Himalayan Cats: Getting the Himmies
Himalayan cats are one of the prime breeds of feline friends for cat owners. Known as the Color Point Persian, Himalayan cats are the second most popular breed of cat dues to its colorful markings and beautiful personality.
Himalayan cats started as a breed in 130 by Doctor Clyde Keller from the Harvard Medical School and Virginia Cobb of Newton Cattery. They started breeding Siamese and Persian cats to get a mix of long and furry hair with nice color points. Called “Newton’s Debutante”, this led to the beginning of the Himalayan breed.
Himalayan cats are affectionately known as the Himmies, referring to extremely long, fluffy, fur, with the pointed colors of Siamese cats. Himalayan cats are combined from the Persian breed for the coat length and temperament and from the Siamese breed for the pointed markings. Himalayan cats are described as fluffy, patient, cuddly, and downright cute. Himalayan cats are good companions as they are known as intelligent and very sociable. Himalayan cats are also more active than the Persians as taken from their Siamese ancestors
Because of a himmy’s long fur, constant care is necessary although they are easier to care for than Persian cats. Himmies still need daily grooming including eye washing and combing. Himalayan cats are more prone to hairballing of their furs so rigorous care is necessary to keep your cat in tip-top beauty. Other grooming required for these cats are monthly baths and nail clipping.
The characteristics of a Himalayan are beautiful long hair, vivid blue and expressive eyes, color point pattern, chubby cheeks, and small rounded ears set wide apart. The colors of Himalayan cats vary from the most popular seal point to the blue point, chocolate point, lilac point, flame point, cream point, tortie point and many more. This combination of color patterns and physical characteristics make it one of the most adorable domestic cats today.
Himalayan cats are also known for their temperament. It is this personality that wins the hearts of most pet owners. Although they are similar to the Persian temperament in some ways, its playful and colorful nature makes them more adorable than the Persian. Himalayan cats are also gentle, loyal, and sweet. Himalayan cats are attention seekers where they tend to follow people around the house, or lie in your lap when you are seated, sleep on your pillow at night, and even play fetch. Himalayan cats are also very good companion cats since their laid back charm mix nicely with their playful spirit.
Himalayan cats do not develop the pointed colors that they are known for until after a couple of weeks. While most kitted are ready to be independent after 12 weeks, Himalayan cats do not leave their mothers until the 16th week. They do not mature as fast as other cats in the social and emotional level but the sexual development and maturity of Himalayan cats are just on pace with other cats.
Himalayan cats are the perfect mix of show cats and companion cats. While they are beautiful already, their best quality is their personality that no show cat seems to match.