The Himalayan cat has all the grace of the Persian cat and the beauty of the blue eyes of the Siamese. It is often said that it is the perfect indoor cat. And for good reason! This feline is known for its calm temperament, its majestic appearance and its affectionate character.

Origin and history

The Himalayan originated in the United States in the early 20th century. Unlike natural breeds such as the Persian or the Siamese, it is the result of an intentional cross between these two breeds.

This feline is the result of an ambitious project started in the 1930s. Breeders sought to combine the long, silky coat of the Persian with the distinctive coloring and blue eyes of the Siamese.

The process of creating this breed of cat was long and complex. Several generations of crossbreeding were required to obtain the desired traits. It was Virginia Cobb and Dr. Clyde Keeler, a researcher at Harvard Medical School, who achieved this in 1931. The first Himalayan kitten was named Newton's Debutante.

It was not until the 1950s that British and North American breeders continued to develop the breed. They then worked to have it recognized by feline associations.

The name Himalayan refers to the particular coloring of these cats, similar to that of Himalayan rabbits and goats.

This cat is also known as the Colourpoint Persian. It quickly gained popularity, especially in North America. Its unique appearance and charming temperament contributed greatly to this.

Several feline associations recognize the Himalayan cat as a breed in its own right. Let us mention the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), the World Cat Fanciers Association (WCF), and The International Cat Association (TICA). On the other hand, others like the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) classify it in the Persian breed.

Size and appearance

It is a medium-sized cat, typically weighing between 7 and 12 pounds (3.2 to 5.5 kg). Its body is sturdy and well-proportioned, with strong bone that gives it a majestic appearance. Its body is described as cobby. It is compact in stature, with a round head and large, round, deep blue eyes, inherited from the Siamese.

It is easily recognized by its magnificent, luxuriant and long coat. It is often described as being "colourpoint". This means that its extremities (ears, legs, tail and face) are darker than the rest of the body. A characteristic inherited from the Siamese.

The coat colors are diverse. They range from seal point to blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and other colors such as seal tortie.

Behavior and temperament

His temperament is one of his most attractive qualities. This cat is generally gentle, calm and affectionate, making him an ideal companion for quiet homes. Unlike some more active and independent breeds, he prefers to spend time with his family. He often enjoys curling up on his owners' laps or seeking their attention.

He will make the perfect companion for those looking for a discreet pet. He is not the one who is most likely to climb curtains or jump on counters. He prefers to stay at ground level or perch on low furniture, calmly observing his surroundings.

Give him toys and encouraging him to play will be beneficial for his health.

This makes it an excellent choice for older people or families with children. As long as you respect its need for calm and gentleness. It will be at ease in a stable environment, where loud noises and sudden changes are rare.

Food

As with all cat breeds, a balanced diet is essential to keep him healthy. Due to his calm nature and rather sedentary lifestyle, it is important to monitor his weight. This is because he tends to gain weight if he does not receive a proper diet. of quality adapted to its needs.

It is recommended to choose quality food that meets the specific needs of purebred cats. Supplements can also help support the health of their skin and coat, due to their thick, dense coat.

Maintenance and grooming

Such a long, silky coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting. Brushing also helps remove tangles and tangles. dead hair , reducing the risk of hairballs and matting. In addition, monthly grooming is recommended to keep its fur clean and soft.

It is important to clean the corners of the eyes regularly to prevent the accumulation of tears and stains underneath. Indeed, the flattened shape of his face makes him prone to excessive tearing.

Litter maintenance is also crucial for him, because particles can get stuck in his paws or fur. An inconvenience that can prompt him to stop using his box.

Health and life expectancy

This cat is generally healthy, with an average life expectancy of 9 to 15 years. However, like all breeds, it is prone to certain specific health problems. The most common are:

• genetic diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM),
• polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
• breathing problems related to his flat nose
• eye problems such as cataracts

The star of the house

In short, with his beauty, elegance and affectionate temperament, he is irresistible. Add his luxurious coat and piercing blue eyes, and you will understand why he will be the center of attention.

If you are willing to invest the time necessary to care for him and provide him with the right environment, he will be a devoted and loving companion for many years.