Himalayan cat

Among all the cat breeds, the Himalayan is one of the most fascinating. These cats are well-known for their striking appearance. Their opulent coat and captivating blue eyes captivate you. They resemble fluffy little clouds with amazing color accents on their face, paws, tail, and ears thanks to their unique color-point pattern.

The finest characteristics of both Siamese and Persian ancestry are inherited by Himalayan breeders. They blend the easygoing disposition of the Persian with the lively curiosity of the Siamese. Because of this, they are not only lovely to be around but also a pleasure to be with. They frequently show their humans a great deal of affection and are renowned for having kind, gentle dispositions.

Himalayan cats enjoy being part of family activities and getting lots of love and attention. They are eager to be included and enjoy curling up in a warm lap. They will follow you around the house. They can be playful, too, enjoying interactive toys and light games despite their serene exterior.

Taking care of a Himalayan requires planning ahead for frequent grooming. Regular brushing is necessary to keep their long, silky fur free of mats and tangles. With a little TLC, you can have a gorgeous, contented friend who is equally as lovely and affectionate.

General information about the Himalayan breed

A brief list of the breed’s traits:

1. How long they live: from 9 to 15 years.
2. Size of the animal: 43-48 cm.
3. Weight: 3-5.5 kg, males can weigh more – up to 7-8 kg.
4. Origin: USA, Great Britain.

Description of the breed: appearance and other features

The Persian and Siamese breeds can be seen in the blue-eyed beauty. Himmy’s muzzle, long hair, stocky, round body, strong skeleton, and developed muscles give it a Persian-like appearance. However, with its dark paws, muzzle, ears, and tail, as well as its bright blue eyes, Himmy is more like a Siamese cross.

The Himalayan cat is of medium size, with strong muscles and a robust skeleton.

The lush fur gives the cat extra volume, making it appear larger than it actually is when viewed from the side.

The Persian Colorpoint has a very thick, long coat with a fine texture and glossy sheen. The majority of the fur is found between the front paws and around the neck. Additionally, there are long strands gathered on the tail, in between the toes, and around the ears.

The round head, short, thick neck, small, rounded ears, and large, round eyes are all present. The profile appears flat when viewed from the side. The Himmie has broad, round paws and strong, short legs. Although short, the cat’s tail is proportionate to the length of its body.

Three years are needed for the Himalayan cat’s color to fully develop. You also need to wait a few weeks to find out what kind of coloring the animal will have.

While the hues may differ, the fundamental brushstrokes are nearly invariably the same: classic Siamese coloring in the colorpoint style.

Apart from the traditional colorpoint, which features dark patches on the muzzle, paws, tail, and ears, there’s also the so-called lynx, or tabby point. Those who possess the latter can be identified by their dark pencil-outlined eyes and letter "M"-shaped forehead patterns. The lynx also has light-colored inner ears and tail hair, as well as dark stripes on its muzzle, paws, and tail. The coat is primarily colored in a light shade at the same time.

The extra hue can be reddish-red, cream, blue, lilac, brown, or dark brown. Among the most uncommon hues:

• bluish-cream;
• chocolate;
• cream;
• violet (lilac).

The muzzle’s point area should be distinct and not extend to the back, chest, or neck.

There are two varieties of Himalayans:

1. Extreme (so-called Pekingese). Have a flat muzzle of the brachycephalic type, which causes breathing problems, like Persian cats.
2. Traditional. Representatives are characterized by a classic appearance: the muzzle is not so flat, and the nose is located lower than in extreme gimmies, which allows them to breathe easier.

There has been a recent trend toward the Himalayan breed’s extreme outward characteristics.

Characteristics of the Himalayan cat (table)

History of the Himalayan breed

The USA is the breed’s birthplace. The reason behind the particular name is that the cats’ color greatly resembled that of rabbits that reside near the Gimalayas.

The Himalayan cat breed, in contrast to many others, does not have a lengthy and extensive history; it was only established a century ago or so.

Breeders have long harbored the desire to create a Persian breed with colorpoint coloring. Breeders eventually achieved the desired outcome in the early 1930s as a result of persistent breeding activity.

