Why are Persian cats more prone to ear infections?

Question

I've read everywhere that Persians are more prone to ear infections, but why is this?

Answer 1

Mainly because all that long hair makes it harder to keep their ears clean.

Answer 2

I've never heard of this and I've had a Persian for two years.

Their flat faces do make them more prone to upper respiratory infections because the tiny passages in there are perfect for bacteria to set up and fester.  But again, never have heard anything about ears being an issue.

Contrary to what someone else said they do not "get eye infections all of the time".  Yes, their eyes can be teary but there's products you can buy to keep the eyes from getting goopy and that will remove any tear stains the cat may already have.  I use one called "Eye Envy" and it works remarkably well.  The only eye infection my Persian's ever had was when I first got him.  He was a scraggly six pound stray and had ear mites, an eye infection and badly tear-stained cheeks.

These special care needs as well as the at least every other day full combing a Persian needs is why they are often dumped at shelters or simply tossed out the door by their owners (which was most likely Percy's case).  It's not really that hard to keep them happy and healthy just some people are too d**n lazy and/or cheap to give them the care and attention they need.

Answer 3

What the above person said, added with the fact that they are more prone to almost every cat illness, because they were so inbred. If you look at the Persians from just 20 years ago you'll see a huge difference, their faces have become flatter and flatter, and all the modern flat faced persians come from the same blood line.

They get eye infections all the time as well because they have deformed tear ducts, all because of human fashion.