Best Cat Food for Persians: Top 4 Picks for Feeding Dollface

Persian cats have been around for quite some time, specifically, the era of Mesopotamia before it was called Persia (now Iran). This makes them one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, and ultimately one of the most popular.

A Persian cat’s general health and longevity depends largely on their nutrition. In this article, we’re going to talk about the best cat food for Persians, so you can make sure your pet stays healthy and happy.

Quick Look: The 4 Best Persian Cat Foods

About the Persian Cat

Persian cats are unique in appearance. When you see one, you’ll probably immediately know that the breed is Persian because they are very distinct. Persian cats are characterized by their long, beautiful fur that is most often a light color with a hint of darker tones near their trunk. Physique-wise, the Persian cat is short and broad with stubby legs and a long, flowy tail.

The Persian cat’s face is what some people love most about the breed. Persian cats may have a Doll face or a Peke-face. Classic Persians have the typical ‘doll face,' which is said to be the type of face of the original breed. Dollface Persians have dollish eyes hence the name and have higher noses than the Peke-face Persian cat.

On the other hand, Peke-face Persian cats have flatter faces and eyes that are pointing downwards. Some can be described as ‘grumpy-looking’ due to their facial expression. Still, both types of Persian cats are well-loved by pet lovers around the world. A typical Persian cat weighs around 7 to 12 pounds, making it a medium-sized cat. Their life expectancy is a bit longer than other breeds at 10 to 15 years.

Personality & Temperament​

When talking about the Persian cat’s personality, most owners claim that the Persian has a laid back and quiet demeanor. They are not very athletic cats, so you don’t have to worry about them running around in your house in the middle of the night. Instead, the Persian cat likes laying around and lounging on your lap.

The Persian cat can be a good family pet as long as they are treated gently and with respect. They enjoy being around and observing family members but don’t necessarily follow their owners around the house too much.

Nutrition & Diet Requirements for Persian Cats​

Persian cats can be fed a moderate-calorie diet since they are medium-sized cats and do not move around too much. As their owner, make sure that they develop good food habits to maintain a normal weight.

The kitten stage is an opportunity window to establish your cat’s food habits. In the case of the Persian breed, it’s important not to overfeed because kittens may want more food than the amount necessary.

So, what kind of food do Persian cats eat?

Persian cat food will need to consist mostly of meat products. It is generally recommended that their diet is made up of more moist food than dry food, wherein there is a combination of moist and dry food all throughout the day.

Some cat food brands may cater specifically to Persian cats since they have long coats that need upkeep. You can keep a lookout for these labels on cat food, as well as brands that are formulated for breeds with long coats and moderate activity levels.

Carbohydrates

Persian cats need a diet consisting mostly of meats, so food rich in grains and other carbohydrates would not benefit them. Be sure that you don’t overfeed your cats with carbohydrate sources such as grain, wheat, vegetables, or fruit, even when they want to taste what’s on your plate.

Protein

Just like any other cat breed, the Persian cat needs abundant sources of protein in their diet to be able to maintain their medium-sized frames. Amino acids that are found in protein-rich foods (such as poultry, beef, pork, and fish) help build and repair tissues as well as maintain a good immune system.

Fat

Persian cats require good amounts of essential fatty acids that will help them retain a soft and silky coat. Since they have longer fur than other breeds, they need cat food that is rich in nutrients that will facilitate the growth of smooth and strong hairs.

Food allergies may develop over time, so it’s important to look out for symptoms of an immuno-response when giving your cat new cat food. This goes for homemade food as well. If you feed your homemade cat food, make sure that they are not allergic to the ingredients.

Don't Overfeed Them​

Furthermore, Persian cats like to lounge around and basically have a low activity level compared with other breeds. Do not overfeed your cats or give them too many scraps or treats. This is to avoid your cat from getting too fat and unhealthy. Remember, overweight or obese felines are more at risk of health-related problems in the long run.

Similarly, senior cats need extra attention when it comes to their feeding changes. They may require less amount of food or a different kind of cat food that will be more suited to their tastes.

Common Health Problems of Persian Cats

Persian cats may develop genetic diseases even if they are purebred. Since they generally have short noses and flat faces, they are more vulnerable to breathing or dental problems. Breathing problems can arise from the cat’s constricted nostrils, making the airways more difficult to pass through. Also, Persian cats can have misaligned teeth or dental malocclusions related to the structure of their face as well. Typically, these problems can be addressed through surgery.

Moreover, Persian cats can also be prone to a genetic disease called PKD or polycystic kidney disease. Just like in human PKD, feline polycystic kidney disease causes the formation of cysts and eventual kidney dysfunction. Don’t worry though, and you can have your cat tested for PKD for early treatment.

Persian cats may also develop excessive tearing and eye conditions. These problems can be prevented by feeding them as kittens with cat food rich in Vitamin A, DHA, and other vitamins and minerals that can promote good eye development.

Here Are Reviews Of The 4 Best Cat Food for Persians

1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Persian Kitten Dry Food

Since Persian cats are one of the oldest and most popular breeds in the world, brands make specific formulations for Persian cats specifically. The Royal Canin brand has created a recipe for Persian kittens which is packed with highly digestible proteins, fiber content, and prebiotics for a healthy digestive system.

The Royal Canin Persian cat food also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help the development of eyes and a healthy coat. Furthermore, the kibble itself is specially designed for Persian kittens to grasp and eat their food.

2. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Indoor Adult Dry Cat Food

Persian cats have long hair that needs to be maintained and cared for. The Royal Canin brand has a recipe for breeds with long hair, making this product perfect for Persians. This dry cat food is made for healthy coat development as well as hairball elimination, which are both necessary for long-haired cats. Additionally, it is formulated for indoor cats that have limited activity levels like the Persian.

3. Purina Friskies Adult Indoor Wet Cat Food

Cats with low activity levels like the Persian cat need a type of cat food made for indoor cats who, in general, have low to moderate activity levels. The Purina Friskies Indoor Adult Cat Food is a wet type of cat food with a homestyle turkey dinner (with garden greens and gravy) flavor. The added gravy is great for moisture and additional flavor which your cat will surely enjoy.

4. Purina Pro Plan “FOCUS” Indoor Care Canned

The Purina Pro wet cat food is another option for long-haired cats such as the Persian. This particular recipe is made with real salmon and complementary rice. It contains all the necessary nutrients needed for muscle maintenance, immune and digestive health, and helps control hairball formation-- a must for hairy cats.

Final Thoughts

Persian cats are one of the classic breeds of felines. Indeed, they are one of the most popular breeds in the world not only in Europe where they were popularized. Having a Persian cat is like having a beautiful best friend who is not too clingy, but will be affectionate towards you and other family members.

The best cat food for Persians will be those that are rich in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that facilitate healthy growth and maintenance of coat. Lastly, Persians need cat food formulations that will fit their needs based on age, activity level, and specific needs.