The Himalayan is a striking longhaired cat breed admired for their unique colorpoint coat pattern. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the history, characteristics, and care requirements of these affectionate and devoted felines.
Introduction The Himalayan Cat Breed
The Himalayan cat originated by crossing Persian and Siamese cat breeds to develop the colorpoint coat seen in Himalayans. They first appeared in North America in the 1950s. While considered a breed on their own today, they are actually color variations of the Persian breed.
Medium-sized with a muscular body and sweet, round face. Their long, silky coat requires extensive grooming to prevent tangles and mats. They typically live 10-15 years. These loyal cats bond strongly with their families.
Affectionate with Family: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amount of Shedding: ⭐⭐
General Health: ⭐⭐
Potential for Playfulness: ⭐⭐
Tendency to Vocalize: ⭐
Kid-Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Friendly Toward Strangers: ⭐⭐
Easy to Groom: ⭐
Intelligence: ⭐⭐⭐
Pet Friendly: ⭐⭐
- Appearance: Long, silky coat in colorpoint pattern of darker extremities. Sweet expression.
- Characteristics: Affectionate, gentle, devoted to their family. Enjoy lounging.
- Popularity: Very popular for their striking coat.
- Temperament: Calm, loyal, attached to their people. Gentle and sweet.
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Coat color: Colorpoint only – dark extremities and mask with pale body.
The Himalayan is a man-made hybrid of the Persian and Siamese breeds originally. Related breeds are Persian, Exotic Shorthair, and Siamese.
How to take care of a Himalayan cat
Food:
- High-quality dry food formulated for longhaired cats.
- Wet food added in can help promote hydration.
- Treats in moderation due to obesity risk.
Environment:
- Calm, consistent environment suits their placid personality.
- Soft, cozy places to lounge and sleep.
- Brush and comb to remove loose hair they swallow.
Grooming:
- Daily brushing is essential to prevent severe matting of their long fur.
- Bathing monthly or as needed using cat-safe shampoo.
- Trimming around paws, ears and rear to prevent soiling.
Take care method: Give them lots of affection and devotion since they thrive on human bonds. Engage them in gentle play activities to stimulate their mind and body.
How to buy/adopt a Himalayan cat
Locations are popular as pedigree cats worldwide, especially North America and Europe. They are less common in their ancestral Asia.
Average price for a kitty
$800 to $1200 USD for a purebred kitten from a reputable cattery. Adoption fee is usually $50 to $125.
Rescue organizations
- Himalayan Cat Association Rescue (US)
- Himalayan Cat Club Rescue (UK)
- Himalayan and Persian Cat Rescue (Canada)
What to check before adopting/buying
- General health: Veterinary exam to check for issues like dental disease, heart murmurs, ear mites.
- Vaccinate status: Should be up to date on FVRCP, rabies, feline leukemia vaccines.
- Medical history: Review any prior illness or injuries.
How to prepare for a Himalayan cat’s life
- Cat-proof your home by securing cables, removing hazards, and providing climbing surfaces.
- Have high-quality food, stainless steel bowls, bed, litter box, scratcher, comb, nail trimmer ready.
- Schedule first vet visit for exam, vaccines, parasite prevention.
- Dedicate time daily to combing and brushing their long fur mat-free.
- Provide cozy lounging beds in quiet areas they can retreat to.
- Reduce shedding with weekly brushing. Bathing as needed.
- Dental disease is common, so arrange for annual dental cleanings.
- Monitor for respiratory issues like sinus infections. Keep home smoke-free.
- Some lines prone to polycystic kidney disease. Ask breeder to screen parent cats.
Common name for Himalayan cat
Choose short 1-2 syllable names that are distinct in sound from commands.
Some popular examples: Leo, Luna, Bella, Lily, Zoe, Ollie, Nala
Do Himalayan cats like going outside rather than staying home?
Tend to be quite content lounging indoors and do not have a strong desire to roam outside. But some may enjoy supervised outdoor access.
Is a Himalayan cat a smart cat?
While not the most trainable breed, have moderate intelligence and can learn basic commands when positive reinforcement is used consistently. Their calmer nature makes them less busy or inquisitive than some breeds though.
How many types of Himalayan cat are there?
There is just one recognized cat breed. Coat color varies in shades from chocolate to lilac to blue point.
How to stop Himalayan cat biting?
Say “no” firmly, redirect to appropriate toys, and ignore them briefly. Consistency and time-outs for repeated biting. Provide acceptable outlets like chew toys.
How to stop Himalayan cat scratching?
Provide scratching posts around the home. Use catnip spray to attract them. Discourage inappropriate scratching with buffers like doublesided tape or aluminum foil. Trim nails regularly.
How to do socialization and raise a friendly Himalayan cat?
Introduce new sights, sounds, people, and pets gradually in a positive way starting from 3-4 weeks old to prevent fearfulness and improve sociability.
How to train your Himalayan cat?
Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Short 5-10 minute sessions works best. Target training and clicker training are good options for this breed.
How long should we check Himalayan cat’s health with vet?
Annual exams are recommended for adult to monitor for issues like dental disease, kidney disease and heart disease that the breed is prone to. Seniors need visits every 6 months.
Are Himalayan cats good family pets?
Yes, when raised with a family, become very devoted to their human pack while maintaining their gentle temperament. They are great for families.
Are Himalayan cats good with children?
Their sweet nature makes them very tolerant of children’s antics. Always supervise play and teach children proper handling.
Are Himalayan cats good with other animals?
Their calm personality enables them to coexist well with cat-friendly dogs. Gradual introduction is key. Some tolerate other cats, but some prefer being the only cat.
Can Himalayan cats cause allergies?
While no cat is truly hypoallergenic, the long coat means they tend to shed less than some breeds and may provoke less allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Are Himalayan cats ferocious?
No, Himalayans have a very gentle personality and are not prone to aggression or ferocity.
Do Himalayan cats have much hair loss problems?
Over-grooming and hair loss is uncommon in this breed if their coat is brushed frequently to remove loose hair and prevent tangles that could irritate their skin.
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