My Kitty Care loves learning about different cat breeds, so let’s talk about Himalayan cats, or Himmies, as they’re affectionately known. The Himalayan Cat is a longhaired cat breed similar in appearance to the Persian. They have blue-eyes, and are noted for their point coloration.

Persian cat

Siamese cat

Dr Becker says:
• Himalayans are hybrids.
Some cat fanciers think of the Himalayan as a distinct breed; others consider it a variety of the Persian breed.
The Himalayan is really a hybrid of Persian and Siamese cats.” According to The Cat Fanciers Association, Brian Sterling-Webb, an English breeder, took ten years to perfect his long-haired colorpoint cat. In 1955 he approached the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and requested recognition for this new variety of longhaired cat.

In North America, Mrs. Goforth applied for breed recognition at the CFA Annual Meeting held in Washington, DC on December 18, 1957. Mrs Goforth contended that although the Himalayan standard was identical to the Persian standard, the cat was not a Persian, but a new breed of longhair. With this philosophy as a basis for the Himalayan, these cats received recognition and were granted foundation record registration with CFA. The rules governing the acceptance of new breeds and colors at the time required breeders to show three generations of pure Himalayan colorpoint breedings in order to be eligible for championship competition.

Himalayans have the characteristic flat, open face of Persians. The eyes are a bright blue, and the ears are small, perky, and set wide apart. There is a distinctive ruff around the neck, suggesting a lion’s mane. The Himalayan body appears large, but only because from their head to their paws, their fur is very fluffy.

• Himalayans Are More Like Persians Than Siamese
Despite the Himalayan’s Siamese lineage, they are medium-sized cats from 7 to 12 pounds, with a sturdy, muscular build and large bones. Most Himalayans, in true Persian fashion, aren’t particularly active or athletic. Your Himmy isn’t inclined to doing much spontaneous leaping or climbing, like climbing up your drapes, jumping up on your kitchen counter, or leaping up on a high bookshelf. Instead you’ll find him napping on a nice soft pillow, or whatever looks comfortable.
• Himalayans are selective about who they bond with
The Himalayan is a calm and somewhat reserved breed. They tend to be affectionate with immediate family members, and they prefer a peaceful, low-key environment. They don’t like being left alone for long periods of time, because they like and need their human family’s contact and companionship.
• The Himalayan’s Coat Is High-Maintenance
Be prepared: it’s extremely important that your Himalayan is groomed daily. It must be gently but thoroughly combed every day, and regular baths, at least monthly, are also recommended. Additional daily care should include wiping the corners of the eyes to prevent under-eye stains, and teeth brushing. Himmies thick coat often traps kitty litter, especially in their paws, so check their toes and footpads. Himmies like being clean, so if your Himmy, and her litterbox, aren’t kept scrupulously clean, your Himmy is more likely than other breeds to stop using the box.
• Himalayans maybe prone to health conditions
Again from Dr. Becker “The Himalayan is an exotic breed with certain health problems primarily associated with their flat facial structure. These include difficult or noisy breathing, dental malocclusions, excessive tearing, eye conditions (e.g., cherry eye, entropion), hyperesthesia syndrome, and heat sensitivity. Other health problems of Himmies may include polycystic kidney disease, and skin conditions.” However, the CFA (the Cat Fanciers Association) states “It IS possible to breed a beautiful Persian with a very short nose that breathes and tears normally. They are not PRONE to respiratory problems – they are generally healthy, vigorous cats.”
• Himalayans are intelligent
Meanwhile, Himalayans are considered quite smart, although they’re often not recognized for being so. Do challenge your Himmy by teaching her tricks and offering puzzle toys that reward her with treats when she learns how to solve them.
• Himalayans can get chubby
Since your Himmy is by nature a lounger rather than an athlete, it’s important their diet is monitored so that they don’t become overweight or even obese. A balanced, raw, and species-appropriate diet made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, is recommended.
Plus, we all love giving our cats treats, earned or not, so your Himalayan will get plenty of treats, but don’t forget that treats have calories.
• Himalayan kittens are often mellow
Himalayan kittens are not quite as rowdy and rambunctious as many other breeds. Even very young Himmys typically have the gentle, mild temperament of an adult.

Himalayan kitten

• Kittens usually don’t look like Himalayan adults. They are born a solid white or cream color and don’t develop their markings for a few weeks. It also takes time for their long, luxurious coats to grow. In fact, it isn’t until a young Himalayan is over a year old that they begin to look like an adult Himalayan.

Himalayans are beautiful, gentle, loyal cats. They’re intelligent and affectionate, and regardless of the additional care these long-hair cats require, they are lovely companions.