A combination of Persian grace and Siamese mystique
The Himalayan cat is a graceful combination of two famous breeds: the Persian and the Siamese. The idea to cross these breeds originated in the United States in the 1930s. American scientists wanted to create an ideal cat – with thick, long Persian hair and color “point”, as in Siamese. The result exceeded expectations. The breed was officially recognized in 1957, and since then the Himalayan has won the hearts of millions.
At first glance, the Himalayan cat looks like a living toy – a large round head with a short nose, deep sapphire eyes, extremely fluffy fur and compact, dense body. The weight of cats ranges from 4 to 6 kg, sometimes more. The coat is thick, soft, silky – it immediately attracts attention. The main color is light (white, cream), and the muzzle, ears, legs and tail have dark shades: seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, flame and others. This is the characteristic point color, which the Siams passed on to the Himalayans.
It is interesting that in different felinological organizations this breed is classified differently. In CFA and GCCF the Himalayan cat is considered a subtype of the Persian cat, in TICA – a separate breed. There are also other names: Himalayan Persian, Colourpoint Persian, Longhaired Colourpoint, and among fans – simply “Himmie”.
The character of the Himalayan
The Himalayan cat is calm, delicate and very attached to people. These cats feel great in families where tranquility and love reign. They are not too active, but playful in a cozy home atmosphere. Himalayans do not pester the owner, but are always around when their presence is needed. They get along well with children, other animals, but do not tolerate fuss and noise.
Grooming of Himalayan cats
This is one of the most demanding breeds to groom. Its luxurious coat requires daily brushing to avoid puffs. Due to the brachycephalic structure of the muzzle, Himalayans often have watery eyes – they should be wiped daily with a soft tissue. Once a month it is desirable to bathe the cat with a special shampoo, especially if he participates in exhibitions. It is also necessary to regularly trim the claws, clean the ears and monitor the condition of the teeth. All this is a mandatory part of grooming, and if you want to avoid complications, it is better to turn to a professional salon.
Health and how long Himalayan cats live
Like all pedigreed animals, Himalayans have a certain hereditary predisposition to disease. The most common are respiratory difficulties due to a flattened nose, eye infections, and polycystic kidney disease. It is important to have regular veterinary check-ups and keep a close eye on the Pet’s well-being. With proper care and good nutrition, these cats live an average of 12-15 years, sometimes longer.
Himalayan cats are not for those who want an active friend who is constantly jumping around in closets. They are house cats that fill the house with peace and love. If you are ready to devote time to daily care, in return you will get a faithful friend who senses the mood and will always be there for you.
