Himalayan cats come from breeding Persian and Siamese cats together. They have long, soft fur like Persian cats and color patterns on their ears, tails, faces, and paws like Siamese cats. They also have bright blue eyes.
These cats, nicknamed Himmies, are big, friendly, and calm. They love to play and enjoy getting attention from their owners. However, because they have so much fur, they need to be brushed every day.
Learn more about the Himalayan cat, including the breed’s history, care needs, and more.
Breed Overview
Other Names: Himmy
Personality: Sedate, affectionate, gentle, friendly, and intelligent
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Length: 12 to 16 inches
Coat Length: Long hair
Coat Color: White to cream
Coat Patterns: Pointed markings, which can be a wide range of colors including chocolate, seal, blue, lilac, and red
Eye Color: Blue
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: United States
Himalayan Characteristics
Himalayan cats are calm and peaceful, but still fun to be around. They like playing with toys but won’t usually climb or destroy things as some other cats do.
These cats are smart and bond well with their owners, often coming to welcome them home. They love attention, snuggling, and spending time with their family.
These medium or large cats are friendly and do well with gentle children. They also get along nicely with other cats and dogs that are good with cats.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendliness | High |
| Pet-Friendliness | Moderate-High |
| Exercise Needs | Low |
| Playfulness | Moderate |
| Energy Level | Low-Moderate |
| Intelligence | Moderate |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Moderate |
| Amount of Shedding | High |
History of the Himalayan
Himalayan cats are a relatively new breed, less than 100 years old. Their development began with efforts to create a long-haired Siamese cat.
Virginia Cobb and Clyde Keeler started breeding these cats in 1931, creating the first Himalayan named Newton’s Debutante.
By the 1950s, these cats became known as colorpoint longhairs. A breeder named Marguerita Goforth helped develop the breed further by mixing Siamese and Persian cats.
In 1957, both major cat organizations – the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA) – officially recognized the breed.
Later, the CFA changed its position and classified Himalayans as a type of Persian cat rather than a separate breed. Many cat organizations today still group Himalayans and Persians together.
Himalayan Care
Himalayan cats need to be brushed every day because of their long, thick fur. They also need toys to play with and stay happy.
Grooming
Himalayan cats need daily grooming due to their long, silky fur that easily tangles. Brush them daily with a strong, wide-toothed comb to prevent knots and remove dirt and loose hair.
Take your Himalayan to a groomer every few months for professional care. These cats enjoy attention, which makes grooming time a great way to bond with them.
Keep your furniture safe by cutting your cat’s nails regularly – just trim the tips. Check their ears weekly and clean them if dirty. See a vet if the ears are red, very dirty, or smelly.
Himalayans often get tear stains on their face due to their flat features. Clean their face daily with a damp cloth to prevent brown stains. Ask your vet about stain-removing products if needed.
While tooth brushing is important, it can be tricky with Himalayans because of their short face. Your vet can help you develop a good teeth-cleaning routine.
Exercise
Himalayan cats have moderate energy levels but occasionally run around excitedly. They love to play and might cause trouble if they get bored.
While these cats aren’t very active, they need regular exercise through play. Use toys like mice and balls, and you can even teach them tricks.
Keep your Himalayan happy by giving them toys and playing with them daily. These playful cats are easy to please – even a crumpled paper ball can keep them entertained for a long time.
Common Health Problems
Himalayan cats, similar to Persian cats, have a higher risk of certain health problems compared to other cat breeds. These health issues include:
- Polycystic kidney disease: Himalayan cats can develop kidney cysts, a condition called PKD. While not deadly right away, early treatment helps stop new cysts from forming and lowers the risk of serious infections.
- Respiratory issues: Because these cats have flat faces, they often have breathing problems. They might wheeze, struggle to breathe or swallow, or get tired easily during play.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: They can also inherit an eye problem called PRA that can make them go blind.
Appearance
Himalayan cats have beautiful long white or cream fur with darker colors on their face, ears, tail, and legs. These darker areas can be lilac, chocolate, seal, red, or blue.
They have short but very fluffy tails.
A healthy Himalayan should be firm, not fat. Their head is big compared to their body, with a short nose, flat face, small ears, and big, wide blue eyes.
Their bright blue eyes are matched by nose and paw pads that are the same color as their darker fur areas.
These cats are not good for people with allergies. They shed a lot if not brushed regularly.
Diet and Nutrition
Feed your cat based on what your vet recommends for their age, size, and how active they are.
Since Himalayan cats shed a lot and often get hairballs, ask your vet about special food that helps prevent hairballs.
Like all cats, Himalayans can become overweight. Don’t give them too much food or too many treats. If your cat is getting fat, your vet can help you make a diet plan.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Himalayan
You can find Himalayan cats at shelters and rescue centers if you look carefully. Check websites like Petfinder, but know that most shelter cats will be mixed breeds rather than purebred Himalayans.
If you want a purebred Himalayan, look for professional breeders online, at cat shows, or through organizations like The Cat Fanciers’ Association. Many breeders focus on raising Himalayan cats.
When buying a Himalayan kitten from a breeder, always ask about the parents’ health history. While this doesn’t guarantee your cat will be healthy, it helps you understand what health problems might run in the family.
Himalayan Overview
Himalayan cats combine Siamese colors with Persian looks. These big, fluffy cats are calm and quiet, loving to snuggle with their family. While they enjoy relaxing, they also like to play with simple toys like balls and paper.
Pros of Himalayan Cats
- Gorgeous appearance
- Gentle and quiet personality
- Gets along fairly well with other pets and children
Cons of Himalayan Cats
- Requires daily grooming
- Sheds quite a bit
- Prone to several health issues
More Cat Breeds and Further Research
Make sure a Himalayan cat fits your daily routine and family life before adopting one.
If you’re interested in breeds similar to the Himalayan cat, check out:
-
Are Himalayan cats good pets?
Himalayan cats make wonderful pets if you can give them attention and toys for their active moments. Keep in mind they need daily brushing to control their heavy shedding. If you want a low-maintenance cat, this might not be the best choice.
-
How much do Himalayan cats cost?
A show-quality Himalayan typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500. Pet-quality Himalayans are much cheaper, around $200-300. You might find an even better deal at animal shelters, especially for mixed breeds.
-
Are Himalayan cats rare?
Himalayans are fairly common purebred cats. They’re a type of Persian cat, which is one of the most popular purebred cat breeds. While mixed-breed cats are more common overall, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a Himalayan.
