Some cat breeds are more high maintenance than others, Persian cats are one of those breeds. They make wonderful pets but they do require more daily care than your average cat, one of the things an owner has to be prepared to do is grooming – in this post, we will explain how to safely clean a Persian cat’s eyes.
Cats love to be clean, being well-groomed means they feel good and is very much a reflection on their health and well-being. While the majority of cats will spend hours grooming themselves, some cats will need a bit of extra help. Persian cats fall within those which do.
Alongside daily fur grooming, the majority of Persians will need daily eye cleaning.
How to safely clean a Persian cat’s eyes
Why do I need to clean your Persian cat’s eyes?
Tear production is necessary to keep eyes well lubricated and in turn healthy. Generally, tear ducts are there to provide ‘drainage’ for this lubrication, however, in some breeds of cats, tears ducts are underdeveloped.
Brachycephalic breeds tend to be prone to this and Persian cats are brachycephalic. Being brachycephalic is what gives them the signature big eyes with a flat face and nose – despite being a health issue this is one of the things that make Persian cats expensive to buy.
By having underdeveloped tear ducts, it means that some moisture from the eye will instead ‘overflow’ on to the face or in the case of brachycephalic breeds, it will collect in their skin folds surrounding the eye.
Overtime, this fluid build up will often turn a reddish brown and leave staining on the fur. Aside from cosmetic reasons it will also become dry and itchy for your cat, furthermore pollens and other allergens can become trapped causing irritation.
This is why you should get into the daily habit of grooming and cleaning a Persian cat’s eyes from a young eye.
Is daily not a little bit excessive?
No at all. By cleaning daily you are providing preventative care, you are clearing the fluid from the eyes before it has a chance to build up and cause irritation and staining. You are preventing a problem from happening as opposed to treating an issue.
Another reason for frequent cleaning is to make it a positive occasion. If something is built into your Persian’s daily routine it becomes normal and if it is done well and calmly it becomes a positive experience.
Make it part of their daily grooming routine, a calming time of pampering and bonding.
How to get your Persian cat used to have their eyes cleaned
As we have already briefly touched on it should be a positive experience. At Ginger Cat House we only believe in positive training and experiences.
Ideally, they should get used to the experience from a kitten but this is not always possible and it does not mean it is now impossible.
As previously stated making it a calming experience. Choose a time when you are not rushed and there is lots going on. Be gentle and slow, if you are met with any resistance – stop and try again at another opportunity. If you force it and make it a negative experience, it will be harder each time you try and eventually it can break the bond you have with your cat.
Associate eye cleaning with something positive your cat loves. This could be a favourite treat, toy or even a lovely groom and cuddle.
The more positive the experience, the easier it will be going forward. It will also make it easier if they ever need medicated eye drops or eye examinations with the Vet in future.
The best eye cleaner for Persian cats
Daily eye cleaning for your Persian does not need to be expensive. The best product you can use for preventative cleaning is just plain lukewarm water, if you prefer not to use tap water you can purchase sterile saline wash but this is not a must.
If you already have a build-up of tear staining on the fur you will need something slightly stronger. The best tear stain remover for Persian Cats that we have found is TropiClean Tear Stain Remover. You do not need to use this daily, just when you notice a staining build up.
The best way apply the tear stain remover or the plain water is with lint-free cotton pads (lint-free means you will not get any stray fluff potentially going into the eyes).
We do not recommend using cotton buds, if you cat moves or jumps unexpectedly you can easily cause eye trauma with a cotton bud.
How to safely clean a cat’s eyes
Now you have products and tools you need, you are ready to clean your Persian cat’s eyes.
Prepare everything in advance – Four cotton pads with solution already applied to two.
Unless you have a very placid cat, the best way to approach your cat when eye cleaning will be from behind. If you are on the floor, gently place them between your legs facing outwards or if they are on a surface, place their back end against your stomach.
Lightly stroke and talk to them while softly lifting their head upwards.
Use a wet cotton pad to gently sweep just under the eye, from the inner eye to outwards, removing any eye discharge. If your Persian has lots of skin folds you can then use the same pad to use the same method in the folds and nose.
After, repeat the same method with the dry pad to prevent any moisture being left on the skin and folds. By sweeping from the inner eye to the outer, you are taking away from the face rather than introducing it inwards.
Never touch the eyeball, eyes are fragile and they should not be touched or irritated. The aim is to clean around the outside of the eye socket.
When one eye is done, move on to the other. Always use brand new pads when moving between eyes. By doing so, you will be preventing the potential spread of infection from one eye to another.
Once clean, give your well-behaved cat a treat or reward for allowing the process.
Before chucking the pads away take a quick look at them. Persian cat eye discharge should be clear or pink-tinged in colour (old tear staining is often brownish). Monitor for any abnormalities or changes in colour, if you note any yellow or green discharge it could be a sign of infection and you should contact your Vet.
Are Persian cats prone to eye infections?
Due to having larger, more rounded eyes as well as possible underdeveloped tear ducts Persians can be more prone to eye infections.
However, with good hygiene and grooming this can hopefully be avoidable.
If you notice any of the following signs you should see your Vet:
- Squinting or holding the eye closed
- Scratches or redness on the surface of the eye
- Constant pawing or scratching of the eye or surrounding area
- Any changes to colouring or texture of the eye
- Odd coloured discharge from the eye
- If any trauma has occurred to the eye
Remember, eyes are fragile, it is better to be over-cautious and act quickly rather than be too late and have lasting damage. We never recommend you try to treat sudden eye problems yourself, the wrong types of drops can cause more damage than harm, even blindness. Always visit your Vet for the correct diagnosis.