Himalayan Cat Breed: The Persian with Siamese Markings
2024. October 2 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
2024. October 2 - Photos: Getty Images Hungary
The Himalayan combines the physical traits and long fur of the Persian with the characteristic markings and blue eyes of the Siamese.
The Himalayan cat is recognized by some organizations as a color variant of the Persian, while TICA (The International Cat Association) lists it as a separate breed.
In 1931, Virginia Cobb and dr. Clyde Keeler began an experimental breeding program that resulted in the first Himalayan kitten, named Newton’s Debutante. In the 1950s, Ben Borrett in Canada also started a similar breeding program to create a long-haired, color point cat. The GCCF (The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) recognized the Himalayan as a color point long-haired cat in 1955.
Marguerita Goforth obtained permission from a friend to use a long-haired seal point cat named Princess Himalayan Hope to start her own breeding program, aiming to create a Persian-type cat with Siamese features. She was one of the main pioneers in getting the Himalayan recognized. The breed was registered in American associations under the name “Himalayan” in 1957.
The Himalayan is a medium to large cat with a short, stocky body and heavy bones. Its head is large, round, and domed, with a wide skull resting on a short, thick neck. The teeth should close perfectly, and the cat must have a strong, well-developed jaw. Its eyes are large, round, and set far apart, giving it a sweet expression. Only blue eyes are accepted, and the more vivid, the better. The nose is short, stubby, and wide. The ears are small, rounded, and set wide apart, low on the head. Its tail is short and thick but proportionate to the body. The Himalayan has a robust but not overweight, generally rounded appearance, with long, flowing fur.
The color points should cover the ears, legs, feet, tail, and mask; the body color should be uniform, but slight shading and darker fur on older cats are permitted. There should still be a definite contrast between the body color and the color points.
Himalayans are calm, affectionate, and kind. They are gentle and loving, preferring to cuddle with their owners rather than perform acrobatics on curtain rods. The breed is very sensitive to mood changes and emotions. Some breeders suggest they are more talkative, though not nearly as much as Siamese cats. They enjoy being petted but don’t demand attention. They communicate their need for care through quiet meows and significant looks from their large blue eyes. These playful cats can be entertained by something as simple as a crinkling piece of paper.
The Himalayan values a calm and quiet environment. It is an adaptable breed, happy in any home where it receives plenty of love, attention, and gentle care. However, its coat requires particularly diligent grooming; daily time must be dedicated to it. Therefore, those who don’t have the time or energy for this should consider another breed.
The Himalayan’s coat needs daily care. The cat should be brushed daily to prevent its fur from tangling and matting. Additionally, its flat face must be cleaned regularly and thoroughly, as tears and dirt can accumulate in the folds, leading to irritation.
As with any cat, regular cleaning of the eyes and ears is essential, and brushing the teeth daily or every other day is recommended. Feed your cat the best quality, highest-protein food you can afford, appropriate to its age and condition. Also, make sure there is always fresh water available, and scoop the litter box daily.
The breed’s expected lifespan is 8-11 years. Owners of Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair cats should consult breeders to ensure their cats have been tested for diseases such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD), respiratory issues, eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Only buy a kitten whose parents have been tested and cleared for these diseases!
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