Breed Focus: Persian Cats
Persians: A guide for Longcroft hotel owners and carers
Known for their luxurious coats, flat faces and regal charm, Persian kitties are some of the most visually striking guests we welcome. But beneath the fluff is a loving, often dog-like personality that thrives on gentle companionship and routine.
While they’re famously sweet-natured and affectionate, Persians also come with a long list of care requirements — and it’s essential we tailor their stay to meet those unique needs with precision and calm confidence.
Coat Care: High Maintenance, Non-Negotiable
Persians have exceptionally dense, long double coats that mat really easily if not properly maintained. Most Persian owners will groom their kitties daily at home so it’s important we continue that routine during their stay.
In our care:
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Offer daily coat maintenance. I find the Mikki round toothed combs, a Mikki Mmat breaker and a slicker brush is all you need, alongside eye wipes or cotton wool pads soaked in warm water. Common tangle areas are behind ears, under legs, and around the neck (where their heads are constantly moving) and their fluffy tails.
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It’s a good idea to check for signs of matting on arrival and ask the owner what level of grooming their kitty is used to at home, and if they enjoy it.
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If mats are present, sometimes it takes a few days or even a week to loosen the mat and remove it … a little and often approach is always best, as mats can often be sore from pulling, particularly if they are at the base of the coat close to the skin.
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Don’t be tempted to cut mats out with scissors or shave them unless the owners have expressly asked you to do so.
Eye Care
Due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, Persians all experience tear staining and weepy eyes. This can build up and lead to staining or skin irritation if not cleaned regularly.
In our care:
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Wipe their eyes gently once or twice daily with a soft damp cloth, microfibres are always quite handy or cotton pad soaked in warm water. Use a clean pad after every wipe and use separate pads for each eye.
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Be careful with kitties who already have staining or sore skin. Persians can suffer from contact dermatitis, which makes their under eyes and the bottom of their eyelids sore. Clean gently and avoid over-wiping or rubbing.
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I always take photos pretty quickly after grooming the Persians in my care as I find after 5 minutes it doesn’t look like I have groomed them at all or they have dunked their head in their water bowl!
Diet: Quality Over Quantity
Persians are small cats generally and prone to sensitive digestion, so a little and often feeding regime with a good quality slightly sensitive diet is usually what owners will provide if their persians suffer with sensitivities and sudden changes can lead to digestive upset, which is not fun, particularly with a light coloured long haired guest!
In our care:
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Serve their usual food, feed little and often and stick to their feeding routine precisely.
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Avoid offering treats unless approved — many Persian owners are very cautious with extras.
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Monitor for soft stools or reluctance to eat.
Temperament: Gentle, Affectionate, Observant
Most Persians are gentle, calm and quietly attached to their humans. They may not demand constant attention, but they love gentle company, head rubs, and soft verbal interaction. Many behave more like little dogs than independent felines.
At Check-In
If the following information has not been provided on the Pet Profile, have a chat at Check-in about..
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What grooming routine does the kitty follow at home?
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Are there any specific mats or sensitive areas we need to know about ?
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How often does the owner clean their eyes? Any products used?
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Are there any dietary sensitivities or supplements we need to continue?
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Do they enjoy grooming and interaction, or do they prefer quiet company?
Final Thought
Looking after a Persian kitty in a hotel setting is all about routine, gentleness and attention to detail. These beautiful, loving souls may come with a high-maintenance care routine, but they repay it tenfold with loyalty, calm affection and that signature squishy little face peering up at you in total trust.
Handled well, a Persian’s stay can be one of the most rewarding experiences — for you, and for them.