The English breeding program for these cats started in 1935, following the visit of British breeders to the United States to see the Himalayans firsthand. Crossbreeding was put on hold during World War II but was later put back on track.

The Himalayan cat was given official recognition in the middle of the 1950s by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in the USA and the Governing Council of Cat Fanciers (GCCF) in Britain. The terms "longhaired colorpoint" and "Himalayan" were coined in the first and second cases, respectively. The final standard did not come into being until the late 1980s. The Himami came to be known as the Himalayan-Persian breed in the CFA feline registries after it was acknowledged as a variation of Persians. Nonetheless, some organizations continue to view Himalayan cats as belonging to a different breed.

The Himami is not very well-liked in Russia. When they initially debuted here in the 1990s, cat lovers were not particularly intrigued by them. Although they won cat shows in the 1990s, color-point fluffies have lost their former glory on the international scene.

While Siamese are no longer bred into the Himalayan line, Himalayans can now be crossed with Persians and exotic shorthaired cats.

Diseases and health problems

The majority of the Persian colorpoint’s unique pathologies are linked to the face’s structure.

The following are some of the variations that define the Himami:

1. Difficulty breathing and swallowing, caused by deformations associated with a flattened muzzle. For the same reason, the animal experiences difficulties during physical activity. A short nose with wide nostrils serves as a fertile ground for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, resulting in frequent inflammations in the nasal sinuses. In advanced cases, sepsis is possible. It is important not to let the situation get out of hand, and special drops for a runny nose will help to cope with this task. Increased lacrimation is another deviation caused by the physiological characteristics of the breed. Since the Himmie"s muzzle is flattened, the structure of the lacrimal canals has also undergone changes.
2. Dental anomalies, which is expressed in poor adhesion of the teeth to each other.
3. Eye pathologies, including progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, adenoma of the third eyelid (cherry eye). The latter is a defect of the nictitating membrane, which is also called the third eyelid. Hereditary eye disease himmi, including cataract, which is expressed in the clouding of the lens. In the early stages, it is treated with eye drops, and in the later stages, surgical intervention is required.
4. Feline hyperesthesia, or skin twitching syndrome. It is expressed in twitching of the dermis in the spine and collarbone area. It is also manifested by muscle spasms. During these attacks, the cat furiously bites, licks, scratches the back of the body. The causes of the disease have not yet been studied, but the predisposing factors are known for sure. This can be stress, pathologies of the nervous system, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, dermatological problems, cognitive dysfunction, parasitic and infectious diseases.
5. Polycystic kidney disease. It is characterized by the development of multiple cysts filled with water in the kidneys of the animal. This condition does not threaten the life of the pet at the beginning of the disease, but the problem must be solved as early as possible to prevent the development of new cysts and reduce the risk of dangerous bacterial infections. Cysts are easily detected by ultrasound as early as 12 months of age. If nothing is done, over time the kidneys will increase in size and will not be able to perform their functions. A sign of an advanced stage is an increase in the abdominal area and severe pain.
6. Seborrheic dermatitis. A condition in which the animal experiences severe itching, redness and bald spots appear on the scratched areas. Painful areas are lumpy fatty deposits, at the base of which the fur rolls up, and the skin underneath looks reddish. Fat deposits, together with dead cells of the dermis, form crusts. Seborrhea is fraught with eczema and purulent dermatitis.
7. Predisposition to ringworm and fungal infections. Long thick fur requires special care. The pet"s skin must be carefully checked for red, scaly spots. If you find any, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.
8. Increased sensitivity to heat. Flat-faced breeds are especially sensitive to high temperatures, so they need to be kept in comfortable conditions. For this, you will need an air conditioner or other methods of protection from the hot climate.
9. Obesity. This condition is common in Himalayans. The best way to prevent this is to maintain the proper weight of your pet. It is important to provide your kitty with a balanced diet.

Characteristics of the character and behavior of Himalayans

Himalayan cats are peaceful creatures with sporadic outbursts of energy. A pet can laze in the sun contentedly, and then all of a sudden take off running and jumping around the room.

Gimmies adore curling up on their owner’s lap, lying in bed with him, and stretching out next to him. They can also have a great time by themselves and do not need any special attention. And if your pet feels suddenly abandoned, a silent meow and an expressive look will tell the owner exactly what’s obvious.

