Himalayan Cat

Breed Overview

Introduction

The Himalayan cat, affectionately known as the “Himmy,” is a truly captivating feline, renowned for its striking beauty and gentle disposition. This breed represents a unique blend of the elegant Persian’s luxurious long coat and the distinctive colorpoint markings and brilliant blue eyes of the Siamese.

The very essence of the Himalayan cat’s identity lies in its origins as a deliberately “man-made” breed. This intentional crossbreeding was a scientific endeavor aimed at combining specific aesthetic traits: the flowing long fur of the Persian with the striking color points and blue eyes of the Siamese.

While this meticulous design has undoubtedly resulted in their stunning appearance and desirable temperament, it also inherently links them to the genetic predispositions of their parent breeds.

For instance, the flattened facial structure, a trait admired from the Persian, contributes to unique care needs and potential health challenges. 

Breed History

The history of the Himalayan cat is a testament to deliberate human intervention in shaping feline breeds. Unlike many natural breeds, the Himalayan did not evolve organically in a specific region but was meticulously created through scientific breeding programs.

The journey began in 1931 when American cat breeder Virginia Cobb and Dr. Clyde Keeler, a geneticist from Harvard, embarked on a groundbreaking project.

Their objective was to study the inheritance of the colorpoint gene by crossing Persian cats, known for their long fur, with Siamese cats, famous for their distinctive point coloration and blue eyes. This initial endeavor yielded the first Himalayan kitten, aptly named “Newton’s Debutante”.

Interest in this unique longhaired, colorpoint feline was rekindled in the 1950s. Breeders in both Britain and North America continued to develop the breed, building upon Cobb and Keeler’s foundational methods.

Notable figures like Brian Stirling-Webb and S.M. Harding in England, and Ben Borrett and Marguerita Goforth in the United States, played crucial roles in perfecting the breed. Goforth, inspired by a cat named Princess Himalayan Hope, was particularly instrumental in advancing the breed in the U.S.

The recognition of the Himalayan as a distinct breed has varied among cat associations. In 1955, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the U.K. recognized it as a “Colourpoint Persian,” classifying it as a variety of the Persian breed.

However, in 1957, American cat associations, including the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), recognized the Himalayan as a new and separate breed.

This distinction persists today, with some organizations like the CFA and The International Cat Association (TICA) classifying them as part of the Persian group, while others, such as the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), recognize them as a distinct breed.

Despite these classification differences, the Himalayan remains one of the most popular pedigreed cats worldwide.

Physical Characteristics

The Himalayan cat is a medium-sized longhair feline that immediately captivates with its striking appearance, a direct result of its Persian and Siamese lineage.

Their body type is often described as “cobby,” meaning they possess a sturdy, strong, and heavily boned build despite their somewhat rounded appearance.

They are characterized by a broad chest and shoulders, supported by short, thick legs and a similarly thick tail. While their luxurious fur can make them appear larger, they can reach a body length of 17 to 19 inches (43–48 cm), measuring from nose to the end of their tail.

The head of a Himalayan is large and round, featuring full cheeks and small, round-tipped ears. Their most mesmerizing feature is their wide-set, round eyes, which are always a brilliant blue, a direct inheritance from their Siamese ancestors.

The facial structure can vary, presenting either a “traditional” (also known as “doll face”) look with a rounder face and a longer, lower nose, or an “extreme” (or “peke-face”) appearance, which is more flattened and “squashy,” similar to that of a Pug.

This extreme facial structure, while endearing to some, is a significant factor in their unique care requirements and potential health predispositions, as the shortened skull does not proportionally shorten the soft tissues inside the head, leading to potential breathing and eye issues.

The Himalayan’s defining characteristic is its magnificent coat. It is long, fluffy, and thick, with a fine texture and a dense undercoat. This luxurious fur often forms a distinctive ruff around their neck, a deep frill between their front legs, and charming tufts of fur on their ears and toes.

The body of the cat is typically a light color, ranging from white to fawn or cream. In contrast, their “points”—the cooler extremities of their body, including the face mask, ears, paws, and tail—display darker hues. These colorpoints are influenced by temperature, with colder areas developing darker pigmentation.

Behavior and Personality

Himalayan cats are celebrated for their remarkably pleasant and endearing personalities, embodying a delightful blend of their Persian and Siamese heritage. They are generally described as gentle, quiet, and sweet-tempered felines.

These cats are profoundly affectionate and devoted companions, often seeking out their human’s lap as a “little piece of heaven”. They are known as true “lap cats,” frequently earning a 5 out of 5 rating for this trait.

Himalayans tend to bond strongly with one primary owner, preferring to spend ample time in their presence and often following them from room to room. While they crave attention and devotion, their affection can sometimes be “on their own terms.”

They may be snuggly at specific times or prefer to be close by rather than constantly held, indicating a charming independence. They are generally good with children and co-exist nicely with other cats and dogs, provided proper introductions are made.

A key behavioral trait is their preference for staying “four on the floor,” meaning they are less inclined to climb high places or leap onto counters, partly due to their sturdy build and shorter legs.

Himalayans are not overly vocal, typically expressing themselves with melodious tones rather than demanding meows. They are intelligent and curious, making them receptive to learning tricks. Their adaptable nature means that while they can be creatures of habit, they generally don’t mind changes in their daily routine too much. Furthermore, their preference for indoor living makes them excellent companions for apartment dwellers.

Care Guide

Diet

A Himalayan’s diet is fundamental to their overall health and longevity. Given their tendency towards a more sedentary lifestyle, careful monitoring of their food intake is crucial to prevent obesity.

Their diet must be complete and balanced, with a strong emphasis on high-quality animal protein as their primary energy source.

