Himalayan Cats: The Color-Point Persians

Himalayans are Persians with Siamese color-point markings - dark faces, ears, paws, and tails with brilliant blue eyes and long, flowing coats.

They have the Persian temperament (calm, gentle, affectionate) and the Siamese color pattern (striking contrast).

If you love the elegance of Persians but want more color variety, Himalayans deliver. Just know they require the same intensive grooming as Persians - daily brushing is mandatory.

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 7-12 pounds (males larger)
  • Lifespan: 9-15 years
  • Temperament: Calm, gentle, affectionate, docile, quiet
  • Grooming needs: Very high (daily brushing required)
  • Energy level: Low
  • Intelligence: Moderate
  • Vocal level: Quiet to moderate (softer than Siamese)
  • Good with kids: Yes, if kids are gentle
  • Good with other pets: Yes (calm nature)
  • Nickname: “Himmies”

What Makes Himalayans Special

The Persian-Siamese Cross

Himalayans were created by crossing Persians with Siamese to achieve:

  • Persian body type, coat, and temperament
  • Siamese color-point pattern and blue eyes

The result is a cat that looks like a Persian but with striking color-point markings.

Some cat associations consider Himalayans a color variation of Persians rather than a separate breed. Others recognize them as distinct.

Stunning Color-Point Patterns

Himalayans have darker coloring on their extremities (points) and lighter bodies - just like Siamese.

Point colors include:

  • Seal Point: Dark brown points, cream body
  • Blue Point: Gray points, bluish-white body
  • Chocolate Point: Milk chocolate points, ivory body
  • Lilac Point: Pinkish-gray points, white body
  • Flame (Red) Point: Orange points, cream body
  • Cream Point: Buff-cream points, white body
  • Tortie Point: Mottled points, cream body

All Himalayans have brilliant blue eyes.

Long, Thick Coats

Himalayan coats are:

  • Long and flowing
  • Thick and dense
  • Silky to the touch
  • Prone to matting

Their coats are identical to Persians - beautiful but high-maintenance.

Flat Persian Faces

Himalayans have the same brachycephalic (flat) faces as Persians. This gives them:

  • Short noses
  • Large, round eyes
  • Pushed-in facial structure
  • Facial folds that need cleaning

The flat face contributes to their sweet, gentle expression but also causes health issues.

Calm, Gentle Temperaments

Himalayans have Persian temperaments. They are:

  • Calm and docile
  • Content to lounge all day
  • Not climbers or jumpers
  • Indoor-oriented
  • Quiet and soft-voiced

They are the opposite of high-energy breeds like Abyssinians or Bengals.

Temperament

Himalayans are:

  • Calm - Low energy. They prefer lounging to playing.
  • Affectionate - They love being near their humans and enjoy gentle petting.
  • Quiet - Soft, infrequent meows. They communicate with gentle chirps.
  • Docile - Patient, tolerant, and easy-going. They do not demand attention aggressively.
  • Lap cats - They love sitting on laps and being held.
  • Indoor-oriented - They have no interest in outdoor adventures.
  • Gentle - They do not bite or scratch easily. They prefer peace over conflict.
  • Routine-oriented - They like predictable schedules and familiar environments.

Himalayans are perfect for quiet homes and people who want a calm, low-energy companion.

Living with a Himalayan

They Are Low-Energy Lap Cats

Himalayans are not climbers, jumpers, or athletes. They prefer:

  • Lounging on soft surfaces
  • Sitting on laps
  • Napping in sunny spots
  • Quiet environments

Do not expect acrobatics or high-energy play. Himalayans are homebodies.

They Need Quiet, Calm Homes

Himalayans do not thrive in chaotic environments. They prefer:

  • Quiet households
  • Predictable routines
  • Calm interactions
  • Minimal noise and activity

Loud, busy homes stress them out.

They Are Indoors Only

Himalayans are not outdoor cats. Their long coats:

  • Pick up dirt, debris, and burrs
  • Mat easily when wet
  • Make them targets for predators

Additionally, their flat faces make breathing harder in extreme temperatures.

Keep Himalayans indoors at all times.

They Follow You But Do Not Demand Attention

Himalayans show affection by:

  • Sitting near you
  • Following you from room to room
  • Gently head-butting for attention
  • Sitting on your lap

They are not vocal or demanding like Siamese. They wait patiently for you to notice them.

They Are Messy Eaters

Flat faces make eating messy. Himalayans often:

  • Get food in their facial folds
  • Leave food particles around their mouths
  • Track litter on their long fur

Expect to clean their faces after meals and monitor litter tracking.

Care Requirements

Daily Grooming (Non-Negotiable)

Himalayan coats mat easily. You must brush them every single day - no exceptions.

Grooming routine:

  • Brush daily for 10-15 minutes with a slicker brush and metal comb
  • Check for mats behind ears, under legs, and around the tail
  • Use a detangling spray if needed
  • Trim excess fur around paws and rear end
  • Bathe every 4-6 weeks (or as needed)

Without daily grooming, their coats form painful mats that require professional grooming or shaving.

Face Cleaning

Flat faces cause tear staining and food buildup. Clean daily:

  • Wipe eyes with a damp cloth or pet-safe eye wipe
  • Clean facial folds after meals
  • Check for eye discharge

Use tear stain removers if staining becomes severe.

Bathing

Himalayans need baths more often than short-haired breeds.