Loud parties are not to the Persian Colorpoint’s taste. The subdued beauties favor a calm setting with minimal daily alterations.

The fluffy creatures use their big, bright blue eyes to express their desires along with a gentle melody. The basic needs of cats—to eat, play, and cuddle—are not all that different from those of the Himalayan breed.

It’s unlikely that Gimmie will turn into a true hooligan, breaking dishes, gnawing through furniture, jumping on kitchen cabinets, or climbing curtains to the ceiling, even though she doesn’t mind running around the house. Being able to decorate his favorite chair, sofa, or other piece of furniture with his presence makes the cat very happy.

Himalayans are not recommended for homes with young children or pets that are very active. Himmy has no problem conversing with a cute dog that doesn’t chase his snub-nosed friend around the house, and he has nothing against quiet kids who know how to interact with cats.

While this attribute isn’t always associated with them, himmies are a fairly intelligent breed. The pet’s extraordinary intellectual abilities will be confirmed through interaction with puzzle toys and training in various skills.

Himalayan breed standard

The CFA is the primary registration body for the Himalayan breed, though there are other standards as well. Persians, Himalayans, and short-haired exotics frequently experience it. The WCF metric defines Himmies as Persian cats with a color-point color by analogy with the latter. Nonetheless, the TICA standard was created with breeders’ convenience in mind, treating Himalayan cats as a distinct breed.

Thus, the following traits are part of the Himalayan cat standard:

1. Head. Quite wide, round, dome-shaped. In relation to the body, it varies from medium to large in size. The chin area is significantly pronounced. Cheeks are plump, forehead is convex, bite is correct, pincer-like, jaws are strong, wide.
2. Eyes. Expressive, perfectly round, set wide apart. Iris color – from light blue to dark blue.
3. Ears. Miniature with rounded tips, set wide apart, low set.
4. Nose. The extreme type is characterized by a miniature upturned nose with wide nostrils. In sleep, the cat can snore and snore, which is considered normal for this breed.
5. Neck. Thick, short. Should not be muscular and flexible.
6. Body. Large body with soft contours. Both the croup and shoulders are equally massive. Back short, even. Belliss moderately rounded. The musculature is sufficiently developed, but at the same time so soft that it creates the impression of an excess of fat. The skeleton is strong, heavy.
7. Limbs. Even, short. Paws are large, round.
8. Tail. Comparatively short, straight, strongly pubescent.
9. Coat. Long, thick with dense undercoat.
10. Color. Presence of a Siamese mask, dark areas on the paws, ears, tail. There are options: blue, lilac, dark brown, chocolate, red-red, cream.

One straight line should pass through the forehead, chin, and nose.

Himalayans are ineligible to win the champion title if they possess:

• contrasting spots in the form of buttons or a medallion;
• any color of the iris other than blue.

Signs that rule someone out are:

• kinked tail;
• incorrect bite;
• asymmetrical muzzle;
• strabismus.

Defects that lower the evaluation at the show:

• close-set eyes;
• long back;
• poor coat;
• narrow head;
• lack of fangs in an adult animal;
• "Roman" profile.

Himalayan cats require daily brushing with a sturdy comb with wide teeth, just like other pets with long hair. Seeing a professional groomer every few months is also advised. Bathing a Himmy on a regular basis—at least once a month—is an essential part of his care.

Gimmies occasionally have excessive lacrimation due to muzzle deformation. Because of this, the pet’s face needs to be cleaned every day, with the corners of the eyes needing extra care. The process will stop the development of dark, unclean patches beneath the eyes.

Because Himalayan cats can become obese, their owners should monitor their diet and encourage exercise. Despite the animal’s minimal exercise requirements, this is not a difficult task to complete. Himalayans love to play and are always willing to misbehave when given the chance. Purchasing multiple toys for your pet and spending some time playing with him each day are recommended.

It’s also important that you remember to brush your teeth. Maintaining dental hygiene on a daily or weekly basis will shield the cat from dental cavities and periodontitis.

It is not a good idea to let the fluffy one go free. It is impossible for members of this kind breed to withstand other animals or survive in the outside world. The Himalayan Persian is also vulnerable to theft because it is a valuable example of a pricey cat breed.

