Himalayan Cat: Fact, Info, Care Guide & picture

 Content

• Himalayan Kittens - Before You Buy
• What is the price of a Himalayan kitten?
• 3 Lesser Known Facts About Himalayas
• 1. The Himalaya is not a natural race
• 2. The Himalayas are named after their Jains
• 3. Himalayas have many inherited health problems
• The temperament and intelligence of the Himalayas
• Are these cats good for families?
• Does this breed get along with other pets?
• Things to know when owning a Himalayan
• Diet and Dietary Requirements
• exercise
• training
• Grooming
• Health and conditions
• Male versus female
• Final thoughts

Height: 10-12 inches

Weight: 7-12 lbs

Lifetime: 9-15 years

The color: Chocolate, mahar, blue, pink, red and blue cream and cream with various tart and links points

Suitable for: Families looking for a calm, gentle cat.

Mood: Sweet, loving, calm, gentle, independent

At first glance, you'd be forgiven for mistaking the Himalayan for Persian, as both breeds have long, shaggy coats, large eyes and flat faces. They have similar personalities, with a sweet and gentle disposition that is great for households that want a relaxed and gentle cat. It's no surprise that the Himalayan is one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States, and their popularity continues to grow.

The Himalayan is a medium-sized breed, although they appear much larger due to their long fur coats. Although they are fat cats with well-muscled bodies and fairly short tails. However, the most endearing feature of these cats is their big, beautiful eyes, broad head and flat face. His playful and loving yet demanding character is the biggest draw of the generation along with his unique looks.

If the Himalayan, or "hemi," as he's affectionately known, sounds like a cat to you, read on to learn more about these beautiful animals.

Himalayan Kittens - Before You Buy

Before bringing a Himalayan cat home, you need to know that they require a ton of grooming. Their long, luxurious coats require daily brushing to prevent tangling and matting and can be quite high-maintenance. That said, these cats are low-maintenance in every other respect and are not very attention-seeking animals. Himalayan kittens are cute, although it's important to note that they're born without their signature pointy colors: they're usually born white or cream and develop their black points at just 6-8 weeks. .

It is also important to mention that Himalayan people usually suffer from many health problems due to their Persian genetics, sometimes leading to breathing problems, eye problems and dental problems.

What is the price of a Himalayan kitten?

Himalayans are highly sought after and popular cats, and as such, kittens can fetch quite high prices. If you want to bring home a Himalayan kitten you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,000-$2,000. You can find Himalayan in less shelter, but they can mix with other species. It is also common to find low priced kittens from dubious breeders, but with the health concerns that this breed suffers from, this is not recommended as you cannot guarantee the health of your cat.

A good breeder will charge more because they are passionate about what they do and have a true love for cats rather than just making a quick buck. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with health certificates from the parents, meet the kitten's parents and be happy to show you around their facility.

3 Lesser Known Facts About Himalayas

1. The Himalaya is not a natural race.

The Himalayan was created by crossing a Persian with a Siamese, with the goal of producing the Siamese's beautiful pointed coat and blue eyes with the Persian's fluffy coat.

Both the main Himalayan species are what are called "natural" species, meaning they were not created by human intervention and development. Both the Cat Fanciers Association and the American Cat Association consider the Himalayan to be a color variant of the Persian and do not recognize it as a separate breed.

2. The Himalayas are named after their Jains

The gene responsible for the pointed coloration in semi-cats is called the "Himalayan" gene and is also found in many other cat breeds. After the development of crossing between Semi and Persian, the Himalayan got their name because of the unique gene and pointed coat.

Interestingly, the color points on the Himalayan coat are responsive to temperature. If your cat grew up in a warm climate, their coat will remain white or cream, possibly with a slight hint, but if they live in a cold climate, their points will darken.

3. Himalayas have many inherited health problems

A trait that makes the Himalayan so unique is that it is also responsible for causing health problems, and there is controversy over whether the breed should be allowed to develop further with Persians. The Himalayan's flat face can cause severe breathing problems, especially in hot climates or if they work on their own.

The temperament and intelligence of the Himalayas

Himalaya is the ideal indoor companion: comfortable and gentle.

They are more active than their Persian parents but less so than the Siamese, making them an ideal cat for those who want a relaxed cat that is ready for the occasional play session. Although Himalayas aren't very attention-seeking, they still love to cuddle and will happily sit on your lap - when they're in the mood!

They are friendly cats with people they know and like but can be wary of strangers, although they warm to new faces quickly. They don't enjoy a lot of loud activity and prefer peace and quiet where they can stick to their routine of lying in warm places! They are calm animals that can be almost decorative in their presence, happily lounging on the couch and welcoming the occasional pet.

