Himalayan
The Himalayan (often called the Himalayan Persian or Colourpoint Persian) is a longâhaired pedigree cat that combines the body type of the Persian with the blue eyes and point coloration of the Siamese.
Classification and origin
- Many cat registries treat the Himalayan as a colorpoint variety or subâbreed of the Persian, while others list it as a separate breed.
- The breed was created in the midâ20th century by crossing Persians with Siamese to obtain a Persianâtype cat with Siameseâstyle points and blue eyes.
Appearance
- Himalayans are medium to large, cobby (compact) cats with a broad chest, heavy bone, short sturdy legs, and a short, thick neck, resembling Persians in overall build.
- They have a large, round head, flat or "pushedâin" face, small rounded ears, and large round deep blue eyes; the coat is long, dense and silky with a light body color and darker "points" on face, ears, legs, and tail in many possible colors and lynx (tabbyâpoint) patterns.
Temperament and lifestyle
- The breed is described as gentle, quiet, sweetâtempered, and affectionate, often preferring calm lap time and cuddling over high activity, though it can have playful bursts.
- Himalayans are generally sociable, tolerant of routine changes, and well suited to indoor life, making them popular as companion cats for people who want a calm, peopleâoriented pet.
Health, grooming, and lifespan
- Typical weight is around 3â5 kg (about 7â12 lb) with an expected lifespan of roughly 9â15 years under good care.
- Daily or very frequent grooming is strongly recommended to prevent matting and hairballs due to the long, dense coat; like Persians, they may be prone to brachycephalicârelated issues (such as eye and breathing problems), so careful breeding and regular veterinary checks are important.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Himalayan (Colourpoint Persian) | Persian |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Often classified as Persian variety; sometimes separate breed. | Widely recognized as a distinct breed. |
| Coat pattern | Always pointâcolored (light body, dark extremities). | Wide range of solid, tabby, and bicolor patterns. |
| Eye color | Always blue. | Varies with coat (copper, green, blue, etc.). |
| Type/coat | Persianâtype body, long dense coat, Siameseâstyle points. | Persianâtype body, long dense coat, no point restriction. |
| Temperament | Calm, affectionate, slightly more active than Persian. | Very calm, laidâback, often described as slightly less active. |
The Himalayan combines the elegant Persian build and luxurious long coat with the striking blue eyes and point coloration of the Siamese, creating a beautiful, gentle companion cat perfect for those seeking a calm, affectionate indoor pet that thrives on quiet companionship and regular grooming care.
References
[1] Wikipedia - Himalayan Cat
[2] Purina - Himalayan
[3] Hill's Pet - Himalayan
[4] ASPCA Pet Insurance - Himalayan Cat Facts
[5] Zooplus - Himalayan
[6] Untamed - Himalayan Persian Cat
[7] The International Cat Association - Himalayan
[8] PetsCare - Are Persian and Himalayan Cats the Same
[9] Basepaws - Himalayan
[10] Total Vet - Himalayan Cat
[11] PetMD - Himalayan
[12] Petaholic - Types of Himalayan Cats
[13] VCA Hospitals - Himalayan
[14] Hepper - Himalayan Persian Cat Facts