Himalayan cat (Persian colorpoint)

The Himalayan cat, sometimes referred to as the Persian colorpoint, is a visually arresting breed that draws attention right away. This breed, which combines the graceful Persian body with the Siamese color patterns, is prized for its unique appearance and serene disposition.

These cats need frequent brushing to maintain the best possible appearance for their opulent, long coats. Their gentle nature and big expressive blue eyes make them the perfect companions for anyone looking for a laid-back, loving pet.

Though they may have a regal appearance, Himalayan cats are typically playful and kind-hearted. They are sophisticated and entertaining pets that love to lounge in comfortable areas as well as play light games and interact with their owners.

History of the origin of the Himalayan cat breed

The 1930s saw the emergence of the Himalayan cat. The name itself gives away its origin story. The idea to cross a Persian and a Siamese cat came from two Harvard scientists. The first Himalayan breed representative was born in this manner. The heiress was given a Siamese color and the velvety fur of a Persian. The variety was given the same name as similarly colored Himalayan rabbits.

Fascinating! A similar breed was previously attempted to be bred by a number of breeders. But there were only black kittens born.

The Himalayan cat was recognized as a distinct breed and had its official registration in 1957. The USA and Great Britain served as its homeland. In both nations, the breed was simultaneously introduced and granted recognition. The cat was referred to as the Himalayan in one nation and as a long-haired color-punt in another.

Only towards the end of the 1980s of the 20th century was the final standard formed. Subsequently, Himalayan cats were classified as a subspecies of Persian cats and the Himalayan cat was acknowledged as a single breed. Nonetheless, some organizations continue to view Himalaians as belonging to a different breed.

Fascinating! The Color Point color is the only distinction between Persian and Himalayan cats. These cats are actually Persians, but they have dark paws and a dark face mask.

The appearance of the breed

The Himalayan breed has a very harmonious appearance. The pet has a unique gloss due to its large cheekbones and volumous fur.

Height and weight

Animals are either large or medium in size. Women typically weigh 4 kg. Males can weigh between 5 and 6.5 kg. An overly fluffy and volumous coat gives the false impression that the animal is well-fed. Pets typically have slim bodies. At the withers, the height is 25–30 cm.

Length and shape of the limbs

The animal is generally stocky in appearance. Because of its short front legs, the animal has a cartoonish, even humorous, appearance. The tail is short and in proportion to the body. Shaped like a straight line, with a dark mark at the end. The tail has longer hairs that cover it in fluff.

Head

Himalayan cats’ skulls are flattened, resembling the muzzle of a pug. There are no other cat breeds with a head structure like this one. This particular shape of the skull distinguishes Pekingese Himalayans. Another species that has a typical muzzle shape are the classic Persian varieties. Proportionality is the key concept in the pet’s characteristic description. The muzzle is short in profile. Chubby cheeks are brought to attention. There’s a strong chin down below. The width of the muzzle is greatly extended.

Neck is short and dense. The tip of the ears is rounded and small. It has a small, turned-up nose. Usually painted black, but occasionally pink or brick red.

Fascinating! Cats frequently snore while they sleep because of the way their noses are built. Cats adapt to this trait well and don’t find it uncomfortable.

Color and shape of the eyes

Eyes are a constant vivid blue color. Their lightness and openness create a striking contrast with the beige fur. The Himalayan breed of cats can be easily identified from the others based on the color of their iris. The eyes are round in shape. The eyes are spaced widely apart, giving the face a cute but perplexed expression. The black shade that lines the eyelids adds to the eyes’ expressiveness.

Wool

The breed’s hair is long. The fur is incredibly fluffy, full, and light. It has a dense and thick undercoat. The royal volume that flows smoothly into the limbs sets apart the neck area frill.

The limbs have dark, contrasting areas. The mask on the face is highlighted in the same shade. The points can have a variety of colors if the body’s main portion can only be painted beige. The fur’s thick undercoat and color contrast are what really set it apart in the description.

Constitution

The bodies of the breed’s representatives are typical. The body is squat and stocky. The shoulders and chest have good development. The back is erect. The fur adds most of the visual volume. It weighs a lot, these bones. The muscles are pliable and supple. The abdomen is round and very noticeable. The neck is thin and merges into the body almost imperceptibly.

