Description: Himalayan
The Himalayan, also known as the Himalayan Persian, is a breed of cat characterized by its long, luxurious coat and calm, composed demeanor. This breed is similar to the Persian, with the main difference being their striking blue eyes and the unique point coloration reminiscent of the Siamese. Born with a stout and cobby body, Himalayans have a round head with a flat face, known as brachycephalic face type. This breed is highly valued both for its appearance and its sweet, tranquil nature, making it a favorite among cat enthusiasts who enjoy a quiet and affectionate companion. Himalayans enjoy a leisurely lifestyle, preferring to lounge and be pampered rather than engaging in frenetic activity.
Properties
The Himalayan cat, often referred to as the 'Himmy', is a breed derived from cross-breeding Persians and Siamese cats to achieve a cat with the long luxurious coat of a Persian and the striking points and blue eyes of a Siamese. Recognized as distinct breed by some cat associations, while others consider them a variant of the Persian breed.
The coat of the Himalayan is thick, long and flowing. They exhibit striking color contrasts, with the body being various shades of white to fawn while the points - which include the ears, face, paws, and tail - display deeper colors ranging from seal, blue, and chocolate to lilac and red. Maintaining their coat requires daily grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Himalayans are well-known for their sweet and placid temperament. They are often docile and enjoy being indoor companions, making them excellent as lap cats. However, they do exhibit bouts of kitten-like joy and playfulness, often indulging in fun with a favorite toy. They have inherited the easygoing nature of the Persian as well as the affectionate demeanor of the Siamese, making them very amenable to interaction with their human families.
Additionally, Himalayans are intelligent and curious, which can sometimes lead them into mischief, though they are predominantly calm and well-behaved. They have a soft, melodious voice which they use selectively to communicate with their owners, especially around meal times.
Due to their Persian lineage, Himalayans do face some health issues. They are predisposed to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), brachycephalic issues, and can suffer from dental malocclusions. Prospective Himalayan owners should ensure that they source their pets from reputable breeders who conduct genetic testing of their breeding stocks.
Overall, Himalayans make loving, gentle pets that are well-suited to a variety of households. They bond closely with their families and often seek out warmth and affection.)
Appearance
The Himalayan, often affectionately called the 'Himmie', is a beautiful and charming breed that results from crossing Siamese with Persian cats. This combination has resulted in a cat with the distinctive long, flowing coat of the Persian, but with the striking point coloration of the Siamese. Such a distinctive appearance ensures that Himalayans are always a standout in a crowd of felines.
The body of a Himalayan cat is robust and rounded, often described as 'cobby', a term frequently used to depict breeds with a compact body type. They have a sturdy bone structure and are typically medium to large in size. The breed possesses a well-developed musculature which adds to their overall solid impression, though they carry an air of elegance and quiet grace that belies their physical strength.
The head of the Himalayan mirrors the Persian influence with its round shape, large expressive eyes, and small ears. Eyes are particularly notable, being bright, round, and normally a deep vivid blue, accentuating the contrasts with their colored points. The facial features are softly rounded, and the nose has a ‘snub’ quality with a distinct stop. This can sometimes lead to breathing problems similar to those faced by other brachycephalic breeds.
The coat of the Himalayan is one of its most glorious attributes. Long, thick, and flowing, it demands regular grooming to maintain its luxurious texture and prevent matting. The coat comes in a variety of point colors such as seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac, among others. These color points are found on the ears, face, paws, and tail, providing a beautiful contrast to the lighter body color.
The tail of the Himalayan is fluffy and proportionate in length, often carried with a graceful curve that complements its balanced body. Taken together, the physical characteristics of the Himalayan cat combine the best aspects of its ancestors' appearances to create a truly mesmerizing and regal cat, both to touch and behold. With its striking colors and luxurious coat, the Himalayan is a visual and tactile delight, making it one of the most beloved breeds among cat enthusiasts.
History
The Himalayan cat, often referred to as the 'Himmy,' is a breed known for its striking appearance and gentle disposition. The history of the Himalayan cat is a testament to the dedicated efforts of breeders who aimed to combine the luxurious long hair of the Persian with the striking point colors of the Siamese. This quest began in the early 20th century, but the breed as it is known today primarily took shape in the 1950s in the United States.
The development of the Himalayan was initially inspired by similar efforts in Britain during the 1920s and 1930s. British geneticist Clyde Keeler and Harvard Medical School’s Virginia Cobb experimented with breeding Persians to Siamese to bring together the best of both breeds. Their goal was to produce a cat that possessed the long hair of the Persian and the body and eye color of the Siamese.
The breakthrough in the breed’s development came in 1950 when Marguerita Goforth, a California-based breeder, successfully produced what would be recognized as the first Himalayan. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and the American Cat Association (ACA) recognized the Himalayan as a distinct breed in 1957. Initially, breed standards allowed for a variety of point colors, similar to those of the Siamese. However, over time, selective breeding focused on enhancing specific features, including the coat quality and color, body type, and facial structure.
Despite its recognition as a separate breed, debates among breeders and organizations led to fluctuations in its status. By the 1980s, the Himalayan was often considered a color variation of the Persian by major cat registries, rather than a distinct breed. This classification aligns with the breed's characteristics, which are very similar to those of the Persian but include the Siamese’s point coloration.
Himalayans remain popular today due to their striking appearance and amiable nature. They are known for their bright blue eyes, point coloration on the ears, face, paws, and tail, and their lush, flowing coat. The breed's temperament is often described as calm, affectionate, and sociable, making them excellent companions. They are particularly noted for their tendency to develop strong bonds with their families and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, often being characterized as particularly suited to indoor living. The continuous affection they garner from cat enthusiasts ensures that the Himalayan remains a cherished breed in homes around the world.