Are these cats good for families?

Families with very young children may consider a more playful breed, as Himalayans prefer their own space and socialize on their own terms. Of course, slightly older children can be taught to properly handle a Himalayan, in which case, they are truly wonderful family pets.

Does this breed get along with other pets?

Himalayas, like most cats, are not particularly fond of dogs but can make friends if the dog is not too energetic. An overly proud dog is definitely not a good fit for a Himalayan and this can cause them trouble. The Himalayan is generally very good with other cats and does not have a strong prey drive like many other breeds, if you have a small pet, such as a hamster or rabbit, to live with them is ideal .

Things to know when owning a Himalayan

Bringing any cat home is a big responsibility that should never be taken lightly and cats like the Himalayan require average care and grooming.

The extra effort is definitely worth it, and here are some additional tips to keep your cat healthy and happy.

Diet and Dietary Requirements

As with any cat breed, a Himalayan's diet requires high-quality protein. All cats are carnivores, and the first ingredient listed in the food you buy for your Himalayan should be an animal-based protein source. Himalayans do not require any special ingredients in their diet, although they can benefit from eating plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as this will keep their coat shiny and healthy.

Another important point is that Himalayans can have difficulty eating due to their flat faces and difficulty breathing. There are commercial cat kibble brands that make kibble in shapes that are convenient for flat-faced cats as well as specially designed bowls.

exercise

The Himalayan is a laid-back cat that spends most of its time sleeping and resting. They can be lively when the mood strikes but are definitely not high energy or dynamic. Still, they need regular exercise just like any other cat breed. Otherwise, they can become overweight, which can lead to a domino effect of other health problems.

Himalayans can be difficult to exercise, as they are generally not fans of climbing, making cat trees ideal for the breed. Still, exercise is important, and there are different ways to try. It's a good idea to have them play with an interactive toy or ball for at least 20-30 minutes a day, and having another cat to play with can also help.

training

Himalayans are intelligent cats and can be easily trained to use litter boxes, respond to basic commands and even walk on a leash. That said, they are happy to stay indoors and don't enjoy long walks as much. These cats will benefit from very short training sessions. Otherwise, they may lose interest quickly. When your cat successfully obeys a command, it's a great idea to use it as a stimulus for training and rewarding.

Grooming

Grooming and brushing are high on the list of priorities when owning a Himalayan. This cat's long, luxurious coat requires daily brushing to keep it matted and matted, and it can also attract a lot of dirt. Cat litter is another problem with these cats because it can easily get caught in their long fur. You will need to keep an eye on any attached litter and make sure their litter box is clean at all times. While most cats rarely need to be bathed, the Himalayan will greatly benefit from an occasional bath, even though he will protest it!

Health and conditions

The Himalayan people suffer from various hereditary health conditions, mostly associated with their flat faces, which cause breathing difficulties and dental problems.

• Polycystic kidney disease: It is a hereditary condition that enlarges the kidneys and eventually causes kidney failure or even kidney failure. Reputable breeders should take extra care with testing to avoid this, but it can still happen.
• Tooth decay: Also known as an underbite or reverse scissor bite, dental malocclusion occurs when a cat's lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to fall out. It is most commonly found in flat-faced cats such as Persians or Himalayans.
• Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS): Another condition common in flat-faced breeds, FHS is characterized by an area of ​​your cat's body that is hypersensitive. It can be treated and even treated with medication, but most cats with FHD will need lifelong treatment.
• Serious conditions: polycystic kidney disease, tooth decay, feline hyperesthesia syndrome, breathing difficulties, eye conditions.
• Minor Conditions: Excessive tearing, heat sensitivity, possibility of fungal infection.

Male versus female

The final choice before bringing your Himalayan home is whether to be male or female. Male and female Himalayan temperaments are quite similar, and both make wonderful, loving pets. Your choice will largely depend on if a cat already exists in your home, as a same- pair can cause fights, even with the mild-mannered Himalayan.

Final thoughts

The Himalayan is a calm, sweet and gentle breed that is loved around the world for its gentle personality. Although these cats love to be around their owners, they are not overly attention-seeking, which is great for owners who aren't always home. They usually get along with dogs and other cats and do not have a strong hunting drive. This is ideal if you have other small pets in your home, but not ideal if you have a problem with mice!

It is important to note that these cats require a lot of regular grooming and are prone to many inherited health problems. It requires dedication, but in every other way, these cats are low maintenance. If you're looking for a loving, gentle cat to have around the house, the Himalayan is a great choice.