Breed History
Breeders in the United States wanted to combine the color of the Siamese cat and the coat of Persian cats. They were successful in breeding Himalayan cats in the 1930s and became more popular after World War II.
In the 1950s, the breed was officially recognized by cat registries in the US. British breeders became interested in Himmies, which they then referred to as Colorpoint Longhairs. After some time, the Himalayan was grouped under the Persian cat breed category by some registries and referred to as Persian-Himalayans.
Health and Medical Concerns
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Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Diet and Nutrition
Himalayan Cat Grooming Guide
Coat Maintenance
Himalayans have long, dense, and silky coats that require daily brushing. Use a slicker brush or a stainless steel comb.
Skin Health
Use moisturizing grooming sprays and avoid over-bathing to maintain their natural oils. Watch out for any skin issues.
Bathing
Bathing should be done every 2 to 4 weeks. Use a vet-approved shampoo and be sure to dry the cat thoroughly.
Nail Trimming
Nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks, or if they get too long. Use cat-specific nail clippers.
Ear Care
Weekly ear inspections should be done at home to check for any dirt or debris. Use a pet-safe ear cleaning solution and some cotton balls.
Eye Care
Daily eye cleaning is recommended for Himalayan cats. Make sure to use a damp cloth and wipe outward.
Teeth Care
It’s recommended to brush the Himmies’ teeth daily to avoid dental problems. Use a vet-approved toothpaste and toothbrush.
Physical Characteristics
Head
Himalayans have a large, rounded head and a flat-faced structure. Their jaw is strong and well-developed.
Eyes
They have large, round eyes that are widely set and expressive, with a distinct bright, blue color.
Ears
Their ears are small to medium-sized, rounded at the tips, and set low on the skull. These are slightly tilted forward.
Body
Himmies have a short and sturdy body. Their chests are broad, and their shoulders are heavily boned.
Limbs
They have short, thick legs that are well-boned and muscular. The paws are round and firm.
Tail
The tail is short and fluffy, which is proportional to its body. It’s also generally darker than the rest of the body.
Coat
Himalayan cats have a long, thick, and fluffy coat in light colors. They have dark points in colors like seal, blue, red, cream, lilac, and chocolate.
Size
Males and females generally weigh 3.2-5.4 kg (7-12 lbs).
Weight
Males and females are generally 25.4-30.5 cm (10-12 inches).
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Abyssinian Cat
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American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a gentle cat, perfect for homes seeking a loving companion.
