A cross of Persian and Siamese, Himalayans have the long plush coat of the Persian and the colour-point pattern of the Siamese. Sweet, gentle, and devoted lap cats.
- Origin
- USA (Persian × Siamese cross)
- Category
- longhair
- Lifespan
- 9–15 yrs
- Size
- Medium-Large
- Weight
- 3.6–6.8 kg
- Coat
- Long, thick, colour-pointed
- Colours
- All Siamese point colours on Persian base
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The Himalayan was created in the 1930s when US and UK breeders began crossing Persians with Siamese cats to introduce colour-pointing into the Persian breed. The first true colour-pointed longhair was named 'Newton's Debutante'. The breed was officially recognised in the US by the CFA in 1957. Some registries classify Himalayans as a sub-breed of Persian.
🧼 Care & grooming
Daily grooming is essential — their dense Persian coat mats quickly. Wipe eye corners and facial folds daily to prevent infections. They are sensitive to heat; keep them in cool, climate-controlled environments. Their flat face may cause dental overcrowding.
🩺 Health notes
Shares Persian health concerns: Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), respiratory difficulties, and dental disease from brachycephalic skull shape. Also susceptible to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Screen breeders for PKD DNA testing.
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