The Himalayan cat, often affectionately called a “Himmie,” is a beloved breed known for its gentle nature, striking blue eyes, and luxurious long coat. These cats are devoted companions, eager to participate in household activities and always ready for a cuddle. Their personality mirrors that of the Persian cat, another long-haired breed, but with the distinct colorpoint markings of the Siamese. This unique combination makes the Himalayan a captivating presence in any home, often sought after for their relatively hypoallergenic qualities, though not entirely so, and their charming temperament. Himalayans typically weigh between 8-13 pounds, with females being slightly smaller than males. They come in a variety of stunning colors, including seal, blue, chocolate, and red, all accented by their signature vivid blue eyes.
A Storied History
The development of the Himalayan cat is a fascinating story of dedicated breeding efforts. While the breed is often referred to as the Himalayan Persian, its lineage traces back to attempts in the 1920s to crossbreed Persian and Siamese cats. These early ventures, sometimes called “Malayan Persians,” were not widely successful and the cats soon disappeared. It wasn’t until later that breeder Virginia Cobb, in collaboration with Harvard medical school researcher Clyd Keeler, dedicated years to successfully creating a long-haired cat with the distinct color points of the Siamese. The first kitten officially recognized as a Himalayan was named Newton’s Debutante. The Cat Fanciers Association officially recognized the Himalayan as a distinct breed in 1957. However, in 1984, a shift occurred, and the association reclassified the Himalayan as a color variety of the Persian. Despite this reclassification by some organizations, the Himalayan remains a cherished breed, and the Siamese is no longer a part of the active Himalayan breeding program.
Distinctive Appearance
Himalayan cats share many physical traits with their Persian ancestors. They present in two distinct types: the traditional or “dollface” with a more classic feline profile, and the peke-faced, characterized by the more extreme, squashed facial features. Both types possess a large, round head, round eyes that are always a deep, vivid blue, a short nose, full cheeks, and small ears with rounded tips. Their head is supported by a short, thick neck, leading to a robust, muscular body often described as “cobby.” The legs are short, thick, and strong, ending in large, round, firm paws. A short tail, proportional to the body, completes their endearing appearance.
A Laid-back Personality
The personality of the Himalayan cat is one of its most endearing qualities, closely aligning with that of the Persian. They are known for being laid-back, docile, and exceptionally sweet-natured. These cats thrive on affection and enjoy being petted while lounging on their owner’s lap. Their affections are often reserved for the members of their household with whom they feel most comfortable. They appreciate closeness and delight in cuddling with their trusted humans. Himalayans are typically quiet cats who prefer routine and a calm home environment with minimal daily disruptions. While they will vocalize when they desire food, play, or attention, their overall temperament is gentle. They are content to be left alone for periods and do not demand constant attention, happily adorning a chair, bed, or sofa.
The Nuances of Color and Coat
A fascinating aspect of the Himalayan coat is its reaction to temperature. This can cause their coloration to appear lighter in warmer months and darker during winter, often accompanied by increased shedding. Sometimes, Himalayan kittens may be born with a grayer or darker body color than desired, but this typically lightens as they mature. Conversely, light faces and tails can darken as kittens grow older and are no longer influenced by their mother’s body heat. It’s also common for a kitten to exhibit both phenomena simultaneously, with their body lightening while their point markings become more pronounced.
Managing Hairballs
The beautiful, long coat of the Himalayan, while stunning, does present a potential health concern: hairballs. Ingested long hair can accumulate and form large hairballs, potentially leading to intestinal blockages that may require emergency surgery. The most effective way to mitigate this risk is through daily brushing. Regular grooming removes loose hair, significantly reducing the amount a cat ingests during its self-grooming sessions.
Health Considerations
While generally healthy, Himalayan cats can be prone to certain conditions, often inherited from their Persian lineage.
- Respiratory Distress: Due to their characteristic flat faces, some Himalayans may experience breathing difficulties. Regular facial wiping can often alleviate wheezing, but persistent issues warrant a veterinary visit.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This unpredictable genetic condition can eventually lead to blindness. It’s important not to confuse this with overactive tear ducts, to which Himalayans are also prone. While simple eye-wiping can manage tear duct issues, PRA currently has no known treatment.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Responsible breeders meticulously screen parent cats for this life-threatening genetic illness. Testing is particularly crucial if there’s a recent history of non-Himalayan Persian ancestry in the lineage.
- Weight Gain: Similar to Persians, Himalayans have a tendency to gain weight easily. To combat this, owners should encourage activity through interactive toys, laser pointers, and cat teasers, as these cats are not naturally inclined to run and jump extensively on their own.
