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Persian cats are beautiful, long-haired cats that are instantly recognizable thanks to their luxurious coat and flat face. Unfortunately, these distinctive pets also have a history of health issues. One issue that sometimes comes up with Persian cats is sneezing. So, do Persian cats sneeze a lot?
No, Persian cats do not sneeze a lot, however, due to congenital issues with their flat-faced facial structure, Persian cats are more likely to sneeze than other breeds of cats. If a Persian cat is sneezing a lot, the owner should seek the advice of a veterinarian.
Cat Product Note: I will talk about and recommend some cat products in this article, which will hopefully provide your cat with a more enriching life. These are Amazon affiliate links, so I receive a commission from Amazon, with no added cost to you. These are my honest recommendations, so if you are interested in checking them out, please click below!
- The cat condo/cat tree on Amazon that I recommend for Persian Cats – I own this for my cat, and she loves it! (Affiliate Link): Click Here
- This is the cat backpack on Amazon I recommend for Persian Cats since it has excellent airflow and will give your cat a great view (Affiliate Link): Click Here.
- If you are wondering what the best products are for your cat, check out this article that will break down all my recommendations for you: Things To Buy For A Cat Right Now!
In this article, I will be finding out if Persian Cats sneeze a lot, what that might mean for their overall health, and some general tips for looking after your Persian. Read on!
Do Persian Cats Sneeze a Lot?
Due to congenital issues with facial structure, Persians are more likely to sneeze than other cats. Several other medical problems are associated with flat-faced breeds, which will be discussed later in this article!
Persians are known as a brachycephalic breed among veterinary circles. They have a significantly shortened nasal passage, elongated soft palate and a more bunched up nose (similar to the Pekingese dog breed).
Due to this condition, Persian cats are the breed most susceptible to upper respiratory infections, even the most minor ones, which will lead to an increase in sneezing. The symptoms of upper respiratory infections range from repeated mild sneezing up to much more severe health issues.
This type of infection is most commonly not so intense and manifests in the wet eyes and noses that are characteristic to the Persian breed.
Is it Bad if Your Kitten Sneezes a Lot?
As mentioned above, your kitten sneezing a lot can be a symptom of upper respiratory infection. The occasional sneeze is obviously not a concern, but if your cat is constantly sneezing and it seems as if they are upset by it, or other symptoms like runny nostrils and eyes are present, it is worth seeking a veterinarian’s advice and help if the cat’s conditions worsen.
Some cases of this strain of respiratory infection can be dangerous for your kitten, but in most instances, these symptoms will pass, and your cat will be entirely fine. It is worth noting that once your pet has this condition, it will likely happen more often, so do not be too worried if your cat has the occasional bout of sneezing.
Usually, it will be entirely fine, but take a little extra care when your pet is exhibiting symptoms like this.
Owning a Cat with a Flat Nose
There are a few essential steps to take when your cat is a flat-nosed breed to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
- Pay attention to your cat’s dental hygiene: This may seem odd, but due to the flattened face, Persian cats are more likely to suffer from dental and jaw issues, so keep an eye on their mouths to catch any problems like this early.
- Clean the cat’s face regularly: Flat faces often lead to runny discharge from a cat’s face and eyes. If left unattended, this discharge can cause rashes on the cat’s face, so ensure you clean them regularly.
- Keep to a daily grooming schedule: Long-haired breeds like the Persian require consistent, daily grooming to avoid knots and bunches with their hair. A cat’s coat is essential to them, so make sure you can keep this appropriately maintained.
Do Persian Cats Have Trouble Breathing?
In this article, I have talked about the idea of brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome – the scientific name given to flat-faced pets.
It is not a genetic problem unique to cats, and it is a trait they share with Shi-Tzu, Pekingese, Bulldog, and Pug breeds in the canine world. This can often lead to a lot of trouble breathing.
Signs of Cat Breathing Problems
Signs of cat breathing problems include:
- Raspy or wheezy breath.
- Excessive panting during exercise.
- Stuttered or ragged breathing.
- Excessive discharge from nasal or tracheal passageways.
What do I do If My Cat is Having Trouble Breathing?
The first step is always to contact a vet if your cat is having trouble breathing. You can also attempt to exercise your pet more to improve airflow.
Make sure you always have good airflow throughout your living space, opening any windows possible, and make sure your cat can access wide open spaces with a lot of air.
Do Persian Cats Snore?
Most animals do not snore in the traditional sense, but when a Persian cat is sleeping it may make similar sounds that resemble snoring (possibly even while sleeping). This is again due to the brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome that is symptomatic within the entire breed.
Why Does My Cat Snore When She Sleeps?
If your cat is not a Persian (or even if she is), there may be various reasons they appear to snore. Perhaps the cat is overweight, which would lead to fat slightly compressing nasal or tracheal passages that the cat breathes from.
They could also just be sleeping in a strange position, which may even barely squeeze or warp their airways. In any event, if you are concerned about it, have a conversation with your veterinarian.
