The Himalayan -- "Himmie" to devotees -- is a Persian cat wearing Siamese clothing: the luxurious long coat and gentle personality of a Persian with the striking blue eyes and color points of a Siamese. They are gorgeous, high-maintenance, and absolutely convinced that they deserve to be treated like royalty (they do).
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA/UK, 1930s-50s (Persian x Siamese cross) |
| Weight | 7-12 lbs (3.2-5.4 kg) |
| Lifespan | 9-15 years |
| Coat | Long, dense, flowing -- Persian coat |
| Eyes | Vivid blue (always -- Siamese heritage) |
| Face | Flat (brachycephalic) -- Persian face |
| Activity Level | Low -- gentle, calm |
Color Points
Himalayans display pointed coloration (dark on extremities, light body):
- Seal point: Dark brown points, cream body (most popular)
- Blue point: Blue-gray points, bluish-white body
- Chocolate point: Milk chocolate points, ivory body
- Lilac point: Pale gray-pink points, glacial white body
- Flame (red) point: Reddish-orange points, cream body
- Tortie point: Mottled points combining two colors
- Lynx point: Tabby-striped points
Personality
- Persian calm + Siamese sociability: More interactive than Persians, calmer than Siamese
- Sweet and devoted: Bond closely to their family
- Playful in moderation: Short bursts of kitten-like play, then back to lounging
- Gentle: Excellent with calm children and quiet households
- Slightly more vocal than Persians: Siamese influence adds occasional chatting
- Lap cats: Love being held and groomed (good thing, given the coat)
Grooming Requirements
- Daily brushing: Mandatory -- same as Persian. The coat mats within days without attention.
- Eye cleaning: Daily -- tear staining on light pointed faces
- Bathing: Monthly to prevent oil buildup and matting
- Professional grooming: Many owners schedule regular groomer visits
- Lion cuts: Popular in summer for comfort and reduced maintenance
Health Considerations
- All Persian health issues apply: PKD, brachycephalic syndrome, HCM
- Breathing difficulties: Flat face + long coat = heat/exercise intolerance
- Eye problems: Cherry eye, entropion, excessive tearing
- Dental crowding: Shortened jaw from flat face
Famous Himalayans
- Mr. Jinx -- from Meet the Parents (Robert De Niro's cat who could flush the toilet)
- Sassy -- from Homeward Bound (the sassy cat who made the journey home)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Himalayan just a colorpoint Persian?
Some cat registries (CFA) classify Himalayans as a color division of Persian, not a separate breed. TICA recognizes them as a separate breed. Functionally, they are Persians with Siamese color genes. The debate is mostly semantic -- regardless of classification, the care requirements, personality, and health considerations are the same.