Voice

The Himalayan cat makes conversational noises instead of a typical meow. She always makes quiet, gentle requests. This is a great option if the owner has quiet cat dreams. The cat will not bother the owner if her request is denied; instead, she will carry on with her activities. Reviews highlight the breed’s composure and lack of intrusiveness.

Crucial! During the estrus phase, the voice’s characteristics can shift. The Himalayan raises the volume of sounds it makes by a considerable amount when calling a man.

Possible defects

Animals with defects are not permitted to take part in official exhibitions. They also take away the pet’s opportunity to participate in formal breeding. The majority of flaws have no effect on the animal’s health or wellbeing. No matter how many flaws a cat has, even one of them disqualifies it from consideration.

• malocclusion;
• abnormalities in the structure of the skeleton, muzzle;
• kinks on the tail;
• color different from the standard – round spots on the fur, etc.d.;
• color of the iris different from blue;
• squint.

The Himalayan cat, sometimes referred to as the Persian colorpoint, is a sweet and lovable breed distinguished by its remarkable appearance, which combines the exquisite Persian coat with exquisite Siamese color markings. This breed is unique not only because of its stunning colorpoint fur and blue eyes, but also because of its calm, gentle disposition, which makes it the perfect friend for anyone who values a loving, easygoing pet.

Life expectancy

Cats live long lives, averaging between 14 and 16 years. A few animals can live for 19 or 20 years. A pet’s lifespan can be increased by keeping an eye on its health and avoiding stressful situations.

Additionally, a pet’s immunity and genetic makeup affect life expectancy. But no matter how old the cat gets, its favorite thing to do is curl up in its owner’s arms and eat delicious food.

Coat color

The hue with vivid markings on the paws, tail, and muzzle is the hallmark of the Himalayan cat. The image clearly displays unique colors. Values for various colors vary.

Chocolate point

Among the most highly esteemed hues of Himalayan cats. Expensive and rare. distinguished by dark chocolate-colored markings that can be seen in the picture.

Seal point

The photo clearly shows the dark brown shade markings that make this color stand out. A paler shade of paint is used on the tail.

Lilac point

The paint job on the body is a pale beige that almost looks white. The Himalayan cat’s distinctive color is its icy gray-brown pattern, which occasionally includes a hint of lilac.

Blue point

The color is fairly common, which accounts for its inexpensive price. The Himalayan cat in the picture has a striking blue tint to its fur.

Cream point

It’s an uncommon color. White fur and barely perceptible red or cream points set them apart. It’s possible that the body has a red undertone, as seen in the picture. This color is often cited in reviews as the most unique one available.

Tabby point

The striped patterns on the cat’s muzzle set it apart from other Himalayan colors. On the forehead, the letter "M" is easily discernible. The stripes range in hue from a cool blue to a warm cream or red. The limbs on the front and back are also clearly marked with stripes.

Characteristics and habits

All of the Persian breed’s composure and demureness have been assimilated by the Himalayan cat. Kittens, even in their early years, stand out for their impeccable behavior.

Attitude to people, animals

The Himalayan cat enjoys spending time with its owner and napping on his lap. These make the ideal friends for households with young children. They get along well with other animals and are devoted to babies.

This breed takes its owner’s moods very well. The animal never bothers you. She becomes accustomed to the owner’s personality.

Crucial! The Siamese Himalayan cat is friendly, but it dislikes loud parties and strangers. They would rather hide in a private, quiet area during the festivities. It would be best to avoid disturbing them right now.

Habits

They make proficient hunters. Pets up to the age of two years old are particularly active. Kittens react to sounds and movements that aren’t natural. They can play with papers and flowers, or they can hurl themselves at the owner’s feet. Setting up a play area and giving the pet toys will help you keep the apartment tidy. Himalayans always return the favor and display affection when their owners have a positive attitude.

The Himalayan breed of cats, in spite of their occasional mischievous behavior, does not leave a mess, uses the litter box with caution, and does not bother its owners. For owners who dislike having an active and demanding pet, this breed is perfect. Interestingly, the waywardness of Siamese cats has not been inherited by Himalayan cats.

