Longhaired cats are beautiful - but that stunning coat comes with significant grooming requirements. Persian cats, in particular, have some of the most demanding coats of any domestic animal.
Unlike dogs, cats groom themselves - but longhaired breeds simply cannot maintain their coats without human help. Their long, dense fur mats easily, and once matting starts, it quickly becomes painful and potentially dangerous.
This guide covers everything UK owners of Persian and longhaired cats need to know: how often professional grooming is needed, what it costs, how to prevent matting at home, and how to find groomers who actually specialise in cats (many don't).
These breeds have the most demanding coats:
Easier to maintain than Persians but still need regular grooming:
| Coat Type | Examples | Home Brushing | Professional Grooming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dense long (Persian-type) | Persian, Himalayan, Chinchilla | Daily | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Shaggy (Maine Coon-type) | Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest | 2-3 times weekly | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Silky (Ragdoll-type) | Ragdoll, Birman, Turkish Angora | 2-3 times weekly | Every 6-10 weeks |
Even with daily brushing, longhaired cats benefit from professional grooming because:
Persian and longhaired cats benefit from regular baths, but bathing at home is challenging:
Professional groomers have appropriate equipment and experience to bathe and fully dry longhaired cats safely.
Professional groomers often spot issues hidden under long fur:
| Service | UK Average | London |
|---|---|---|
| Full groom (Persian/longhair) | £55-85 | £80-120 |
| Bath and blow dry only | £40-60 | £55-85 |
| Lion clip | £70-100 | £100-150 |
| Dematting (minor) | £10-20 extra | £15-30 extra |
| Severely matted cat | £80-150+ | £120-200+ |
| Aggressive/difficult cat surcharge | £10-30 extra | £20-50 extra |
Many specialist cat groomers have a minimum charge (typically £55-65) regardless of service.
For complete UK cat grooming pricing, see the cat grooming cost guide.
Expect a full Persian groom to take 1.5-2.5 hours. Matted cats take longer.
Matting isn't just a cosmetic problem:
Small, loose mats can sometimes be worked out with:
Mats should be shaved (not brushed) when:
A lion clip involves:
Consider more frequent professional grooming or a maintenance clip if:
Cat grooming requires specific skills:
For more on cat groomer qualifications, see the cat grooming qualifications guide.
Search for groomers who specialise in cats and longhaired breeds.
Find Cat GroomersOwning a Persian or longhaired cat means committing to regular grooming - there's no way around it.
Key points to remember:
The investment of time and money in proper coat care is rewarded with a healthy, comfortable cat - and that gorgeous coat looking its best.
Persian cats need daily brushing at home to prevent matting. Professional grooming is recommended every 4-6 weeks. Persians with particularly dense coats or those prone to matting may benefit from professional grooming every 3-4 weeks, especially during seasonal coat changes.
Professional Persian cat grooming in the UK costs £55-85 for a full groom without matting. London prices are typically 40-60% higher at £80-120. Severely matted cats may cost £80-150+. Lion clips cost £70-100 in most UK areas. A minimum payment of around £65 is common at specialist cat groomers.
Yes, Persian cats benefit from baths every 4-6 weeks. Their dense coats can become greasy and trap dirt. Bathing helps prevent matting, removes loose undercoat, and keeps the coat healthy. Always dry thoroughly - a wet Persian coat left to air dry will mat badly. Professional grooming ensures proper drying.
A lion cut involves shaving the body short while leaving fur on the head (like a lion's mane), legs below the elbows/hocks, and a pom-pom on the tail tip. It's often used for severely matted cats or to reduce grooming requirements. Costs £70-100 in most UK areas, or £100-150 in London.
Yes, and sometimes it's the kindest option. Severe matting close to the skin is painful to brush out and can hide skin infections. Professional groomers can safely shave matted areas or give a full lion cut. Never attempt to shave a cat yourself - their skin is extremely thin and easily cut. Never use scissors on mats.
Persian coats mat quickly due to their dense, fine texture. Common causes include: skipping daily brushing, not brushing down to the skin (just surface brushing), greasy coats from inadequate bathing, friction areas (armpits, belly, behind ears), and reduced self-grooming in older or overweight cats. Daily thorough brushing is the only prevention.
Look for groomers with cat-specific qualifications like iPET Network or City & Guilds cat grooming certificates. Ask how many cats versus dogs they groom, their experience with Persians/longhairs, and how they handle stressed cats. Feline-only or cat-specialist facilities are often less stressful. Check reviews specifically from cat owners.
Essential Persian grooming tools include: a wide-toothed metal comb (for working through coat), slicker brush (for removing loose undercoat), bristle brush (for finishing and shine), mat splitter (for small tangles), and detangling spray. Always comb through to the skin, not just the surface - surface brushing misses developing mats.