Variety:
Himalayan cat
Country of origin:
USA
Colours:
Blue, grey, chocolate, purple, beige, fire (all colours have a pastel shade). Snout, ears, paws, tip of tail area decorated with darker markings
Character:
Calm, gentle, sweet, sensitive
Weight:
8-12 kg
Longevity:
12 years
Other names:
Himalayan cat, Himalaya Colorpoint
The Himalayan cat is distinguished from other breeds by its soft and gentle character. Although the Himalayan cat is the result of a cross between Siamese and Persian cats, the Himalayan cat has a less stormy temperament and is much quieter. According to Himalayan cat breeders, these cats are docile and energetic, always eager to play, and friendly.They get along well with all members of the family, including children, and can make great family friends.
History of the breed
Himalayan cats are also known as Himalaya Colorpoint. Although the name of the breed suggests otherwise, the breed was not bred in the Himalayas but in the USA. It is a relatively new breed of cat, the first representatives of which were introduced to the world in 1930 after the pairing of a monochrome Persian and Siamese cat. The cats were so named because of the colour of their fur, which is very similar to that of Himalayan rabbits. The aim of mixing the two cat breeds was to create a Siamese cat with the characteristic coat of the Persian cat. The first result was not as spectacular as hoped and the breed was not recognised for a long time. The Himalayan cat was recognised by the GCCF („The Governing Council Of The Cat Fancy“) in 1955, but it took some time before the different colours of the Himalayan cat were recognised. In 1957, grey, blue, chocolate and purple were recognised, in 1964 – fire and beige, in 1972 – blue-cream, in 1979 – off-white. cream, 1981 – bright brown and violet shades, 1982 – greyish pink and bluish pink shades, 1987 – pale chocolate and violet.
Himalayan cat: appearance
The Himalayan cat is quite large – its weight usually ranges from 8 to 12 kilograms. The body is of medium length, low and stocky. The legs are relatively short, large and straight. Tail medium length, straight but very flexible. The forehead, nose and chin form a straight line and the head is round. Cheeks broad, slightly prominent. Nose short, curved. Eyes round, rather large, bright. Ears small, rounded, slightly inclined forwards. Coat long, very dense, shiny. The fur on the legs, muzzle and ears is shorter than on other parts of the body. The underfur is very dense and soft. Allowed coat colours: blue, grey, chocolate, purple, beige, fire (all with a pastel shade). The muzzle, ears, paws and tip of the tail are adorned with darker markings inherited from Siamese cats. According to felinologists, Himalayan cats are one of the most colourful cat breeds.
Himalayan cat: character
Himalayan cats are sweet and gentle, but they do sometimes get up to a variety of feline mischief.They love to play, so owners should make time for this every day. Although the Himalayan cat is not hostile to children, it is very sensitive to overly intrusive attention, rough petting or tugging. It is always important to monitor the behaviour of children and it is best not to leave them alone. If something is wrong with the cat, you will see it in its behaviour – it will become sad, withdrawn and avoid socialising. If a Himalayan cat is well cared for, it will always be happy to interact not only with its owners, but also with visitors, and it will not be difficult to persuade it to play. Himalayan cats are very affectionate – they are always welcoming to their owners when they come home, but are not overly demanding. Himalayan cats are not usually lonely