Cat Breed Information & Characteristics
A mix between the Persian and the Siamese , the Himalayan cat is a long - haired beaut . Also called the colorpoint Persian , these cats are easy to recognize by their smooshy monotone grimace , longsighted fur , and signature markings . And these cat are n’t just about looks — they’re soft , laid - back , and describe as " dog - like " in that they are extremely affectionate toward the humans they love .
Appearance
Himalayans see a lot like aPersianwearing a mink coat . Their long , creamy fur furnish the perfect sail for their contrasting " points , " which are darker section of fur on their ears , expression , legs , and tail . These points can come in a wide chain of mountains of colors , including seal , dismal , lilac , cocoa , flaming , and cream , as well as tabby , catamount , and tortoiseshell butterfly patterns . Their deep down eye are the icing the puck on the cake for this gorgeous breed .
These medium - sized cat aren’tthatbig , buttheir ultra - retentive furmakes them look a luck bombastic than they are . Full - grown Himalayans typically matter between 7–12 pound and stand 10–12 inches tall .
Like Persians , Himalayans also have flat faces , small ear , and rounded heads . Their longsighted , thick coats require regular preparation , but the supererogatory workplace they necessitate is more than deserving the effort because these popular kitties are a joy to have around .
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Temperament
The typical Himalayan temperament is aristocratical , loving , andincredibly intelligent , sound out Pam Nichols , DVM . And just like their Iranian cousins , Himalayans are lay - back Caterpillar who arecontent to spend their solar day snoozingin your lap .
" They adapt well to any lifestyle , but are very much lap pet , " Nichols says . " They will be as lazy as you have a bun in the oven them to be . "
But just because you are n’t potential to find your Himalayan climb up your curtains , this does n’t mean your cat is wearisome . In fact , Himalayans are fun to have around and love toplay chase games with a salmagundi of toys .
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Himalayans get along with everyone , Nichols tell , even the family frump , especially ifintroduced when untested .
" They’regreat family unit favorite , " Nichols says . " [ They have a ] expectant even - keeled temperament … They are like dogs in that they are very tender . "
Himalayans are the paradigm of chill . They ’re also comparatively quiet , so you wo n’t have to use earplugs when your pool is hungry or drink extra cups of coffeebecause of 3 a.m. zoomies . These cats will be fine left alone for a few 60 minutes at a time and be at the door to recognize you when you get home . They ’re just as glad with another kitten roomie or two ; Himalayans are truly " go along - get - along " kind of kitties .
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Living Needs
Although they look regal , Himalayans do n’t require a palace — they’re just glad to be around you , whether you be in a big house or a tiny flat .
Himalayans are n’t rottenly athletic and are n’t crowing jumpers , but they will enjoy agood hombre treefor vertical showing . And they’llreallylove acat hammockby the window to take in the sights andchatter at birds .
Himalayans also make great circuit kat , which is ideal because you ’ll need to expend time every day combing out their long coats . Also , keep in head their thick pelt makes Himalayans susceptible to warm temperatures , so always keep your favorite in an breeze - specify space when it ’s hot alfresco .
If you ever go away him alone for the 24-hour interval , give some felt mice or plastic balls for him to cream around so he does n’t become blase .
Care
With a Himalayan , his long , gorgeous coat is what needs the most aid . Because his coat issothick , it ’s important to groom him day by day to prevent matting and maze and tokeep shedding ( comparatively ) under dominance . Mats are not only unsightly , but they can be painful . Give himfrequent , exhaustive brushings — think of your lap as a cat hair beauty salon and groom your pet while you follow TV.Regular bathingalso helps keep the coat clean and shiny . bulge out bathing your Himalayan when he ’s untried so hegets used to the water . He might grow to like bathroom time !
Ingrid Johnson , Certified Cat Behavior Consultant , cat groomer , and writer of " Fundamentally Feline " recommends researching this breed before you bribe a Himalayan kitty , as these cats command some extra precaution .
" If you do n’t care hair on your piece of furniture , do n’t get a foresightful - hair cat , " she says . " Himalayans also need exceptional care for their eyes . "
Cats such as Himalayans and Persians have flat look ( call brachycephalic ) that prohibit tears from draining by rights . This overflow of snag is called epiphora . They have " heart slime , " Johnson says . " Their tear duct create a reddish - brown staining beneath the eyes . " So , you ’ll demand to wipe their faces on a regular basis with a tissue to remove the staining .
Like all other true cat , directly - faced or not , you demand tokeep his nail trimmed , hislitter box clean , and histeeth free of plaque .
Health
Himalayans are a relatively healthy strain . Some issues that can flare up include polycystic kidney disease ( PKD ) and reform-minded retinal atrophy ( PRA ) and some may even develop breathing issue due to their monotone faces . But these possible ailments are more the exception than the rule , especially if you buy your kitten from a reputable Himalayan breeder . Also , because of their farseeing coating , thesekitties can develop hairballs , so talk with your veterinarian about prevention early on .
Like other cats , Himalayans take steady dental and nail care , as well astrips to the vetforvaccinationsand exam . All cats of this breed should bespayed or neuteredand kept safe indoors .
History
The Himalayan is a relatively unexampled breed , with early endeavour at cross Persian cats andSiamesecats beginning in the 1950s . After WWll , Marguerita Goforth perfected the breed , make the Himalayan we recognise today .
The breed was accepted into the Cat Fanciers ' Association in 1957 . Since that clock time , some cat registries have render the Himalayan its own strain status while others have compound it into the Persian radical . But whether Himalayans are think a freestanding breed or not really does n’t matter if you ’re looking for a gorgeous , loving , easygoing pet for your family .
Fun Facts
Colonel Meow the cat wins Guinness record for long fur [ Photos ] . LA Times