Due to their long, dense coats, Himalayans are prone to hairballs. Incorporating a cat food formulated to help control hairballs, or one fortified with fiber, can be highly beneficial.

Exercise

Despite their generally calm demeanor and preference for lounging, Himalayans do require daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom. While they are not overly active, they do enjoy short bursts of play.

Owners should actively initiate playtime to ensure their Himmy gets sufficient physical activity.

Providing a variety of interactive toys, such as toy mice, chase balls, and wand toys, can keep them engaged and stimulate their natural hunting instincts.

Even simple items like crumpled paper balls can provide hours of entertainment. Engaging in daily play sessions not only benefits their physical health but also strengthens the bond between the cat and its owner.

Environment & Enrichment

Himalayan cats are well-suited for indoor living and thrive in serene, quiet environments with minimal day-to-day changes. They are sensitive to heat, making an indoor-only lifestyle particularly important.

Their laid-back nature and preference for staying “four on the floor” also make them excellent candidates for apartment living, as they do not require extensive outdoor space.

Maintaining impeccable hygiene is also paramount. Himalayans are meticulously clean and demand a tidy litter box.

It is recommended to provide at least one litter box per cat and scoop waste daily, as their long fur can collect litter, and they may seek alternative elimination spots if their box is not clean.

Grooming

The Himalayan’s magnificent long, thick double coat is undeniably beautiful, but it comes with significant grooming demands. This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of their care, as their fur mats easily and sheds considerably.

Daily brushing is absolutely essential to prevent tangles, mats, and to remove loose hair, thereby reducing hairballs.

Without consistent grooming, their coat can quickly become unmanageable and uncomfortable. Monthly or bi-monthly baths are also recommended to help control natural oils and keep their coat clean.

Many Himalayans, being affectionate creatures, actually enjoy these grooming sessions, which can strengthen the bond with their owner. If daily brushing is challenging, professional groomers specializing in long-haired cats can provide assistance.

Beyond coat care, their brachycephalic (short-nosed) facial structure necessitates daily attention.

Himalayans are prone to excessive tear production, which can lead to tear staining and discharge around their eyes. Wiping their face daily with a warm, damp cloth is necessary to keep the area clean and prevent irritation.

Mental Stimulation

Himalayan cats are intelligent and curious, and providing adequate mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise for their well-being.

A lack of mental engagement can lead to boredom, stress, and potentially undesirable behaviors such as aggression, destructiveness, or excessive weight gain.  

Engaging a Himalayan’s mind keeps them alert, happy, and contributes to both their physical and mental health. Activities that challenge them intellectually and provide an outlet for their natural instincts are highly beneficial.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You?

FAQ

How much does a Himalayan cat cost? 

Himalayan cats can range in price from a few hundred dollars for a “pet quality” cat to several thousand dollars (e.g., $1,000 to $2,500) for a show-quality feline. Prices can vary based on pedigree, breeder reputation, and location.  

Are Himalayan cats good pets? 

Yes, Himalayans make excellent pets for individuals or families who are prepared for their grooming needs and willing to provide them with ample attention and a stimulating indoor environment. They are known for their gentle, affectionate, and loyal personalities.  

Are Himalayan cats rare? 

No, Himalayans are not considered a rare breed. They are one of the most popular varieties of Persian cats and are among the most popular pedigreed cats overall.  

Are Himalayan cats herbivores or carnivores? 

Like all cats, Himalayans are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet must primarily consist of animal protein to thrive. While some sources might broadly categorize them as omnivores, their biological needs are strictly carnivorous.  

Are Himalayan cats good with children?

Yes, Himalayans are generally excellent with children. Their calm, loving, and placid nature makes them a good fit for families, and they tend to get along well with babies and children, especially when properly introduced.  

Is a Himalayan cat a good pet for apartments? 

Absolutely. Himalayans are well-suited for apartment living as they prefer to stay indoors and do not require outdoor space. Their lower activity levels and preference for lounging make them ideal indoor companions.  

What is the difference between a Himalayan and a Persian cat? 

The Himalayan is essentially a Persian cat with “Siamese flair”. Both share a long, dense coat, a rounded, cobby body, and a distinctive flat face. The key differences lie in their coloring and eye color: Himalayans always have blue eyes and pointed coloration (darker fur on ears, face, paws, and tail), while Persians can have a more uniform coat color and a variety of eye colors (copper, green, or blue). Additionally, Himalayans may retain a slightly more playful and interactive nature from their Siamese ancestors compared to the generally more sedate Persian.  

Bonus Facts

Named After a Rabbit

Despite their exotic-sounding name, Himalayans are not from the Himalayan mountains. They were named after the Himalayan rabbit, which exhibits a similar colorpoint pattern.  

First of Their Kind

The very first Himalayan kitten born from the deliberate crossbreeding program was named “Newton’s Debutante”.  

Hollywood Stars

Himalayans have graced the silver screen! A Himmy named Mr. Jinx starred in the movies Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers. They also appeared in Homeward Bound and the Harry Potter series (as Hermione Granger’s cat, Crookshanks). Even Martha Stewart is a fan, reportedly owning seven Himalayans.  

Many Names

Depending on the region or cat association, Himalayans may also be referred to as “Colourpoint Persians,” “Himalayan Persians,” or simply “Himmies”.  

Top Pedigreed Cat

The Himalayan is recognized as one of the most popular pedigreed cat breeds in the world.  

Evolution of Breeding

While their initial creation involved crossing Siamese with Persians, Siamese cats are no longer used in current Himalayan breeding programs.  

Ground-Level Explorers

Due to their sturdy, broad bodies and shorter legs, Himalayans are less inclined to jump onto high surfaces, preferring to keep “four on the floor”.  

References

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