15.07.2022

Can Persian cats go outside? We have the answers!

Cuddly, friendly, and mild-tempered, Persian cats are perfect indoor companions. Unlike Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest cats, and Bengals, felines of this breed love to spend their time by your side. 

The question is—are they exclusively lap kitties that shouldn’t leave the comfort of your home, or can Persian cats go outside occasionally? Letting your cat explore their surroundings will fulfil their desire for adventure, but roaming free comes with many risks, which is why indoor felines live longer. 

Untamed breaks down the dangers of the outside world and explains how your kitty can safely combine an indoor lifestyle with their outdoor adventures. We also recommend you the best diet to keep your fluffy friend fit and tranquil, regardless of where they spend most of their time.

Is it okay to let your Persian go outside?

Outdoor activities could benefit your Persian, but you shouldn’t let them wander unsupervised. If they chase an adventure too far, they could get into trouble.

You should designate a safe and enclosed space in your garden where they can enjoy outdoor play. Here are some benefits you can expect: 

1. More exercise and less boredom-induced tantrums
2. Improved social skills
3. Stable mental health
4. A cleaner litter box
5. A calm and friendly attitude
6. Cat hair-free furniture (vital for allergic cat parents since Persians aren’t hypoallergenic)

It’s better to let me blow off some steam outside than watch your couch turn to dust!

Source: Dan Dennis

Why should you keep your Persian indoors?

Before they became domesticated, cats had spent their time roaming free in the wild, but most of their survival skills have dwindled as they’ve gotten accustomed to a more laid-back lifestyle. In theory, they can still spend time outdoors, but in practice, your Persian is too sensitive and fragile, so overcoming the risks of the great outdoors might be a challenge. Persians are:

1. Not built for the outdoors
2. Prone to respiratory issues
3. Susceptible to fungal infections
4. Not particularly streetwise
5. Attractive to cat thieves
6. Susceptible to stomach sensitivities

Persians aren’t built for the outdoors

With their short legs, stocky physique, and long, thick coats, Persians get twigs, grass, and dirt all over their bodies. Their grooming routine is high-maintenance, so letting them roam free could result in painful tangles, skin rashes, and tears. Persians that spend a lot of time outdoors often need to have their fur trimmed to stay clean.

Persians often suffer from respiratory problems

Persians are brachycephalic, so they are prone to many respiratory problems. Because of their flat faces, their air passageway is small and challenges their breathing even if they live indoors. An outdoor lifestyle could only make matters worse.

Fungal infections are common in Persians

Fungal infections aren’t usually common in cats, but Persians are more susceptible to them since they’re sensitive and their immune systems are easily compromised.

Persians aren’t particularly streetwise

Persians are adorable and loyal, but they aren’t the most intelligent breed, which is why they’re more at risk of being attacked by other animals, such as dogs, foxes, and other cats. 

Roads and streets are a great danger, especially if your Persian isn’t used to traffic and doesn’t know they need to stay away from it. They’ll always be happier sitting next to you on a couch, purring happily after another successful day of napping. 

What do you mean I’m not equipped for the neighbourhood? Everyone loves me!

Source: Sergey Semin

Persians are often at risk of being stolen

Persian cats are one of the most coveted breeds, which is why they’re easy targets for thieves. If you decide to let them explore the neighbourhood, think about getting a microchip in case they get stolen or lost.

Persians have sensitive tummies

Persians’ sensitive tummies are susceptible to gastrointestinal problems, including:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Constipation
• Irritable bowel disease (IBS)

While exploring the outdoors, your Persian may consume harmful or toxic substances or bring home different diseases and bacteria if they manage to catch and eat small prey, including:

• Mice or small rodents (alive or dead)
• Birds 
• Snails, slugs, or frogs
• Insects, like moths or grasshoppers

Domesticated kitties are used to commercial cat food, which is why live prey can cause health issues. Keeping your Persian indoors allows you to control their menu and be on top of every ingredient in their meals. 

How to bring the outdoor adventures inside

Here's what you can do to create a fun indoor environment for your fluffy friend:

• Install perches—Placing perches around your home will make a stimulating environment for your Persian. They love to observe their surroundings from above, so these objects will also prevent them from climbing on your dresser or doors, where they can get hurt
• Get a cat tree—Although expensive, cat trees are pretty useful. Cats love to climb, play, and sleep on them 
• Provide a scratching post—Kitties love to scratch, as it allows them to trim their nails and stretch at the same time. Get your Persian horizontal and vertical scratching posts to save your furniture
• Getting interactive toys—Laser chasers, food puzzles, and battery-powered toys for cats will keep your Persian stimulated. They’ll be able to play while you’re busy or away from home 

Kitty care entails at least half an hour of playing with your Persian every day. It’ll make them feel loved and strengthen the bond between you two. Playing fetch or teaching them tricks will keep them mentally and physically agile. 