Calmness and friendliness

The Persian colorpoint cat has a calm, amiable disposition. Animals do not engage in conflict or display aggressive behavior. They behave well even when they are playing games. One could even describe cats as calm, lazy. Every member of the household receives genuine affection from the pet. They frequently pick a single leader, though, and adhere to him or her throughout the house.

Crucial! These are calm, kind, and loving creatures. Slaps, in particular, and shouting are not acceptable to them. An animal raised in such a way experiences extreme stress and loses many years of life.

Care and maintenance

A Himalayan pet needs a lot of time and occasionally extra money to care for. Keeping a pet also means that the owner must incur additional costs.

Settling into a new home

The following are standard requirements for cats of the Himalayan breed:

1. The owner must organize a feeding area, installing bowls with water, dry food and treats.
2. The most necessary piece of furniture is a tray with clean filler. The filler can be wood, silica gel. The tray should correspond to the dimensions of the cat. It is not recommended to install closed trays and bulky structures for kittens.
3. You will definitely need a slicker brush and a comb – for combing out the fur and undercoat. As an additional care, use a brush with natural bristles. Reviews advise using it to give the fur shine and shine.
4. A scratching post is installed in each room. Different pets like different designs. They can be paper, wooden. A solution to this issue can only be found over time, because.. all pets are unique. If the cat ignores the scratching post, you need to change the design.
5. A play area with different levels is welcome. However, cats do not like to climb on top. The Himalayan cat has a calm character, so a couple of toys and a low play area will be enough. Often they choose one favorite toy, which they drag around with them everywhere.

Crucial! For Himalayan people, comfort and luxury are the most important things. They adore cozy designs and silky, natural textiles. They prefer to be at home because they feel comfortable there. They could easily spend their entire lives in apartments. They become depressed due to the austere circumstances.

Hygiene procedures

The Himalayan cat needs daily attention.

1. Combout is carried out daily. If you miss 1-2 days, tangles may form. They are almost impossible to untangle due to the thick undercoat and long hair. In extreme cases, you have to cut the hair.
2. Daily wipe the area under the eyes with a damp cotton pad. Otherwise, secretions accumulate on the fur, which form a dense crust. The Persian Himalayan cat has a special structure of the muzzle, which causes problems with the tear duct. Therefore, there is more secretion than in ordinary cats.
3. Cats swallow a huge amount of wool, so some owners treat them with Vaseline. A small amount on the tip of a finger is enough. This supplement improves the exit of swallowed hair. The cat can also regurgitate hairballs.
4. Every 2-3 weeks, the animal"s claws are trimmed. A claw clipper is used. Different claw clippers are used for kittens and adults. If cats live for a long time with overgrown claws, they begin to dig into their paws.
5. Every week, cats" ears are cleaned with a cotton pad and a special lotion.
6. If the pet is regularly walked outside, then bathing is carried out at least once a month. Otherwise, dirt will accumulate on the fur.

Crucial! Cats are susceptible to heat stroke and overheating in the summer. In the summer, Himalayans are clipped to prevent unpleasant situations. The ideal room temperature is between 20 and 22 °C.

Diet

Pregnant cats and kittens eat four to five times a day. Adults eat two to three times a day. For feeding, high-quality or holistic food is utilized.

The following is the animal’s diet if the owner feeds it a natural menu:

• lean meat – chicken, beef or turkey (this is the main part of the entire menu, makes up 80% of the diet);
• lean fish fillet without bones;
• kefir and cottage cheese;
• boiled egg – cats eat few eggs, 1-2 pieces are enough. per week;
• raw or boiled vegetables – carrots, zucchini, greens, pumpkin;
• cereals – oats, millet, rice or buckwheat;
• a vitamin and mineral complex is added to the natural menu, which is changed from time to time.

Reviews of Himalayan cats caution against new product allergies and point out how particular their fastidiousness can be. A balanced dinner should consist of at least 15% of vegetables and cereals and 80% meat. Greens, vitamins, and other items come with the remaining 5%.

Crucial! Fish and meat are always pre-treated; they are dipped in boiling water after being deep frozen.

Hereditary diseases

Health is good for cats. They don’t suffer from any severe genetic illnesses or anomalies. The structure of the muzzle differs in the Himalayas in several ways. They are thus breathing heavily and lacrimating more.

