried some tear stain removal products sold online, and none worked particularly well. Wiping diligently every day is still the most effective method.

Diet

Both cats eat prescription food—Royal Canin's Persian-specific formula. The kibble is flat-shaped, suitable for flat-faced cats to bite.

I've tried other brands before—Orijen and Ziwi Peak. Mochi had soft stool on Orijen, which resolved after switching to Royal Canin. This varies by cat; I'm just describing my situation.

Quality food makes a happy, healthy Persian cat 🥣

Wet food is given once a day, in the evening. I use Fancy Feast Classic Paté series—not the most expensive, but both cats love it, and I haven't changed it in seven years.

For water, I use a water fountain, not a still water bowl. Persian cats have short noses and can easily choke when drinking from regular bowls. Cats are more willing to drink from the flowing water of a fountain, and their water intake noticeably increases.

Health Issues

Persian cats are prone to several health problems. Polycystic kidney disease is hereditary—when buying a cat, ask the breeder for the parents' genetic test reports. Both Mochi's and Luna's parents were tested negative.

Respiratory issues are also common. When it's hot, Mochi pants and wheezes; turning on the air conditioning fixes it. In summer, the AC at home is basically always on.

A comfortable environment helps prevent respiratory issues 🌡️

Luna has dental problems. At three years old, I noticed her gums were red and swollen. The vet said it was gingivitis and extracted two teeth. Now she gets a dental cleaning once a year, and it's under control.

An annual checkup is essential. Blood tests, ultrasound, oral examination—a full workup costs around 1,000+ yuan. Over seven years, Mochi's total medical expenses have been just over 20,000 yuan. Luna, because of that tooth extraction, has cost about 15,000 yuan in three years.

Personality

Persian cats are quiet. This is true. Mochi barely meows, and Luna meows occasionally but very softly.

Not too clingy, but not aloof either. When I'm home, they like to stay in the same room but won't constantly rub against me. They're companion cats, not interactive cats.

Content to be near you, but never demanding attention 💤

Shy around strangers. When guests come over, both hide and don't come out until the person leaves.

Not suitable for families with young children. Persian cats are gentle but startle easily, and children's big movements make them nervous. A friend's Persian cat was chased by a kid, had a stress response, and licked a bald spot into its fur.

Cost of Care

Let me do the math.

Cat food is about 300 yuan per month. Wet food is about 200 per month. Cat litter is about 100 per month. Daily care supplies are 200-300 per year. Annual checkups are 1,000+.

Adding it up, each cat costs about 8,000 to 10,000 yuan per year. This doesn't include illness.

The price of buying the cat itself depends on appearance and pedigree—anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands. I paid 8,000 for Mochi and 12,000 for Luna. Both are pet quality, not show quality.

Some Things I Still Haven't Figured Out

After seven years, there are still some things I don't have conclusions on.