Himalayan Cat Breed

Known in the United Kingdom as Color Pointed Longhairs, longhaired cats with patterning such as this were originally developed in the 1920s by Swedish genetists, Dr. Tjebbes, for scientific study. Only when a later investigation into feline genetics attracted publicity was the potential for a new breed appreciated. The dark color on the points results from the "Himalayan" gene and is to be seen in other animals, including rabbits.

The early Himalayans were mush closer in type to Siamese than those seen today. The solid point color were the first to be developed and, once the disired color had been introduced, improving the type became a priority.

Few cats have more placid natures than Himalayans. They resemble Persians in temperament, and also need similar amount of grooming. Kittens are fairly slow to develop their pointed markings to their full extent. In general, Himalayans mature earlier than Persians, refelcting their Saimese ancestry.

Fur Colors and Patterns

CREAM POINT, LILAC POINT, CHOCOLATE POINT, BLUE POINT, SEAL POINT, LILAC TORTIE POINT, BLUE TORTIE POINT, RED LYNX POINT, LILAC LYNX POINT, BLUE TORTIE LYNX POINT, CHOCOLATE LYNX POINT.

Like those of the Siamese, the kittens are almost white when born, with the points coloration appearing as the fur grows. They are delightful, with their fluffy coats and big blue eyes, and are usually very self-reliant. They should be kept warm when young, but otherwise need no special attending, growing into fine, healthy cats.

Each Himalayan is an individual, but their temperament is equable and their intelligence is high. Playful but quiet by nature, they appear to have inherited many of the good points of the Siamese and the Persian. Himalayan cats are less noisy in voice than many Siamese, give their affection generously and love companionship.

Of all the longhaired cat breeds, the Himalayan seems to need the least grooming of all to keep its fur in an immaculate condition.

The breed copes quite well with children and other animals. However, their strong voices, when used, may remind you that there is indeed Siamese in the gene pool.

Health problems in Himalayans are similar to those seen in Persians which include tear overflow (epiphora); constricted nostrils (which may lead to noisy breathing and may also make the cat less able to cope with high tempeartures); dental malocclusions (teeth that fail to meet each other properly, possibly causing more rapid buildup of plaque and tartar); cherry eye; entropion; polycystic kidney disease (PKD); seborrhea oleosa (a skin condition that causes itchiness, redness, and hair loss); susceptibility to ringworm.

Any cat can acquire feline hyperesthesia syndrom, but it seems to be more common in Abyssinian, Burmese, Siamese and Himalayan cats. This condition makes cats act as though their skin is extremely irritated. The cause is unknown, but cats with this condition typically twitch the skin on the back, sides, or tail; flick the tail; and make loud hysterical sounds. They often act as if they are halucinating, madly dashing about with wide eyes and dilated pupils. They may even attack objects, including their owners, without provocation. The frequency of this bizzare behavior varies and may last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes or longer. The condition may develop at any age but most commonly begins between ages of 1 to 4 years. Anticonvulsant medications sometimes help to control the behavior.

Himalayan Breeders

If you would like to be listed here as an Himalayan Breeder or a member of an Himalayan rescue organization, please send us and email