Persian: health conditions to watch
Persians are gentle, glamorous cats whose flat face and long coat need a bit of daily care. Their most important health consideration is the kidneys, with the eyes and skin folds worth staying on top of too.
What to watch in a Persian
A predisposition is a “worth knowing”, not a diagnosis. Most Persians never develop these — but knowing the early signs means you can act early.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Learn about Chronic Kidney Disease →Persians are predisposed to polycystic kidney disease (PKD), an inherited cause of kidney failure; a DNA test in breeding lines and, later, watching for increased drinking, weeing and weight loss are the keys.
Join the Chronic Kidney Disease community →Vision Loss
Learn about Vision Loss →The prominent eyes are prone to tear overflow, corneal problems and some inherited eye disease; any redness, cloudiness, squinting or a dark spot on the eye deserves a prompt check.
Join the Vision & Eye Health community →Skin & Ear Infections
Learn about Skin & Ear Infections →The facial folds and heavy coat trap moisture and debris, a common cause of skin irritation; regular gentle cleaning helps.
Join the Allergies & Skin community →Start here
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Looking after a Persian
- Buy from breeders who DNA-test for PKD
- Clean the facial folds and eyes gently every day, and groom the coat daily
- Keep them cool — the flat face makes heat harder to cope with
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