It is preferable to get another cat that doesn’t need special care if you are unable to dedicate the necessary time to the Himmy’s daily needs.

Trimming your Himalayan cat’s claws at least once a week is advised to keep the animal safe and sound and to protect you and your home from your furry friend’s ferocious scratches.

It is best to start teaching your pet basic skills at a young age, as this will allow the kitten to become accustomed to cleanliness practices and avoid resistance later on.

You must set aside time each week to examine the pet’s ears. If dirt is discovered, it needs to be meticulously cleaned using a cotton swab dipped in a light detergent. You should never pierce deeply into the ear in this situation.

It is advisable to take the cat to a specialist if it exhibits symptoms of redness, inflammation, or an unpleasant odor.

In the event that the Himalayan cat will not be utilized for breeding purposes, sterilization is advised. Cats that experience regular estrus but do not mate risk developing diseases of the reproductive system, including cancer. In order to prevent them from marking their territory, cats are sterilized.

Only at the age of one to one and a half years, when the internal organs are fully formed, is the procedure performed. A veterinary needs to do a preliminary examination because the developmental characteristics can affect the exact timing. Animals that undergo premature surgery may develop their reproductive systems incorrectly.

Education and training of the Himalayan cat

Since an adult cat that has acquired bad habits is unlikely to regain them, it is important to start teaching the Himalayan cat basic behavioral rules at a very young age. Furthermore, a kitten exhibits far higher receptivity to learning than an adult animal does.

Potty training is given to the young Gimmie right after socialization. The tray is placed as far away from his eating area as feasible, in a peaceful, comfortable nook. After playing or a long nap, the Himalayan is placed on the tray right away to help the baby get used to using the toilet.

It would be appropriate to place a piece of cloth—that was previously used to wipe the puddle the baby left behind—in the filler so that the cat knows for sure that the toilet is meant just for him.

Becoming used to the scratching post is the second crucial step. It is advised to mist the pet with water as soon as it is captured "by the paw" in order to permanently deter it from using furniture. The little mischievous one is returned to the scratching post following the "execution." The infant must be trained to trim his claws if the option with a scratching post is not selected.

The weaning off of the table stage comes next. It’s crucial to keep meat products out of the open to avoid drawing the cat’s unwelcome attention. Your cat may also come to associate the kitchen table negatively with you. Applying a citrus or menthol scent to the furniture will be sufficient to accomplish this goal and permanently frighten the practical joker away.

Teaching a Himalayan cat new tricks is an arduous and selfless undertaking. Furthermore, this is not a specific point.

How to properly and what is the best way to feed a Himalayan?

The dietary requirements of Himmy are contingent upon the pet’s age, health, weight, and degree of activity. It is therefore advised to go over the specifics of feeding, such as the schedule and diet, with the veterinarian.

Persian-Siamese cats’ long fur is prone to shedding, which puts their owners at risk for hairball formation. You can select particular foods to slow down this process.

Since Himalayan cats are known to be prone to obesity, it is crucial to avoid overfeeding them. A customized diet plan can be provided by the veterinarian if the pet’s weight has surpassed the acceptable standard.

Industrial dry and wet food from the premium and super premium categories is the best choice for Himalayan cats.

Feeding a Himalayan cat natural food is far more challenging because it is very hard to design a varied, well-balanced menu with only healthful items. The cat may become malnourished, lose its appetite, or experience vitamin deficiencies with even the smallest departure from the regimen.

Himalaya breeding

As with all young artificially bred breeds, breeding a Himalayan cat on your own is an extremely challenging undertaking. Consequently, it is wise to start by enlisting the assistance of a reputable and experienced breeder.

Choosing a related cat for mating is necessary if you want your kittens to look exactly like their mother did (this process is known as inbreeding). The unique characteristics inherited from one line of blood will therefore be concentrated in the following generation.

The cat’s partner needs to fulfill the following requirements:

1. Be absolutely healthy, which is confirmed by the passport.
2. Be purebred.
3. Be balanced, non-aggressive.

You must first thoroughly inspect the cat, paying close attention to its eyes, fur, and claws. The animal should have a well-groomed and healthy appearance.

