Himalayan Appearance
The Himalayan is a medium to large cat with doll face expression. They are almost exactly as the Persian cat with the color point pattern of the Siamese. The body is cobby with short legs. The head is round and broad with large muzzle and prominent cheeks. Their eyes are round, large and wide set. Eye color is sapphire blue in all cases. Their ears are small with round tip. The tail is short. The weight of the Himalayan is around 8-12 pounds.
The Himalayan has long and thick hair. The body should always be as pale as possible and the face mask, ears, legs and tail are colored. 20 colors and patterns are accepted but the basic colors are: seal (dark brown) combined with blue, chocolate, lilac, cream and tortie.
Himalayan Temperament
The Himalayan is in many ways and ideal pet. They are passive, gentle, intelligent, outgoing and affectionate. The voice is louder than the Pesian but definitely quieter than the Siamese. They are a lap cat that enjoys its owners company and loves a quiet life and comfort.
Is Himalayan the Right Breed for You?
Himalayan is best suited to apartment living. They are extremely sociable creatures that could be unhappy if not getting enough attention. They need a lot of attention and loves to follow the owner around the house. It’s not recommended to leave them along for long period of time. If you have to work or stay away is better to give them another cat for company or just not to get a Himalayan at all.
Himalayan Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of the Himalayan is around 10 to 15 years.
Himalayan Health Problems
The Himalayan is a relatively healthy breed. There major concerns associated with them are breathing difficulties (due to the flat face) as well as eye & skin problems. They are also prone to urinary track infections and feline hyperesthesia.
Himalayan Care and Grooming
The Himalayan coat needs a regular grooming. Daily grooming will also help rid the cat’s coat of loose hair to help prevent hairballs and to avoid matting. Bathing is optional. The Himalayan cats should not be bathed more often than once every six weeks to keep their skin from drying out.
It is highly recommended for all cats and household pets to have annual vaccinations, veterinary checkups, and a quality diet. Check and clean their ears occasionally and trim off the sharp points of the claws regularly using good clippers. It is recommended to wipe your cat’s face daily to prevent tear stains.
Himalayan Shedding
The Himalayan are heavy shedder; you’ll find hair stuck to your couch, carpets, clothes and everything else in your home, therefore is not best suited for those with allergies.