Obesity

A Himalayan cat may become obese if it sleeps a lot, doesn’t like to play, and enjoys snacks. It’s critical to avoid gaining weight because being overweight can lead to cardiac issues.

Human food that is fatty and heavy should not be served to cats. Very salty and sweet treats are also off limits. Feed the animal no more than twice or thrice a day.

Hypersensitivity syndrome

This is a psychological condition that is common in the Himalayas where stress is high. Cats with the syndrome exhibit irritability and spasms in their muscles. The animal will frequently bite or scratch its own skin. Aggression may show up in some form. A zoopsychologist conducts the diagnostics; there are no pre-made treatment plans.

Urolithiasis

This illness manifests in a Persian Himalayan cat as difficulties urinating and blood in the urine. Obesity, thyroid gland issues, and a disturbed metabolism are the disease’s causes.

A healthy diet that excludes sugary and salty foods helps prevent the illness. A well-defined drinking regimen is crucial, as demonstrated by scientific research. The only method of treatment for illness is surgery.

Eye diseases

Cats frequently get glaucoma and retinal atrophy. Ages vary in the onset of eye issues. Frequently become apparent in a more advanced setting. The animal becomes disoriented in the space, begins to run into things, hops over the support, etc.

It is recommended to treat the resulting disease in the early stages. There are no ready-made treatment instructions here, it is prescribed individually by a veterinarian. To prevent the development of the disease, regular check-ups with a veterinarian should be carried out.

Choosing a kitten, cost

It is best to buy kittens from trustworthy breeders or nurseries. The health and pedigree of the pet cannot be guaranteed by advertisements. Furthermore, third-party websites are frequently conned.

Kittens have cream or white fur at birth; they do not have the typical dark markings. Spots appear two to three months after birth.

A few considerations should be made when selecting a Persian Himalayan kitten:

1. The breeder must provide documents, namely the pet"s pedigree, its vaccination passport and health certificates.
2. Kittens must be kept clean and comfortable. There should be no strong smells of urine, dampness, etc..
3. The kitten should have a clean muzzle, without mucous discharge from the eyes, nose or ears. The Himalayan cat watches the kitten, carefully licks and washes it. Therefore, any contamination signals deviations from the norm.
4. The kitten should be playful, cheerful and curious.
5. It is important to know how often the cat gives birth. If births occur more often than 1-2 times a year, the kitten may have physical abnormalities, general weakness, developmental delays, etc.. This is also an indicator of inhumane treatment of animals.
6. The breeder must show the kitten"s parents. They must have characteristic signs of the Himalayan breed.
7. Some buyers are concerned about the question of how many kittens the cat gave birth to. In case of numerous offspring, there is a risk of birth of weak individuals.

Crucial! Due to their rarity in the litter, lilac and chocolate-colored Gimalayans are quite costly. Point forces with frequent colors.

Moscow’s Himalayan cats start at 30.000 rubles. The cost is determined by the breed’s outward traits, gender, and pedigree, among other factors. A pet in the pet class may cost between 15,000 and 20,000 rubles. A high-end pet can cost as much as 60,000 rubles.

Photos and videos

Himalayan cat in a video

A video introducing the Himalayan cat breed. Fascinating information

Video: Benefits and drawbacks of the Himalayan cat breed

Characteristic	Description
Breed Name	Himalayan Cat (Persian Colorpoint)
Coat Type	Long and fluffy
Color	Pointed (darker face, paws, ears, and tail)
Personality	Calm, affectionate, and gentle
Size	Medium to large
Activity Level	Low to moderate
Care Needs	Daily grooming required
Health	Prone to respiratory issues
Life Expectancy	12 to 15 years

Combining the remarkable characteristics of the Persian with the refined colorpoint pattern of the Siamese, the Himalayan cat is a singular and alluring breed. They are the ideal companions for anyone looking for a laid-back and loving pet because of their calm and gentle nature.

Their long fur necessitates frequent brushing, but their loving nature and gentle disposition more than make up for the additional maintenance. These cats flourish in a peaceful home environment, where they build close relationships with their owners and cherish their alone time.

All things considered, families or individuals searching for a amiable, easygoing pet with a stunning appearance and a devoted heart should consider the Himalayan cat.

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