On the male’s territory, mating occurs over the course of one to two days.

Cats that are eight to nine months old can mate.

A change in fur quality, such as a tangled coat, is indicative of estrus in Himalayan cats. The reason the pet’s fur lumps up so quickly is that it actively rolls around on the floor during this time.

How and where to buy a Himalayan. How much do kittens cost?

In rubles, the lowest cost of a Himalayan begins at 10,000. The breed representative in question is ineligible to engage in breeding or competition because it falls under the pet class category or has cosmetic defects unrelated to health issues. A show class and breed kitten can cost up to 30,000 rubles. Show individuals with uncommon colors now cost between 50,000 and 70,000 rubles. Multiple champions are the parents of the priciest kittens.

The most sought-after breed in Russian catteries is the Peking variety.

The following guidelines should be followed when purchasing a Himalayan kitten:

1. The most common color is seal point. Representatives of this type are cheaper than the rest.
2. The rarest and most expensive Persian-Siamese have lilac and chocolate point colors.
3. Persian color points are born very light, sometimes even without a signature mask on the muzzle. The pigment is formed gradually and is fully manifested by the age of one and a half years.
4. You should buy a baby from a seller who can provide documents about the health of the kitten and its parents. This is especially true for genetic problems. Reputable breeders are sure to conduct an ultrasound or DNA test for polycystic kidney disease in adult cats. Therefore, you need to ask the breeder for proof that both parents do not have this disease. If one of the parents tests positive, but the cat"s pedigree is valuable in other ways, you need to make sure that the kitten tests negative for polycystic disease.
5. It is worth getting to know one, and ideally both parents, to assess their temperament.
6. Before purchasing a precious gimme, it is recommended to visit the cattery to check the conditions in which the animals are kept, what they are fed and how they are treated.
7. It is important to find out the exact age of the parents. In reputable catteries, cats are taken out of breeding when they reach five years of age.
8. It is also necessary to find out how many births the cat has had in the last year. No more than two litters are allowed within 12 months. Ideally, if the interval between the previous and last births is eight or more months.
9. It is recommended to study the breed as well as possible, all its main characteristics, and it is important to know how they manifest themselves at a certain age.
10. It is worth being patient. You may have to wait about six months until a suitable option appears. After all, many breeders do not release kittens until they reach the age of 12-16 weeks.

Here are some pointers for picking a breeder:

1. It is desirable that the breeder raises litters at home and cares for them from an early age.
2. A reputable breeder adheres to a code of ethics that prohibits selling kittens to pet stores or wholesalers, and also defines the breeder"s responsibilities to their charges and customers.
3. A reputable breeder must have its own official website.
4. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with a large number of independent reviews of the selected cattery in order to get an objective idea of ​​the quality of services provided.

Following purchase, you must take the infant to the vet to rule out any deviations and create a preventive plan that will shield the animal from future health issues.

Breeders of Persian colorpoint can be found in several catteries in Russia:

Characteristic	Description
Coat	Long, silky fur with a color-point pattern
Temperament	Gentle, affectionate, and calm
Health Issues	Prone to respiratory and dental problems
Grooming	Regular brushing needed to prevent mats
Size	Medium to large, typically weighs 7-12 pounds

Himalayan cats are the epitome of what’s best in the world. They are the ideal balance of beauty and temperament thanks to their gorgeous appearances and kind dispositions. Their opulent coats and captivating blue eyes make them an exceptional option for cat lovers seeking a friend who draws attention.

Himalayans are renowned for their loving disposition in addition to their physical attributes. They frequently develop close relationships with their human families and thrive on company. For people looking for a devoted companion to share their life with, they are therefore fantastic pets.

But it’s crucial to keep in mind that caring for a Himalayan demands dedication. To keep their long fur healthy and tangle-free, regular grooming is required. A happy and fulfilling life for the cat and its owner can also be ensured by being aware of their needs and preferences.

In the end, the Himalayan cat might be the best option for you if you’re searching for a pet that is not only gorgeous but also affectionate and energetic. These endearing cats will bring happiness and company for years to come with the correct upkeep.

Which particular facets of Himalayan cats—traits, maintenance, or history—interest you?

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