Himalayan Cat Breed Information

Group

Long Haired

Weight

3.6-5.4 kg

Length

25-30 cm

Lifespan

8-11 years

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About the Himalayan Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

If you’re looking for a feline friend to add to your family, the Himalayan cat could be the purrfect choice. Our Himalayan breed guide has everything you need to know about these gorgeous long-haired cats – from their grooming and feeding requirements to their temperament and activity levels.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be sure sure to know whether this cuddly kitty is right for you!

What Is the History & Origin of the Himalayan Cat?

Himalayans were first bred in the 1930s. These cats were initially bred from the Persian cat; the goal was to create a hybrid breed that looked just like the Persian but with a colourpoint coat rather than the solid colours of the Persian.

The International Cat Association considers the Himalayan a distinct breed, whereas according to the Cat Fanciers Association, it falls under the category of Persian cats. It’s not the oldest of cat breeds, first being recognised as a separate breed in the 1950s – around 20 years after the first cats were bred.

The name of this new breed came about thanks to its remarkable similarity to the Himalayan rabbit, with its distinctively darker ears, nose, and paws.

What Is a Himalayan Cat Breed?

The Himalayan is a sub-breed of Persian cat, also known as the Colourpoint Longhair, Himalayan-Persian, or Persian-Himalayan.

The Cat Fanciers Association shows the Persian is the most popular cat in America, so perhaps some Himalayans are among those numbers!

This stunning cat is easily recognisable thanks to its luscious long coat, adorable ‘squishy’ face, and beautiful colourpoint markings.

Who Is a Himalayan Cat Best For?

Himalayans get along with just about everyone, including other pets, kids, and adults. So, they are ideal family pets for many households! In addition, they are not the most active cats, meaning they aren’t too taxing on older people, either. And, they can be happily left alone if you work long hours.

However, you will need to consider this cat’s grooming needs (more on that later), as this is one of the major barriers which makes this pet unsuitable for everyone. You’ll need to ensure you have enough time to keep its fur in tip-top condition!

What Does a Himalayan Cat Look Like?

The Himalayan looks quite similar to a Persian cat – it has long fur, a short tail, small ears, short legs, big eyes, and a cobby body. In addition, they have a distinctively flat face, again much like the Persian breed.

Coat

Himalayans have thick coats thanks to their Persian ancestry, and these long-haired kitties have a double coat, meaning they have short hairs under the longer fur you can see on top.

Colours

The Himalayan generally resembles a Siamese cat with its signature markings; it has a white or cream-coloured coat with a darker face, paws, and tail.

Patterns

The Himalayan’s ‘points’ can come in many variations, including tortoiseshell patterns, seal (black), blue (grey), chocolate, red, and more.

Himalayan Cat Grooming & Shedding

As you might expect, these long-haired cats need daily brushing. Using a comb on your cat daily will keep its fur free from painful matting and will also remove any dirt or debris caught in its coat. Additionally, you should take your Himalayan for a professional groom a few times a year.

Unfortunately, Himalayans shed a lot – this might not be the best cat for you if you don’t want everything you own covered in a layer of fur! You’ll likely need to vacuum daily or every other day to keep the hair under control.

How Do Himalayan Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

Thanks to their laid-back, chilled temperament, Himalayans make great family pets. They are friendly, affectionate, and get along well with children and other animals. Although they’re not the most energetic cats, they have playful moments – they’re anything but boring!

Living Needs

Himalayans can be left alone when you are at work, although they may appreciate another pet for company. They don’t always need outdoor access, so long as they have plenty of stimulation from toys and interaction with caregivers, meaning they can be suitable if you don’t have access to a garden or safe outdoor space.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Himalayan Cats?

Habits

Himalayans are very much lap cats and will happily spend most of the day curled up asleep on or next to their caregivers. They’re not the best mousers, and many will be quite content with an indoor lifestyle.

Activity Level

The Himalayan isn’t the most active cat – you’re unlikely to find it streaking up the curtains! That’s not to say they’re completely lazy, though. Your Himalayan will love to play chase with interactive toys with you – when they are in the mood!

Vocalness

If you’re looking for a quiet life, the Himalayan cat could be for you. It’s known to be a quiet breed with a soft voice – your Himalayan is unlikely to wake you up singing at 3 am!

