Himalayan Breeds




he Himalayan, also called colourpoint Persian, is a breed of cat with extremely long, fluffy fur, and the blue eyes and the points of a Siamese. Himalayan is the American term, while in Europe they are referred to as colourpoint Persians. They were bred from Siamese (for the markings) and Persians (for coat-length and temperament), and share characteristics of both breeds.

The body of a Himalayan is white or cream, but the points come in many different colors: blue, brown, lilac, chocolate, flame, red and cream. The points can also be tabby or tortoiseshell-patterned. Both the chocolate and lilac point Himalayan are the most difficult to produce. These color traits are autosomal recessive, meaning both parents must possess the gene in order for any offspring to express the trait.

These cats are sweet-tempered, intelligent and generally very social and good companions. Because of their heritage from the Siamese cats they tend to be more active than ordinary Persians. They are more prone to hairballs than other breeds. Due to the amount of inbreeding involved in breeding these cats commercially, they are prone to genetic deformities and have a greater likelihood for developing inherited problems such as joint problems, organ abnormalities, and particularly Polycystic kidney disease among other diseases.

Like many long-haired cats, Himalayans need to be brushed daily to keep their coats looking their best and healthiest. In addition, they may need their face wiped daily, depending on the cat. Bathing a Himalayan is also recommended by some breeders, to help reduce the amount of oil on the cat's fur and skin.

They were bred from Siamese (for the markings) and Persians (for coat-length and temperament), and share characteristics of both breeds. Himalayans are now considered the same breed for cat registries (CFA), (TICA) as the modern Persian show cat since they have the exact same conformation with a pointed coat.

The body of a Himalyan is white, but the points come in many different colours: blue, brown, lilac, chocolate, flame, red and cream. The points can also be tabby or tortie patterned. These cats are sweet-tempered, intelligent, social and good companions. Because of their heritage from the Siamese cats they tend to be more active than ordinary Persians. Their coat needs daily attention and grooming, because, like many long-haired cats, they have an abundance of fur.