Himalayan

The Himalayan, or “Himmie,” is a cat of exquisite beauty. Imagine a Persian cat dressed up for a masquerade ball in a Siamese costume. With their flowing coats, brilliant blue eyes, and striking dark points, they are often considered one of the most glamorous cat breeds in the world.

1. History and Origins: A Man-Made Masterpiece

Unlike the Maine Coon or Siamese, the Himalayan didn’t evolve naturally. It was engineered.

The Dream of a Pointed Persian

In the early 1930s, breeders in the US and Sweden began trying to cross Persians with Siamese cats. They wanted the Persian’s long hair and body type but with the Siamese’s color points.

Official Recognition

It took decades of selective breeding to eliminate the Siamese body shape and keep only the color. In 1957, the breed was officially recognized in the US.

• Note: Some registries (like the CFA) consider the Himalayan a color division of the Persian breed, while others (like TICA) consider it a separate breed.

2. Appearance: Fluff and Blue Eyes

A Himalayan should look exactly like a Persian, except for the color.

The Body

They are “cobby”—short, thick legs, broad chest, and heavy bone structure. They should feel solid and heavy, not fine-boned like a Siamese.

The Head

They have a massive, round head with small ears and a short, snub nose.

• Face Types: Like Persians, they come in “Peke-face” (extremely flat) and “Doll-face” (more moderate).

The Coat and Color

The coat is long, thick, and glossy. The body color is white or cream, and the “points” (mask, ears, tail, legs) are darker.

• Point Colors: Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Flame (Red), and Cream.
• Eyes: The eyes must be a deep, vivid blue.

3. Personality: A Gentle Soul

Himalayans generally have the personality of the Persian, not the Siamese.

The Lap Cat

They are docile, quiet, and sweet-tempered. They love to sit on laps and be petted. They are not hyperactive and are unlikely to climb your curtains.

Quiet Voice

Unlike their loud Siamese ancestors, Himalayans are very quiet. They might give a soft chirp to ask for dinner, but they are not vocal talkers.

Playful Bursts

While generally lazy, they have bursts of kitten-like energy. They enjoy chasing a laser pointer or batting at a feather toy, but they will tire out relatively quickly and go back to napping.

4. Care and Needs: High Maintenance

Owning a Himalayan is a labor of love.

Daily Grooming

Their long, double coat must be combed every single day. If you skip a few days, they will develop painful mats that may need to be shaved off by a vet.

Face Care

Their flat faces mean their eyes tear up often. You need to wipe their eyes daily to prevent staining. Their face folds also need to be kept clean and dry.

Indoor Only

They are not suited for outdoor life. Their coat picks up dirt and burrs easily, and they are too gentle to defend themselves against other animals.

5. Health and Lifespan

Himalayans share the health profile of the Persian.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

An inherited disease that causes cysts in the kidneys. DNA testing is standard for responsible breeders.

Respiratory Issues

The flat face can cause noisy breathing and sensitivity to heat. They should be kept in air-conditioned environments in summer.

Eye Conditions

Cherry eye, entropion (inward rolling eyelids), and excessive tearing are common.

6. Is a Himalayan Right for You?

Pros

• Beauty: Stunning appearance with blue eyes.
• Temperament: Sweet, calm, and affectionate.
• Lifestyle: Perfect for apartments and quiet homes.

Cons

• Grooming: Requires a significant daily time commitment.
• Health: Prone to breathing and eye issues.
• Cleaning: Eye staining can be messy.

Conclusion

The Himalayan is a cat for those who appreciate beauty and don’t mind the work that comes with it. They are gentle, loving ornaments that will grace your home with elegance. If you have the time to brush them and the love to give, a Himmie will be your devoted, fluffy best friend.