Feeding a pet like the Persian cat requires an understanding of how the digestive system works.

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The Digestive System of the Persian Cat

The Persians have a digestive system similar to that of other cats.

The cat is a carnivore pet. Unlike herbivore animals that need to lie down for a long time to ruminate food. cats ‘ digestion doesn’t affect the course of their activities.

THE MOUTH

The Persian’s lips are thin and mobile. The mustache is formed of long hairs that functions as a radar transmitting information.

THE TONGUE

The tongue is interlined with papillae which makes it rough and helps the cat use it as a device to clean bones.

THE PALATE


The palate has short ends and veil in a large open gullet, which helps the Persian to swallow a substantial amount of food. However, Persians have small mouth compared to other cats.

TEETH


The Persian’s first teeth (milk teeth) are composed of 25 teeth which will fall out after approximately 5 months making way to new teeth to erupt (permanent teeth).


The milk teeth will fall out gradually and naturally. But, if you notice any delay, you may visit your veterinarian to remove them if necessary.


While kittens grow their permanent teeth, they may feel a little bit of pain. You can contact the vet for a medicine that may alleviate the suffering.


But, do not provide cats with any medicaments used for your kids because they can cause serious issues rather than curing the cat’s gums.


When Persians become adult cats, they will get 30 teeth: 6 incisors at the front which are used for cutting food, 2 canines at the back that are used for tearing things, and 8 molars on the upper jaw and 6 ones on the lower jaw.


When the cat closes his/her jaw, the teeth of the lower and upper jaw cross each other and become able to crush the meat and cut it into small parts.
These types of teeth plus the paspy tongue make the Persian able to process any kind of food easily.

THE PHARYNX

The Pharynx moves easily at the back of the throat allowing the cat the swallow an important amount of food naturally.

THE STOMACH

The Persian stomach looks like a pear-shaped bag that can incorporate about 32 To 34 centiliters of food. This quantity corresponds to that of a very big breed of cat.


Like humans, cats also have a spleen, a liver, an intestine, and a pancreas, which perform the same tasks human organs do.


The cat’s digestion process is similar to that of humans. However, Persians have shorter and narrower intestines. Therefore, they require healthy food.

THE NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF THE PERSIAN CAT

The difference between Persians and other cats is the fact that Persian cats eat more but are less active.

Persians are lazy cats that do not prefer to play and jump as other cats do.
Nevertheless, sitting for long hours on a soft surface, Persians are accustomed to licking themselves more often which makes them swallow balls of long hair that may restrict their intestine.

Thus, you need to pay attention to your cat’s diet.
Persians have a beautiful coat and shiny fur, but without regular grooming and care, the attractive pet will become gloomy in appearance even though you give him/her high-quality food.

Persians require more vitamins but you need to consider the veterinarian’s advice and tips. It is true that healthy nutrition plays a major role in the intestinal transit, but, providing the cat with the wrong quantity of vitamins will have a negative effect on his/her health and wellbeing.


Although Persians are fragile animals, They can live up to 16 years. They only need your care, love, and affection to make them robust, healthy, and happy.