Himalayan Cat Breed Information – Everything You Want to Know

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Himalayan Cat Breed InfoThe Himalayan Cat, also known as the Himalayan Persian, Colourpoint Persian, or the long-haired Persian, is a cat breed closely related to the log-haired Persian breed, except for blue eyes and distinct point coloration.

This point coloration results from crossing the Persian Cat with the Siamese cat.

Himalayan Cat History

The Himalaya Cat has struggled to form its own identity as a breed as it is often considered just another variation of the Persian Cat.

The CFA (cat Federation Authority) considered the Himalayan as another color variation of the Persian Cat.

But despite their lack of own identity, the Himalayan Cat has its color division in which it competes.

The Himalayan Cat got its name from the distinct coloring of the Himalayan animals, especially the Himalayan rabbit.

There is still no direct evidence about the exact ancestry of the Himalayan Cat.

Researchers at Harvard University started working in the 1930s to establish the Himalayan as an official breed formally, but it wasn’t until 1957 that the CFA recognized it as an official breed.

Himalayan Cat Key Facts

One of the starkest things you’ll notice when seeing a Himalayan cat is its similarity to a Persian cat.

This beautiful breed has a lot in common with the Persians except for its bright blue eyes and coat color.

Their coat is usually creamy, while their eyes, feet, and tails are darker.

Another interesting thing about the Himalayan Cat is that it likes to be selective about whom it becomes affectionate.

They are not anti-social or shy, but they also do not like to quickly open up to anyone new.

Usually, they take their time, but once they become comfortable around you, you can expect a lot of cuddles and affection from them.

How Big Do Himalayan Cat get?

The Himalayan Cat is a medium-sized cat with a large bone structure and a sturdy body.

These Cats are usually chunky and grown large enough to match their long coats. You can expect your Himalayan to have thick features.

On average, a Himalayan cat will weigh between 7 – 12 pounds and reach heights between 17 – 19 inches.  

Himalayan Cat Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Himalayan Cat is between 9 – 15 years.

You can help your Cat live toward the upper end of this scale by taking proper care of them and ensuring adequate nutrition and exercise.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that they don’t do well under stress.

So it is generally a good idea to have some method of lowering their stress, such as having toys around or giving them Catnip.

How Much Does A Himalayan Cat Cost?

An average Himalayan Kitten can cost between $800 – $1,500.

This price can fluctuate depending on the breeder’s reputation, the quality of the Cat, and availability.

You can also adopt this Cat from a shelter, which is generally cheaper and may cost you around $50 – $200.

Himalayan Cat Personality

The Himalayan Cat is loving, intelligent, and gentle.

These mellow cats love forming deep bonds with their owners but are very selective about the people they open up to.

So you may not be able to see their more loving side instantly. It requires patience and time.

The Himalayan fits perfectly in the category of a lap cat, as it loves to sleep, especially on its owner’s lap.

However, the Himalayan also love to play and interact with their owner, so don’t be surprised when you see your Cat chasing you around the house.

These fun-loving cats are also quite friendly and are generally good around other pets and children.

Caring For A Himalayan Cat

The Himalayan Cat is a lazy lap cat and doesn’t require much attention.

But they have several needs that you have to be careful about if you want your cat to live a healthy and happy life.

For instance, you need to be careful about the amount and quality of food you give them.

Then there are their daily exercise needs. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about caring for your Himalayan Cat. 

Himalayan Cat Nutrition

The Himalayan Cat is not super active, so they do not require a lot of food to maintain their weight.

But many people don’t realize this and feed their cat too much, which usually leads to their cat becoming overweight and developing several health concerns.

So, the first thing you need to figure out is the quantity of food you will be feeding your furry fellow.

This amount should be based on their weight. You can check the cat food packaging, which usually has instructions on how much you should feed your cat.

As this cat has a long coat, you may want to select a food specially formulated to control the formation of hairballs.

How To Groom A Himalayan Cat?

One of the most demanding things about the Himalayan Cat is its coat, which is long, silky, and sparse.

To maintain a coat like that, you need to brush them at least 2 – 3 times per week.

This will ensure that their coat remains free of any tangles and mats. 

Regular brushing will also increase the blood flow to the scalp, which will help deliver the nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth.

Bathing your Himalayan Cat is also important, as it will keep shedding to a minimum and prevent excess buildup of dirt and oils in their coat. 

Himalayan Cat Activity Levels

The Himalayan Cat is not very active, as they love spending time cuddled up in the laps of their owner or their beds.

However, they also love interacting and playing with their owner, which can help the get some physical activity in their routine as they follow their owner around the house,

Himalayan Cat Health Concerns

The Himalayan Cat is generally considered a healthy breed as it doesn’t have any breed-specific health issues.

But some Himalayans can develop issues like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, polycystic kidney disease, and breathing issues.

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