Bathing routine:

  • Bathe every 4-6 weeks (or when the coat feels greasy)
  • Use a gentle cat shampoo
  • Rinse thoroughly (leftover shampoo causes matting)
  • Dry with a towel and blow dryer on low heat
  • Brush thoroughly after bathing

Many owners take Himalayans to professional groomers for baths.

Nail Trimming

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Himalayans are calm and tolerate nail trimming well.

Dental Care

Flat faces cause crowded teeth and dental disease. Brush teeth 2-3 times per week.

Litter Box Maintenance

Long fur around the rear end can trap litter. To minimize:

  • Trim fur around the rear (or have a groomer do it)
  • Use low-dust, non-tracking litter
  • Keep litter boxes clean

Some owners give their Himalayans “sanitary trims” to reduce litter tracking.

Diet

Himalayans are not highly active. Feed high-quality, portion-controlled food to prevent obesity.

  • Choose meat-based wet or dry food
  • Measure portions
  • Avoid overfeeding
  • Use shallow, wide bowls (flat faces make deep bowls difficult)

Exercise

Himalayans need minimal exercise. Provide:

  • Short, gentle play sessions (5-10 minutes)
  • Cat trees with low perches
  • Interactive toys for mental stimulation

They are not athletes. Do not expect them to race around or climb aggressively.

Health Considerations

Himalayans inherit health issues from both Persians and Siamese. Common conditions include:

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

PKD is a genetic condition where cysts form in the kidneys, eventually causing kidney failure. It is common in Persians and Himalayans.

Signs:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy

Prevention: Ask breeders for PKD genetic testing results. No cure exists, but early detection allows management.

Brachycephalic Syndrome

Flat faces cause breathing difficulties. Himalayans may:

  • Snore loudly
  • Breathe noisily
  • Overheat easily
  • Struggle with exercise

Prevention: Keep them cool, avoid strenuous activity, and monitor breathing.

Dental Disease

Flat faces cause crowded teeth, leading to dental issues.

Prevention:

  • Brush teeth 2-3 times per week
  • Schedule annual dental cleanings
  • Provide dental treats

Eye Issues

Large, prominent eyes are prone to:

  • Tear staining (dark marks under eyes)
  • Eye infections
  • Corneal ulcers

Prevention: Clean eyes daily and monitor for discharge or redness.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart condition where the heart walls thicken.

Signs:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite

Prevention: Ask breeders for HCM screening results.

Ringworm

Long-haired breeds are prone to ringworm (a fungal infection).

Signs:

  • Circular patches of hair loss
  • Scaly skin
  • Itching

Prevention: Keep coats clean and dry. Treat promptly if ringworm appears.

Obesity

Himalayans are low-energy and prone to obesity.

Prevention:

  • Measure food portions
  • Limit treats
  • Encourage gentle play

Are Himalayans Good with Kids?

Yes, if kids are gentle and calm. Himalayans:

  • Tolerate gentle handling
  • Do not bite or scratch easily
  • Prefer calm interactions

Teach kids to:

  • Pet gently
  • Respect the cat’s space
  • Avoid rough play

Himalayans are not good matches for loud, boisterous kids.

Are Himalayans Good with Other Pets?

Yes. Himalayans are calm and tolerant. They do well with:

Other cats:

  • Especially calm, gentle breeds
  • Provide separate resources (food, litter, beds)

Dogs:

  • Calm, cat-friendly breeds
  • Supervise introductions

Small pets:

  • Low prey drive due to low energy
  • Generally safe with birds and small animals (still supervise)

Himalayans prefer peaceful coexistence over conflict.

Common Mistakes

Skipping Daily Grooming

Himalayans mat easily. Without daily brushing, their coats become painful mats that require professional grooming or shaving.

Ignoring Tear Staining

Flat faces cause tear staining. Clean eyes daily to prevent staining and infections.

Overfeeding

Himalayans are low-energy and gain weight easily. Measure food portions.

Letting Them Outdoors

Himalayans are indoors-only cats. Their long coats and flat faces make them unsuitable for outdoor life.

Expecting a Playful, Active Cat

Himalayans are calm lap cats. They are not athletes or acrobats.

Finding a Himalayan

Himalayans are moderately popular, so finding breeders is easier than rare breeds.

Adoption

Check breed-specific rescues and shelters. Himalayans and Persians sometimes end up in rescues.

Where to look:

  • Persian and Himalayan rescue organizations
  • Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet (search “Himalayan” or “Persian”)
  • Local shelters

Reputable Breeders

Expect to pay $800-$1,500 for a purebred Himalayan from a reputable breeder.

What to ask:

  • Are parents PKD tested?
  • Are parents HCM tested?
  • Can I meet the parents?
  • How are kittens socialized?
  • What health guarantees do you offer?

Red flags:

  • Breeders with constant availability
  • No genetic testing
  • Unwilling to let you visit
  • Selling kittens under 12 weeks old

Waitlists Are Common

Quality breeders often have waitlists. Be prepared to wait 3-6 months for a kitten.

Himalayan vs. Persian vs. Ragdoll

Himalayan:

  • Color-point markings, blue eyes, flat face, daily grooming required

Persian:

  • Solid colors or patterns, various eye colors, flat face, daily grooming required

Ragdoll:

  • Color-point markings, blue eyes, no flat face, less grooming (semi-long coat)

Himalayans and Persians are nearly identical except for coloring.

What To Do Next

  • If you love the elegance of Persians and color-point patterns, Himalayans are perfect
  • If you cannot commit to daily grooming, choose a short-haired breed
  • If you want a calm, quiet lap cat for a peaceful home, Himalayans thrive
  • If you want a playful, active cat, choose a different breed
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