Which health problems are common in the Persian?
Best known for inherited kidney cysts and for the problems of a flat face: noisy breathing, runny eyes and teeth that sit at odd angles. A one-time DNA test shows whether the kidney gene is there, and daily care of the face and coat goes a long way.
Updated November 9, 2026
What should Persian owners watch for?
Common for the breed doesn't mean your cat will have it.
- Kidney cysts (PKD). Inherited cysts that grow in the kidneys over the years. Early signs are vague: eating less and losing weight, later drinking and peeing more.
- Breathing from the flat face. Narrow nostrils can make breathing harder, more so with a very flat face. Mention snoring or noisy breathing to your vet. Breathing with the mouth open needs a vet now.
- Eyes and tear staining. Tears can overflow onto the face and the eyes sit exposed. Squinting, rubbing or a cloudy or dark spot on the eye needs a vet soon.
- Teeth and gums. The short jaw sets the teeth at odd angles, so plaque and gum disease are common. Watch for trouble chewing, eating less or a matted coat, often a sign of sore teeth.
- Matted coat. Coat problems are among the most common things vets see in the breed. Daily combing prevents mats and the sore skin under them.
Which checkups do vets often suggest?
| Checkup | What it is | When |
|---|---|---|
| DNA test for PKD | A cheek swab or blood sample, done once, that shows whether the cat carries the gene for polycystic kidney disease. | Once |
| Kidney ultrasound | Shows whether there are cysts in the kidneys and how big they are. Most reliable after 10 months of age. | From 10 months · Once |
Your vet decides which checkups fit your pet, and when.
How do I keep a Persian health record?
VetVitae, a free pet health record app for iPhone, Android and the web, shows these notes on your cat’s profile under Health, and Plan it opens the exam or test with its name filled.
For vaccines, parasites and the signs that can’t wait, see the cat care guide.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your vet knows your pet.
Sources
- Polycystic kidney disease, Persian, Science for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
- Brachycephaly, Persian, Science for Animal Welfare (UFAW)
- Persian cats under first opinion veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders, O'Neill et al., Scientific Reports, 2019
- Polycystic Kidney Disease, Langford Vets
Start a record for your pet.
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