The
Himalayan Cat is a majestic feline with all the sweetness of a kitten. Wanting to create a cat with the long hair of a Persian and the colorings of a Siamese, breeders decided to cross the two, resulting in the first Himalayan in the 1930s. At birth, the Himalayan is uniformly light in color but upon maturation, the pointed colorings appear on their limbs, face mask, tail and ears. There are numerous accepted colors including blue, brown, chocolate, cream, flame, lilac, and red. The ears are generally small and are accompanied by a rather large head. Their sparkling blue eyes are set far apart and the face is somewhat flattened giving them an endearing charm that many find irresistible. Despite their stocky build, this breed is not fat!
The maintenance of the
Himalayan Cat is not always easy. Their long hair can often be matted if not groomed regularly, and hairballs can make abrupt and unwelcome appearances. The flat face and depressed nose can lead to constricted tear ducts and breathing difficulties. Because of this, it is important to wipe the face daily to ensure minimal blockage. Sadly, years of inbreeding have caused systemic defects resulting in organ failure and, most commonly, Polycystic Kidney Disease.
The temperament of this breed is quite amicable and they express a genuine interest in their owners. It is common for these cats to develop close bonds with people as they make excellent companions due to their social and gentle natures. Despite the needed maintenance and potential health complications, the
Himalayan Cat makes a superb pet for those who are willing to put in the effort.
