Himalayan cat
Also known as: Himmy
Breed at a glance
- Other names
- Himmy
About the Himalayan cat
The Himalayan is a cat breed, originating from cross-breeding Persian and Siamese cats. Discover its distinctive coat and characteristics.
Coat
The Himalayan has a long and thick coat all over the body including the tail and ear and toe tufts. The Himalayan comes in most colours with prohibited colours being mink and sepia.
Eyes
The eyes are large and round and spread well apart. Pointed Himalayans have blue eyes, non-pointed Himalayans have copper eyes except for the silver and golden tabby which have green eyes.
Overview
The Himalayan (short for Himalayan Persian , or Colourpoint Persian as it is commonly referred to in Europe), is a breed or sub-breed of long-haired cat similar in type to the Persian , with the exception of its blue eyes and its point colouration , which were derived from crossing the Persian with the Siamese . Some registries may classify the Himalayan as a long-haired sub-breed of Siamese, or a colourpoint sub-breed of Persian. The World Cat Federation has merged them with the Colourpoint Shorthair and Javanese into a single breed, the Colourpoint .
Health
Like the Persian, the Himalayan is a brachycephalic breed which predisposes it to health issues such as respiratory infections, epiphora , corneal abrasions, ulcers, and corneal sequestration . Himalayans are also susceptible to polycystic kidney disease , a hereditary condition that results in cysts growing in the kidney. Himalayans have a higher incidence of feline asthma . In a review of over 5,000 cases of urate urolithiasis the Himalayan was under-represented, with an odds ratio of 0.37. A study of cats presented to the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital that underwent radiography found four Himalayans out of a population of 16 to have hip dysplasia, higher than the 6.6% average for all cats. Himalayans are predisposed to dermatophytosis (ringworm). The Himalayan is also predisposed to urticaria pigmentosa , a type of benign mast cell disorder . Idiopathic facial dermatitis, also known as facial dermatitis of the Persian and Himalayan cat, is a type of dermatitis only observed in the Persian and Himalayan cat. It is characterised by greasy skin, debris adhering to the folds of the face and nose, ceruminous otitis externa , secondary bacterial folliculitis and Malassezia dermatitis, and pruritus . Onset is at 10 months to six years.
History
Work to formally establish a breed with combined Persian and Siamese traits, explicitly for the cat fancy , began in the United States in the 1930s at Harvard University , under the term Siamese – Persian , and the results were published in the Journal of Heredity in 1936, but were not adopted as a recognised breed by any major fancier groups at the time. Brian Sterling-Webb independently developed the cross-breed over a period of ten years in the UK, and in 1955 it was recognised there as the Longhaired Colourpoint by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). Cat breeder Jean Mill from California, US, took a series of graduate classes in genetics at the University of California, Davis . By 1948, she was one of three breeders independently crossing the Persian and Siamese to create the Himalayan cat. Separate US-based breeding efforts had begun around 1950, and a breeder known to sources simply as Mrs. Goforth received breed recognition from the Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) near the end of 1957 for the Himalayan . Early breeders were mostly interested in adding Siamese colouration to long-haired cats, and therefore reinforced the stock by outbreeding to Persians only to retain the Persian trait dominance. However, by the 1960s, some were re-introducing Siamese stock and producing less "Persian-style" cats, In the 1980s, a concerted effort to re-establish the breed along more formally Persian lines ultimately caused the breed to be merged into Persian as a variant in some registries (e.g. in 1984 by CFA), and a decline in the "old" or Siamese-like specimens.
Appearance
The Himalayan resembles the Persian in type, conformation, and coat length and texture. The Himalayan does not resemble the Siamese in type.
Recognition
The Himalayan is considered a colour variant of the Persian and not a separate breed by the CFA and the GCCF. The International Cat Association considers the Himalayan a part of the Persian Breed Group and the American Cat Fanciers Association considers the Himalayan a separate breed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Himalayan cat?
The Himalayan cat is a long-haired breed with a stocky, compact body, short legs, and a flat face. It has a short, dense undercoat and a long, fine outer coat. The breed comes in a variety of point colours, including seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac, with a white base colour. Its eyes are typically blue.
Is the Himalayan cat a good family cat?
The Himalayan cat is generally a gentle and affectionate breed, making it suitable for families with children. However, due to its flat face and short nose, it may not be the best choice for households with very young children who may accidentally injure the cat. Regular grooming is also necessary to prevent matting.
What health problems do Himalayan cats have?
Himalayan cats are prone to brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause respiratory issues, and polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary condition that affects the kidneys. They may also be susceptible to eye problems, such as epiphora and corneal ulcers, due to their flat face. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health.
How much does a Himalayan cat kitten cost?
The cost of a Himalayan cat kitten can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a pet-quality kitten can cost between $600 and $1,200, while a show-quality kitten can cost upwards of $1,500. It's essential to research reputable breeders and ask about the kitten's health clearances and registration.