Himalayan cat is a kind of domestic pet created by interbreeding Siamese and Persian cats. Because of this careful breeding, the present days Himalayan has a long and deluxe coat with a pointed coat pattern and blue eyes. The Himalayan cat was first created in the United States in 1931. Some decades later, the “recipe” for creating this kind of cat was available in the United Kingdom, and soon the popularity of this breed began to increase. These cats are sometimes classified as separate breeds or as a kind of Persian cat and in Britain; they are referred to as Colorpoint Persian. They are the second most popular breed in the world.
The Himalayan cat was first bred by Dr. Clyde Keeler and a cat breeder named Virginia Cobb. The two decided to breed Siamese and Persian cats together because they wanted to develop a new breed of Persian long-haired cats with the eyes and markings of Siamese cats. After many years of trying, they finally succeeded. In 1935, after British breeders visited the United States to see the Himalayas, they also started a breeding program to produce these cats in England. The breeding program stopped during World War II but was returned afterward.
The Himalayan cats were accepted for recognition in the mid-1950s. In the 1960s, all registries in the United States had accepted the Himalayas for recognition in the show ring. Recently, some American registries have integrated the Himalayas in the Persian class. And they considered this breed as pointed Persian and sometimes they are referred to as Himalayan-Persian or Persian-Himalayan or just Himalayas.
They are beautiful, their sweet attitude, short bodies, and bright blue eyes all put in to make the Himalayas an amazing cat breed. They are lovely and can certainly bring a smile to their owners’ eyes. One good thing that separates them from other cat breeds is that they won’t jump around the house in a restless manner. Himalayan cats enjoy living in a family that is equally calm. But that’s not all, if you still want to know more about this amazing cat breed, check out the following facts about Himalayan cats.
They are hybrid cats
Even though the parent breeds to the Himalayas are naturally occurring, their origin is as a result of human intervention. Breeders wanted a cat with a Persian coat and Siamese marking, therefore the Himalayan cats were born. They are usually called “Himmie” by cat fans. Although some believe that the Himalayas are a distinct breed, others consider it a variety of Persian cats.
Himalayan cats are selective with their affection
Although they are by no means standoffish, Himalayan cats reserve their affections for those they feel comfortable within the home. They love to cuddle and get close to those they trust, and they are not the type of cat that does well in a noisy or high traffic environment. These are quiet cats that strongly prefer a calm and low key environment.
They have a soft coat that requires maintenance
To keep them looking beautiful, brushing their coat on a daily basis is highly recommended. They have thick coats that easily mats and tangles. Daily brushing will prevent the onset of coat problems and can also serve as a good bonding experience between Himmie and the owner. Himalayan cats come in different “appearances”, either traditional or extreme. Their coats should be brushed daily with a strong, wide-toothed comb to remove and prevent matt and tangling. Also, their flat face should be cautiously cleaned as tear stains can stick on the face.
They have big bodies that match their large Fur
Although they have Siamese DNA, they are built more similarly to the Persian cats. Himalayan cats are strong and muscular with large bones. It is advisable to bathe them once a month, so don’t be amazed if their wet body doesn’t look small after all with these large bones showing. The Himalayas are indeed the most popular cat in the world, although many believe that they are just a variety of Persian.
They need to have nutritional controlled to stay healthy
Himalayan cats are not known for a high degree of exercise. So, you should pay attention to both their diet and exercise. They need exercise to maintain their top condition. Himalayans love playing with their parents, interactive toys, attack catnip mice, and chase balls, but it is important to stick with their daily exercise. The Himalayan cat requires daily attention. Their nutrition needs depend on the cat weight, age, and activity levels, therefore it’s important to discuss with your veterinarian about the cat feeding schedule.
They have a charming personality
As if their beauty is not enough to love them, their amazing personality and temperament also deserve praise, just like Persian cats, they also enjoy lazing around all day with a Calm and gentle demeanor, and just like their Siamese ancestors, they quickly adapt to family life and can get along very well with other pets at home, as well as with their family members. Their only true bond is with their real owner; all their affections and loyalties belong to the real owner.
Himalayan cats have low exercise needs
These cats are not really active breed; they prefer to be a pampered house cat. For this reason, their diet must be carefully controlled to discourage weight gain. But, just because the cat prefers a sedentary lifestyle does not mean that regular exercise is not important to them. Himalayan cats love to play and can easily get their daily exercise needs from interacting toys, catnip mice, chasing balls, and many more.
They are fun to be with
Just like the Siamese, this cat can be fun to be with. They are very smart and enjoy learning tricks. Himalayan love to play and their toy can include special cat toys or plush toys. Himalayan cats can be taught to play fetch and can run around the room or roll on the floor. They tend to be a fun, friendly, and playful cat to live with.
Mu daughter has a Himalayan kitten and he has the zoomies and goes nuts at certain times. He bites our ankles and we have to give him a time out in a room till he calms down. He is a darling when he does.