Himalayan

The Himalayan cat, also known as the Himmie, is a man-made breed developed by crossing Persians with Siamese to bring in the color points and blue eyes of the Siamese.

Breeders began to work towards this goal in 1931 when cat breeder Virginia Cobb and Harvard Medical School researcher Clyde Keeler started selective breeding to develop longhaired cats with the distinctive color points of the Siamese. The first kitten to be called a Himalayan was named Newton’s Debutante.

In the 1950s, British and North American breeders became interested in achieving a Siamese-pointed Persian. They started with the Cobb-Keeler “recipe” to get the colorpoint pattern and then bred the cats back to Persians to establish breed type. Once the cats bred true, they sought recognition as a breed.

Whether the Himalayan is considered a variety of Persian or a distinct breed depends on which cat association you talk to. The Cat Fanciers Association recognized the Himalayan as a distinct breed in 1957, but in 1984 the CFA Board of Directors decided to reclassify the Himalayan as a color variety of the Persian.

The American Cat Association also considers the Himalayan a color variety of the Persian, and The International Cat Association recognizes the Himmie as a member of its “Persian Group,” which includes the Persian and the Exotic Shorthair. In other registries, including the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts, the American Cat Fanciers Association, and the Traditional Cat Association, the Himalayan is classified separately from the Persian.

Himalayans may be outcrossed to Persians or, in some associations, Exotic Shorthairs, but the Siamese is no longer a part of the Himalayan breeding program. And today, no matter what he’s called, the Himmie is among the most popular pedigreed cats.

Himalayan cats are a medium to large-sized breed. On average, they typically weigh between 7 to 12 pounds (3.2 to 5.4 kg) and stand about 9 to 10 inches (23 to 25 cm) tall at the shoulder. Their size can vary slightly based on gender, genetics, and individual differences, but they are generally known for their sturdy build and luxurious, long fur.

Himalayan cats are known for their gentle, affectionate, and docile personalities. They are often described as being “lap cats” because they love to cuddle and be petted. Himalayans are also relatively quiet cats, and they are not known for being overly active. They are content to relax on their owners’ laps or follow them around the house.

Here are some of the key personality traits of Himalayan cats:

• Affectionate: Himalayans are very loving and cuddly cats. They love to be petted and scratched, and they will often follow their owners around the house just to be close to them.
• Docile: Himalayans are gentle and easygoing cats. They are not known for being aggressive or destructive, and they are generally good with children and other pets.
• Quiet: Himalayans are relatively quiet cats. They do not meow often, and they are not known for being noisy or disruptive.
• Loyal: Himalayans are very loyal cats. They form strong bonds with their owners, and they will often follow them around the house just to be close to them.
• Intelligent: Himalayans are intelligent cats. They are easy to train, and they can learn simple tricks.

If you are looking for a loving, affectionate, and docile cat, then the Himalayan may be the perfect breed for you. They are relatively low-maintenance cats, but they do require regular grooming. With proper care, Himalayans can live long and happy lives.

Here are some additional facts about Himalayan cats:

• They were first bred in the United States in the 1930s.
• The name “Himalayan” comes from the fact that their colorpoint markings are similar to those of the snow leopard, which is found in the Himalayas.
• Himalayans are one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.
• They are often used as therapy cats because they are so gentle and loving.

Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. Although they are beautiful and sweet, Exotics are prone to a number of potential health problems, most commonly related to their facial structure:

• Breathing difficulty or noisy breathing caused by constricted nostrils
• Dental malocclusions, meaning the teeth don’t mesh well together
• Excessive tearing
• Eye conditions such as cherry eye, entropion and progressive retinal atrophy
• Feline hyperesthesia syndrome, a nervous system disorder
• Heat sensitivity
• Polycystic kidney disease, for which a genetic test is available
• Predisposition to ringworm, a fungal infection
• Seborrhea oleosa, a skin condition that causes itchiness, redness and hair loss

The Himalayan cat shares the Persian’s sweet expression and soft round lines. It has a large, round head; large, round eyes; a short nose; full cheeks; and small ears with rounded tips. The head is supported by a short, thick neck and a deceptively sturdy, muscular body. Its legs are short, thick, and strong with large, round, firm paws. The tail is short but proportional to the length of the cat’s body.

A Himalayan’s coat is long, thick, shiny, and fine-textured. It is long all over the body and includes an immense ruff around the neck, a deep frill between the front legs, long ear and toe tufts, and a full “brush,” or tail.

The Himalayan is bred in the following point colors: chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, red, cream tortie, blue-cream, chocolate-tortie, lilac-cream, seal lynx, blue lynx, red lynx, cream lynx, tortie lynx, blue-cream lynx, chocolate lynx, lilac lynx, chocolate-tortie lynx, and lilac-cream lynx. The body is various shades of white to fawn with color only on the facial mask and the feet, ears, and tail.

Unlike the Persian and the Exotic, the Himalayan’s eyes come in only one color: a deep, vivid blue.

Himalayans come in two different “looks,” known as extreme and traditional. Extreme Himalayans, those seen in the show ring, have a flatter face, which may come with breathing problems. Cats with the traditional look have a more old-fashioned appearance, with a face that is not as flat and a nose that is set lower on the face with more of a “break,” permitting easier breathing. They are registered by the Traditional Cat Association.

Himalayan cats are not the best choice for a houseful of boisterous children and dogs. They are gentle and docile cats who prefer a quiet and serene environment. However, they do not mind being the object of gentle attention from children, as long as the children are respectful of the cat’s boundaries.

If you have children, it is important to teach them how to interact with a Himalayan cat in a way that is safe and comfortable for both the cat and the child. For example, children should be taught to avoid pulling the cat’s tail or ears, and they should not try to pick up the cat unless the cat is clearly comfortable with being picked up.

Himalayan cats can also get along well with friendly dogs, as long as the dog is not aggressive or overly playful. If you have a dog, it is important to introduce the dog to the cat slowly and carefully, and to supervise their interactions closely at first.

Here are some tips for introducing a Himalayan cat to a child or dog:

• Start by letting the cat and the child or dog sniff each other through a closed door.
• Once they seem comfortable with each other’s scent, you can open the door and let them see each other.
• Supervise their interactions closely at first, and intervene if either the cat or the child or dog seems to be getting stressed or uncomfortable.
• With patience and positive reinforcement, most Himalayan cats and children or dogs can learn to get along well.

If you are considering getting a Himalayan cat, it is important to think about your lifestyle and your family’s needs. If you have young children or a lot of noise and activity in your home, a Himalayan cat may not be the best fit for you. However, if you are looking for a gentle and loving companion who enjoys being around people, a Himalayan cat could be the perfect pet for you.

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