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Himalayan Cat?

The Himalayan is a medium-sized cat, generally similar in size to other members of the Persian group.

Height

Himalayans stand at around 25-30 cm tall.

Weight

Male Himalayans can weigh in excess of 5.4 kgs, whereas females are generally smaller, weighing in at around 3.6-5.4 kgs.

Size

Himalayans have a broad chest and are around 43-48 cm long. However, their stocky body and extremely long coat can make them seem larger than they really are!

Are Himalayan Cats Easy to Train?

Himalayans can be quite receptive to training as they tend to grow very attached to their caregivers. However, they are not among the most trainable of breeds. So, when training your kitty, take it slow and be sure to motivate them with their favourite treats and lots of praise.

Does the Himalayan Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Like many other cat breeds, the Himalayan can be prone to certain illnesses and conditions. Some common health problems found in this breed include:

Polycystic Kidney Disease: This genetic condition can lead to kidney failure and is a concern in the Himalayan breed.

Noisy Breathing or Respiratory Issues: Their flat face can cause breathing difficulties, resulting in noisy respiration.
Dental Issues: The breed’s facial structure may lead to overcrowding of teeth, increasing the risk of dental problems.
Blocked Tear Ducts and Eye Problems: Himalayans are prone to tear duct blockages and other eye issues, such as cherry eye.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome: This condition causes sensitivity to touch and can lead to unusual behaviors.
Ringworm and Skin Conditions: Himalayans may be susceptible to skin issues, including ringworm, requiring regular skin care.

What Is the Lifespan of a Himalayan Cat?

Most purebred cats don’t have as long a life expectancy as mixed-breed kitties. However, pet owners can still expect to have many happy years with their Himalayan cat – they typically live for around 8-11 years.

How Much Does a Himalayan Cat Need to Be Fed?

Himalayans aren’t the most energetic or playful kitties, meaning you’ll need to carefully monitor how much they eat.

The breed is also prone to hairballs as a result of grooming their long coats. If this is a problem for your cat, you can try them on a food designed to reduce hairballs – speak to your vet for further advice on feeding your pet.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Himalayan Cat in Australia?

Himalayans are considerably cheaper than many other pets – you can expect to pay around $300 for a kitten. However, if you are looking for a show cat or one for breeding, prices can be considerably higher.

Himalayan Cat FAQs

Do all Himalayan cats have blue eyes?

Whilst the Himalayan might be famed for its gorgeous, bright blue eyes, this isn’t the only colour recognised in the breed. You’ll also find Himalayans with green and even copper-coloured eyes.

Is it safe to feed a Himalayan cat milk and dairy products?

Contrary to popular belief, and despite how much your kitty may beg, it’s actually rather unhealthy for cats to eat or drink dairy products.

That’s because many cats are lactose intolerant, meaning they can experience similar symptoms as humans with the condition can after consuming dairy. However, the occasional small treat might be fine, as long as your cat doesn’t experience any adverse effects afterwards. Again, we advise consulting with a vet to know exactly what is best for your cat’s diet.

Can a Himalayan cat get along with other household pets?

In most cases, other household animals shouldn’t be a problem for your Himalayan. Provided they are suitably socialised as kittens, many can live comfortably with other cats and also dogs.

How often should you bathe a Himalayan cat?

Bathtime is a word most kitties hate, and most Himalayans are no exception! Thankfully, like other cats, they are pretty good at taking care of their hygiene needs on their own, so bathtime won’t have to be a daily occurrence.

However, if your cat goes outside, its long coat will likely get mucky sometimes – sometimes even brushing won’t be able to get rid of this kind of mess. If your Himalayan is unlucky enough to get fleas, bathing will probably be the easiest way to get rid of them.

You might wish to bathe your cat every few weeks from when it is a kitten, so it gets used to it for when it really becomes necessary.

Are Himalayan cats hypoallergenic?

No, Himalayans are not suitable pets for those with allergies. Their long fur sheds a lot, leaving allergens all over your home. Instead, Devon and Cornish Rex cats are among the best for those with allergies – their tightly curled coat is less prone to shedding than many other breeds.