Himalayan Cats

Himalayan cats are considered part of the Persian cat breed group by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). Himalayan cats are Persian cats that have pointed coat coloring and blue eyes. The blue eyes and color points are from early crossbreeding between the Siamese and Persian cats.

The pointed coat means that the cat has darker coloring on the cat’s ears, tail, feet, and facial mask. The color of the points of the coat should be significantly darker than the rest of the coat. Himalayans have been regularly crossbred to Persian cats to retain the Persian characteristics of Himalayan cats.

Like Persians, Himalayans tend to have a laidback, easygoing personality. Because Himalayan cats have longhaired coats like the Persian cats, their demand for grooming is similar. Persians and Himalayans require daily grooming to prevent their long hair from tangling and matting. Daily brushing and weekly bathing are common practices for the Himalayan cat owner. The colors of the colorpointed coats may be chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, blue-cream, flame, tortie, and lynx.

For people who like the look of Persian cats but do not want the daily grooming requirement, they may prefer the cat breed known as Exotic. Like a Himalayan cat, an Exotic is a cat breed derived from the Persian cat breed. However, Exotics have shorter coats that do not require daily grooming.

The bodies of Himalayan cats can be described as cobby and well-rounded. Himalayan cats have wide, round faces with round eyes. Eye color that is deep blue is preferred by the breed standard, but the eyes can be other shades of blue. Their ears are small with rounded tips. The muzzle is short like that of the Persian cats. Himalayan cats have short, snub-noses.

Himalayans often make affectionate lap cats. Though they are not extremely active, they are playful and somewhat active. Himalayans are people-oriented and curious. They like to interact with their owners and be involved in their owners’ activities. Though there is some debate as to whether or not the short muzzle causes more respiratory problems, Himalayans are a generally healthy cat breed.