Do Persian Cats Sleep A Lot?
Persian cats are known to be much less active and energetic than some other breeds. This often leads to them sleeping during the day and night, so you should expect your pet Persian to sleep a lot more than you might think.
Where do Persian Cats Like to Sleep?
Persian cats love to sleep in warm, soft places, often enjoying cuddling up to other pets, cushions, or people! If you know anything about Persian cats, I’m sure this doesn’t surprise you. One place that Persian cats are definitely known to love sleeping is in cat beds.
To learn more about cats and if they actually like cat beds, check out our article on the subject: Click Here.
Do Persian Cats Have Health Problems?
There are several issues with the health of Persian cats.
Persian cats are one of the breeds with a genetic predisposition to airway obstructive syndrome. While not every Persian will always struggle to breathe, it is worth remembering when purchasing a cat like this that they are likely to have trouble and make sure you can support a pet with an issue like the above.
However, Persians are also known to suffer from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, wherein cysts fill up in the animal’s kidneys. This can be dangerous, and recent studies found that more than a third of all Persians and similar breeds might suffer from it.
Persian Cat Dental Problems
The flat face that is so iconic to the Persian also leads to some dental issues. It can lead to dental infection and problems with the cat’s jaw. Both can turn out nasty.
Do Persian Cats Have Bad Teeth?
Not all Persian cats have bad teeth, and if, as a cat owner, if you are incredibly careful with maintaining a regular teeth cleaning schedule, you can prevent most potential issues of this type. However, Persians are more likely to develop bad teeth if not checked regularly due to their flat faces.
Make sure you regularly check and clean your Persian cat’s teeth.
Can Dental Disease Kill a Cat?
While most dental diseases are very treatable and curable, some have been known to be fatal.
Some cat owners do not understand that certain breeds are predisposed to dental issues, so they cannot check enough to see if their cat is well. This can lead to extra complications in the dental region for cats if they are already infected.
If you take your cat for regular dental check-ups at the veterinarian, this issue should not come up too bad, or at all fatally.
How Long Can a Persian Cat Live?
Persian cats live on average between 15 and 20 years old, 20 generally being the oldest a cat can get to if reared and nurtured carefully during its life. Some can die earlier if they are not screened for the kidney disease mentioned earlier in this article, so it is always worth checking with the breeder you purchase what the cat’s history with this disease is.
If the breeder has had them screened, it can often give you a more accurate idea of how long your new pet will live.
Improving Your Persian Cat’s Life
As a loving cat owner, you should care about enriching your Persian cat’s life. A couple ways that a cat owner can do this is through cat condos (or cat trees) and cat backpacks. Cat condos will give your cat great places to hang out, while a cat backpack will help you expose your cat to some great views outside!
To learn more about cat condos and cat trees and why they appeal to cats, check out our article: Click Here.
To learn more about cat backpacks and if they are actually ethical to use on your feline friend: Click Here.
Cat Trees / Cat Condos
As Persians are inside cats, buying a cat tree or condo gives them an expanded sense of scale and fun within your home. They can climb or nestle in different areas and roam around a location that feels theirs genuinely. This is an excellent method of encouraging exercise in what can often be a relatively sedentary breed.
Personally, my cat (a domestic shorthair named Charlotte) loves her cat tree and uses the different platforms on it and the scratch posts on it every day.
- The cat condo/cat tree on Amazon that I recommend for Persian Cats – I own this for my cat, and she loves it! (Affiliate Link): Click Here
Cat Backpacks
Want to go out? Want to take your feline furry friend along with you? The cat backpack is the perfect accessory for giving your Persian a sense of what the great outdoors holds without having to make them uncomfortable by leaving an inside cat outside on its own.
Not only will the Persian cat get a chance to have some better airflow outside, but they will also get to be fussed over by all your friends, encouraging the happy and friendly side of the exotic cat.
One nice thing about cat backpacks is they give you the opportunity to cover some serious ground with your cat. If you have ever tried to walk a cat on a harness and leash, it can be unpredictable because a cat does not normally walk with an owner like a dog does.
A cat backpack can allow you to take your cat on longer distances (while still giving her a view) and then you can still take her out and walk her a bit on a harness and leash as long as you bring it along. Then, you can put her back in the cat backpack and make your way home. Just don’t forget water for your cat. It is important for cats (just like people) to stay hydrated.
- This is the cat backpack on Amazon I recommend for Persian Cats since it has excellent airflow and will give your cat a great view (Affiliate Link): Click Here.
Conclusion
Persian cats can definitely be more prone to sneezing a lot due to their iconic facial structure (flat face). Persian cat owners should seek out the advice of a veterinarian if their Persian cat is sneezing a lot. I am sure you’re gut instinct will tell you that you need to get your Persian cat checked out.
If you enjoyed this article, check out a couple of other Persian cat articles, such as:
- How Long Can You Leave A Persian Cat Alone?: Click Here.
- Do Persian Cats Need Company? The Best Reasons: Click Here.
