reparing a Persian cat for a show requires precision, patience and a deep understanding of the breed’s unique grooming needs. With their luxurious coats, expressive faces and regal demeanor, Persians are often the stars of the show ring. However, achieving that picture-perfect look involves more than just basic grooming. Professional groomers must be skilled in handling the fine, dense fur that tangles easily, as well as maintaining the cleanliness and shape of the Persian’s signature round face.

The following will explore the detailed grooming process—from bathing and blow-drying to trimming and fluffing—to ensure that your Persian is ready to impress the judges and stand out on the show floor.

Just as in dogs, we should rely on the description provided for Persians in their breed standard to guide us on how to approach their grooming. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the coat is “long and thick, standing off from the body. Of fine texture, glossy and full of life. Long all over the body, including the shoulders. The ruff immense and continuing in a deep frill between the front legs. Ear and toe tufts long. Brush very full.” ¹

Always consider this description when choosing products, tools and techniques to help get each cat as close to breed standard as their coat condition and texture will allow. Other breeds and coat textures require a different approach. For example, cats that have a flat-lying, silky coat should not be groomed where the coat is “standing off from the body” like the Persian standard states.

In general, conditioner is only used sparingly, if at all. When deciding whether to use a moisturizing shampoo or light conditioner, consider the cat’s coat texture, frequency of bathing and even the humidity of the environment. When showing a specific cat, products should be tested ahead of time to determine the most effective regimen for that cat’s coat texture and color.

To get a voluminous coat, there should be little to no products weighing the coat down, primarily conditioners or sprays. A dusting with a small amount of finely milled powder can be used in spots to fade staining or absorb excess oils like stud tail, but too much will be noticeable to the judges. Judges do not want any noticeable powders or sprays in the coat. If using leave-in products during the show, the cat should be bathed afterwards so no product is left behind for the cat to lick off or for it to build up in the coat.

Blow-drying is really where we find out if the coat was thoroughly cleaned and prepped, and where a lot of volume can be created in the coat. Dry from the base of the hair out to the tips by hand-drying with an HV dryer. Shorter areas of hair, like the legs, can be dried with a flat or water-peeler-style nozzle, but the longest hair will do better with no additional nozzle and by holding the dryer close to the cat’s body. Blow-dry against the growth of the hair to help fluff the coat to create the fullness described in the breed standard.

Once completely dry, use combs to remove any small clumps or tangles in the hair without trying to remove large amounts of undercoat. Short strokes in the direction the hair grows will get through the thick coat more efficiently without tugging or pulling. Immediately before bringing a Persian in front of the judges, check their coat for any knots or clumping of hair with a comb. A pin brush can also be used to fluff-up hair on the body, sides, ruff and tail.

In the pet salon, Persians will regularly get a sanitary trim and/or paw pads trimmed to help keep the hair neat and clean. However, when showing, those areas should be full and natural, with no clippers used to trim or sculpt. In between shows, the Persian will need regular grooming to maintain their coat and prevent staining and matting.

The only area that may need a bit of sculpting is the face, which is called the “Persian Face Trim.” Persians are known for both roundness and fullness. Sculpting the face means a small amount of trimming immediately above the eyes and hand-plucking to define the cheeks.

Start by combing out the head with a small face comb to remove any clumps or excess dead hair. Then comb the hair immediately above the eyes forward. Use a pair of small curved scissors to trim away just enough hair to showcase their large, round eyes and ear tips, making sure not to snip the ears, any of the eyebrow whiskers or create any noticeable cuts in the hair. It should appear natural, not that it was noticeably trimmed.

Define the cheeks by pinching some hairs in between the thumb and forefinger to gently pull dead hair. This should not cause any discomfort for the cat and should only be done enough to create a defined cheek, not to remove a lot of excess hair around the jaw or ruff.

Both pet and show Persians can have their faces trimmed/plucked, but show cats should not have any other trimming or shaving done. Even for pet cats, make sure you confirm with each client whether they want any trimming done, including the sanitary area and the toe tufts (the hair growing from between the paw pads), which should be left long and full as per the breed standard.

In addition to regular bathing, blow-drying and comb-outs, many Persians will also require frequent cleaning of their eye area. This is especially true with light- and white-colored cats, but any buildup of discharge in the eye area can cause skin irritation and even infections if left alone. A washcloth with a bit of warm water or cotton pads with saline solution can be used to gently wipe around the eyes, whether part of a full groom or part of in-between home maintenance.

Staining of this hair can be difficult to remove because the eye area is very sensitive to products, so prevention of staining is key. After the area is wiped clean, pat the hair dry and then apply a small amount of eye powder to the hair beneath the eye. The powder causes a barrier to prevent discharge from staining the hair.

In conclusion, prepping a Persian for show requires meticulous attention to detail, an understanding of breed standards, and the right grooming techniques and products. By following a thorough bathing routine with the appropriate products, mastering the art of adding volume to their dense coat, and knowing when to trim or leave the coat natural, you can enhance the natural beauty of this elegant breed while adhering to show guidelines.