As they get older, Persians get lazier, so it becomes harder to get them to exercise and keep their weight under control. Weight management during this period is much more reliant on their diet, which is why it’s necessary to adjust their portions and snacks based on their activity level.

That tree is calling our names! If only we had something similar indoors…

Source: Touhid Arastu

The best diet to keep your Persian safe and healthy indoors

Given their preferred sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition is the only reason Persians would wander away from home, as they need enough high-quality food to be healthy and happy. 

Your Persian’s diet should consist of top-notch ingredients since the breed is infamous for their fussiness and sensitivities. Whichever type of food you choose—wet, dry, semi-moist, raw, or homemade—it must be delicious! 

To avoid food allergies and get all the essential nutrients, your Persian should eat:

1. Animal protein
2. Animal fat

Animal protein

Animal protein is the best source of energy for felines. It delivers the essential amino acids, including taurine and arginine, responsible for:

• Providing energy
• Building strong muscles
• Maintaining healthy skin and coat

Cats are obligate carnivores. Plant-based protein cannot meet their dietary needs. The best protein sources for your Persian are:

• Chicken (cooked, never raw)
• Turkey
• Salmon
• Prawns
• Mackerel
• Tuna
• Sardines

Liver is a great source of iron and vitamins A and B12, but overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal complications, such as vomiting, diarrhoea and hypervitaminosis.

Steer clear of products that contain vegetable proteins, including:

• Soya
• Corn or sweetcorn
• Wheat
• Peas
• Carrots
• Rice

Animal fat

Besides being a secondary energy source, animal fat:

• Delivers essential fatty acids necessary for cats’ organ function, healthy skin, and overall health
• Makes any cat meal taste irresistible 

The purrfectly balanced diet for your Persian

The best food for your Persian cat contains:

• High levels of animal protein
• Healthy calories for energy maintenance
• No grains, cereals, or sugar

Check out the ideal nutrient ratio for your kitty in the following table:

Can Untamed help keep your Persian happy at home?

Untamed is the best choice if you want to keep your Persian happy and healthy at home. 

Our jelly and gravy meals are complete, balanced, and super tasty. Here's what we offer to your feline companion: 

1. Vet-formulated recipes
2. Real meat and fish
3. Environmentally friendly nutrition

Vet-formulated recipes

Every Untamed recipe is formulated in cooperation with vets to ensure your kitty’s health and well-being. Our products can help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of the most common diet-related health issues in cats, including:

• Weight problems (whether you have a kitten who's still in the development phase, an obese cat, a lazy adult, or a senior suffering from loss of appetite, digestive issues, periodontal disease, or tooth loss)
• UTIs, cystitis or bladder stones
• Diabetes, pancreatitis, or other chronic conditions 
• Food allergies (our products are free from all known allergens)

Untamed allows you to create a tailor-made meal plan for your Persian depending on their life stage and food preferences!

Real meat or fish

Our food closely resembles your Persian’s natural diet, without the risks accompanying raw food. 

Whichever recipe you opt for—Tuck-in Tuna, Full-on Fishy, or Chocka Chicken—you can be sure that it contains twice the amount of animal protein than the industry standard. Even the pickiest of Persians who tend to refuse to eat wet food won't be able to resist Untamed delicacies. 

Environmentally friendly nutrition

We’re committed to keeping our carbon footprint neutral and the planet safe for your feline companion and you. That’s why we:

• Only work with sustainable, cruelty-free suppliers
• Use 100% recyclable packaging

Try Untamed, and your Persian will never feel the need to wander off!

Untamed is all about high-quality ingredients. 

Image (c) Untamed

No need to go hunting for Untamed—we come to you!

Ordering our food online cannot be easier—all you have to do is:

1. Share some info on your Persian
2. Pick the products
3. Order your first trial pack

The goods will arrive in a day, and your cat can pick their favourite Untamed dishes. We can keep you stocked with regular monthly deliveries so you don't have to go cat food shopping.

Persian parents who have switched their kitties to Untamed tell us you can expect the following results: