Common Health Problems for Persian Kittens

Q: How do I tell normal Persian eye tearing from an infection?

Clear tearing with rusty staining is common in flat-faced Persians. Thick yellow/green discharge, squinting, pawing, or inflamed skin under the eye suggests infection or irritation. Clean with sterile saline or pet-safe wipes and see a veterinarian if discharge changes color, becomes goopy, or the eye looks painful.

Q: My Persian kitten snores—when is brachycephalic breathing a real concern?

Soft snoring at rest can be normal. Concerning signs include open-mouth breathing at rest, panting after light play, blue/gray gums, or a sleeping respiratory rate over 30 breaths per minute. Keep the environment cool, avoid overexertion, maintain a lean weight, use a harness, and consult a veterinarian if red flags appear.

Q: What should I know about PKD testing in Persian kittens?

Polycystic Kidney Disease is inherited. Reputable breeders DNA-test breeding cats; ask for written parental results. Plan baseline lab work and urinalysis around 10–12 months and keep hydration high. Early awareness helps track kidney health over time with your veterinarian.

Q: Are Persians at risk for heart disease like HCM? What early signs should I watch?

Yes—Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy occurs in Persians. Early signs can be subtle: reduced activity tolerance, a sleeping respiratory rate above 30/min, or a new heart murmur. Ask your veterinarian about an echocardiogram if there is a murmur, family history, or concerning symptoms.

Q: Why do dental issues show up early, and how do I prevent them?

Short jaws can crowd teeth and trap debris. Begin brushing by 12 weeks with kitten-safe paste, check for retained deciduous teeth around 5–6 months, and schedule an oral exam at spay/neuter. Textured wet food and measured quality kibble can help, but brushing is most effective.

Q: How can I tell a simple hairball from a possible blockage or GI issue?

Occasional hairballs are expected in long-haired cats. Red flags for blockage include repeated unproductive retching, poor appetite, lethargy, straining, or a painful abdomen. Prevent issues with daily combing, good hydration, and veterinarian-approved hairball aids; seek prompt veterinary care if warning signs appear.

One of the very first things new families ask me when they come to pick up a kitten is: “Do Persian kittens have health problems I should worry about?” It’s an honest question, and as someone who has been raising Persians for years (and working closely with other CFA and TICA breeders across the country), I always answer the same way: Persians are wonderful, healthy companions, but their unique looks do come with a few quirks you’ll need to watch for. I’d rather you walk into Persian cat ownership with open eyes and good routines than feel surprised later. So let me share what I’ve learned raising litters in my home, printing out health guides for new owners, and answering the same late-night phone calls from kitten parents over and over again.

Why Persian Kittens Need a Little Extra Attention

Persians aren’t fragile. But their flat faces, silky coats, and large eyes do mean they have needs other breeds don’t. And honestly? That’s part of the charm.

Eyes water more. Flat faces don’t drain tears well.
Breathing is different. You may hear snuffles or snores.
Coats demand care. Mats can sneak in if you skip brushing.

I tell families all the time: if you make daily eye wipes and quick brush sessions a habit, most of these so-called “problems” stay minor.

Eye Problems in Persian Kittens

Those big, soulful eyes melt hearts, but they also need attention.

Tearing and staining are very common. I keep a basket of soft cotton pads by my sofa, because I know I’ll be wiping little eyes once or twice a day.
Irritation sometimes happens if a stray hair rubs the eye — another reason I trim the fur around the corners.
When to worry: clear tears are fine, but yellow or green discharge means it’s time to call your vet.

New parents often send me a panicked photo of “red stains under the eyes.” I always reassure them: it looks dramatic, but it’s usually just cosmetic unless the discharge thickens.

Breathing Quirks: Snuffles and Snores

Because Persians are brachycephalic (flat-faced), you may hear sounds you wouldn’t with other long-haired cats.

A gentle snore when they nap? Totally normal.
A kitten snorting during play? Also common.
But open-mouth breathing or panting? That’s a red flag.

I remind families to keep their homes cool in summer and avoid too much vigorous play. Persians are lap loungers more than sprinters — and they thrive in calm routines.

Tiny Mouths, Big Dental Needs

Another surprise for new Persian parents: dental care. Their shorter jaws sometimes crowd the teeth, which makes plaque build up faster. What works in my home:

Introducing a kitten toothbrush by 12 weeks.
Feeding a mix of wet food and crunchy kibble to help scrub teeth.
Getting vet dental checks as part of their first-year exams.

I’ve had kittens who loved the chicken-flavored paste so much they purred while brushing — and others who squirmed until we worked it into our nightly cuddle routine.

PKD: The Big Genetic Concern

Let’s talk about the one serious condition that comes up often in Persian cat health discussions: Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). The good news? Responsible breeders test for it. In my cattery, every breeding cat is DNA-screened before they’re paired. Many other U.S. breeders I collaborate with do the same. For kitten owners, this means:

Always ask your breeder for PKD test results.
Support kidney health with hydration — a water fountain works wonders.
Stick to yearly vet checkups so issues are caught early.

Coat and Skin Issues

Every new owner gets a comb and grooming sheet from me when they leave. Why? Because mats sneak up fast.

Mats can form under the arms, behind the ears, or in the “pantaloons.”
Skin irritation often hides beneath tangles.
Parasites (fleas, mites) can go unnoticed in all that fluff.

Daily combing is more than just beauty — it’s health care. You’ll catch problems early and build tolerance for lifelong grooming. If you need tools, my Persian Cat Grooming Guide lays out exactly what I use.

Weight & Digestion

Persians are little nappers. That, plus a love of food, means weight gain is easy if you’re not mindful.

Stick to measured meals (three a day while they’re young).
Choose high-quality kitten food; some long-haired formulas help with hairballs.
Encourage daily play. Even 10 minutes with a feather wand can balance out those naps.

I once had a family call worried that their kitten was “lazy.” After asking about meal portions, I realized she was just overfed — once they cut back slightly, her play sessions picked up.

Other Health Concerns I Watch

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): a heart condition some Persians can inherit. Yearly vet checks are key.
Ear buildup: Their small canals hold wax; a quick clean every few weeks usually helps.
Digestive sensitivity: Some kittens handle only certain proteins well. I always send families home with the food their kitten is used to and suggest gradual changes.

My Golden Rules for Healthy Persians

After raising countless litters, I’ve learned that prevention really is everything:

Consistency. Routine builds trust — and makes grooming and vet care easier.
Observation. Watch for changes: appetite, litter box, sleep. Tiny shifts often mean something.
Partnership. Work with your breeder and your vet. A good breeder will always pick up the phone if you’re worried.

Every Persian kitten I send home comes with written guides, but the truth is: your kitten will keep teaching you. Their eyes, coat, and behavior tell you what they need. All you have to do is listen.

Persian Kitten Common Health Problems — FAQs

How do I tell normal Persian eye tearing from an infection?

Clear tears with a rusty stain are usually from flat-faced tear drainage. Thick yellow/green discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, or skin that’s angry-red under the inner corner suggests infection or irritation. Clean daily with sterile saline or pet-safe wipes and call your vet if discharge changes color, becomes goopy, or the eye looks painful.

My Persian kitten snores—when is brachycephalic breathing a real concern?

Soft snoring at rest is common. Concerning signs: open-mouth breathing at rest, panting after light play, blue/gray gums, or rapid resting breaths (>30 per minute while asleep). Keep rooms cool, avoid vigorous exercise, keep weight lean, and use a harness (not a collar). See your vet promptly if any red flags appear.

What should I know about PKD testing in Persian kittens?

Polycystic Kidney Disease is genetic. Responsible breeders DNA-test breeding cats; ask for written results for both parents. For peace of mind, plan baseline labs/urinalysis around 10–12 months and keep hydration high (water fountain, wet food). Early awareness helps you and your vet track kidney health over time.

Are Persians at risk for heart disease like HCM? What early signs should I watch?

Yes—Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can occur in Persians. Early hints are subtle: low activity tolerance, faster breathing at rest (>30/min asleep), or a new heart murmur at checkups. Ask your vet about a screening echocardiogram if there’s a murmur, family history, or suspicious signs.

Why do dental issues show up early, and how do I prevent them?

Short jaws can crowd teeth, trapping debris. Start brushing by 12 weeks with kitten-safe paste, check for retained baby teeth around 5–6 months, and plan an oral exam at spay/neuter. Mixing textured wet food with a measured portion of quality kibble can help reduce plaque, but brushing is the game-changer.

How can I tell a simple hairball from a possible blockage or GI issue?

An occasional cough-and-produce hairball is normal in long-haired cats. Red flags for blockage: repeated unproductive retching, loss of appetite, lethargy, straining in the box, or a tight, painful belly. Prevent problems with daily combing, steady hydration, and vet-approved hairball aids as needed—and see your vet fast if warning signs appear.

Breeder’s note: Daily eye wipes + two-minute comb sessions do more to prevent Persian kitten problems than anything else you’ll do at home.