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The Himalayan cat, also known as “Himmies” are beautiful cats that are not only eye-catching but also loving and friendly. But what else should you know about these fluffy felines? In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the history of the breed to grooming tips. You’ll be an expert in no time!
Table of Contents
The History Of The Himalayan Cat
The Himalayan cat is a new breed of cat which was developed in the US in the 1950s. The original breeders were trying to make a Persian look alike, but with a Siamese-like body. They used Persians and Siamese cats to create this new breed that’s now known as the Himalayan cat, and we have them to thank for their gorgeous looks and long life spans.
A Himalayan cat is a good pet choice for those looking for a lovable, beautiful, and healthy kitty. But before you get one, you need to know what kind of cat breed you’re getting. In this article, we’ll help break down the Himalayan cat so that you can make an informed decision and be on your way to having a fantastic kitty companion.
What is the Size of the Himalayan Cat?
They’re small dogs! At around three pounds in weight, they’re not heavy but are long and lean, which means that you’ll have to take care when carrying them or walking them on a leash because they do fall over easily.
The Himalayan cat is medium-sized with a muscular build. They’re light in weight, making them easy to carry around with you wherever you go as long as you provide your kitty with a carrier to do so safely.
Most Himalayan cats are around 16 to 19 inches long in length. Male Himalayans are usually slightly larger than females.
Physical Features Of The Himilayan Cat:
Himalayan Cats Eyes:
The Himalayan cat’s eyes are a gentle almond shape, unlike other cat breeds with rounder eye sockets. Their blue or green eyes are large compared to their bodies and are complemented by the beautiful reddish-brown coat.
Himalayan Head:
The Himalayan cat’s head is what makes them stand out the most. They have long, angular faces with small ears that are set at a thirty-degree angle.
Himalayan Cats have flat faces, due to their heritage from Persian cats who also have flat faces.
A Himalayan Cat’s Coat:
The Himalayan cat has a very interesting coat. They have a beautiful and fluffy undercoat that helps to keep them warm in the colder weather, while their top layer of hair is long but much lighter than what you see on most other cat breeds
Their fur can be just about any colour: brown tabby with white markings; black smoke grey shaded copper red or ginger orang
Their coats help insulate the Himalayan cat from the cold weather and also allows them to keep clean, so they don’t get infested with dirt and germs that can cause disease.
Himalayan Grooming Requirements:
The Himalayan cat has beautiful long hair. Cats with long hair ideally should be groomed daily, but at least once a week to avoid matting and knotting of their fur.
A Himalayan Cat’s Tail:
One trait that makes the Himalayan cat different from most others is that they have a double-pointed tail. This is where one part of their tail curls around the other side and makes a slight circular curl; it allows them to balance as they run and play with ease since it gives them stability.
A Himalayan Cat’s Personality:
Like many cats, the Himalayan cat enjoys being around people and being petted. They’re very affectionate creatures and will do many loving things like purring if they’re getting enough attention. This is good for their owners since it makes them happy!
Their size will make them easier to handle, and they’re playful, so it’s not difficult for a person with little or no experience in training cats. They enjoy being around people more than other animals too!
Males are usually more territorial than females, so they might not be the best for a home with other cats if space is limited- but it’s always worth being careful! They’re also really playful and love to climb, which means their owner should provide them with some way of getting up high such as an indoor cat tree or scratching post.
Himalayan Cat’s Health:
Here are the 4 most common health problems associated with Himalayan Cats:
1. Skin, Liver and Eye Problems:
Himalayan cats are susceptible to skin, liver and eye problems that can be seen with other breeds as well. So don’t forget your annual check-ups for any signs of distress.
2. Breathing Problems:
This is due to their flat faces, Himalayan Cats can suffer from breathing problems as it can be difficult for them to get enough air pug-like nose, this makes the cat quite cute, but also medically that is the weakest point for the cat.
3. Hairballs:
Himalayan cats have long hair which can be difficult to groom. They may develop a large ball inside their stomach that needs urgent surgery, so owners should brush them on a daily basis to prevent this.
4. Polycystic Kidney Disorder:
Polycystic kidney problem is a fairly common issue with multiple small cysts that appear in the kidneys, taking the functional tissue’s place. It isn’t life-threatening and doesn’t have a known cure yet, but special diets can help decrease how often this occurs.
How Old Do Himalayan Cats live?
Himalayan cats are one of the longest living domestic cat breeds and have a lifespan of around twelve years.
What Is A Himalayan Cats Ideal Temperature?
The best thing about these cats is that they do well in many environments because they adapt well to heat and cold temperatures, making them ideal for people who live in different locations. These cats are pretty small overall, though, so they don’t require a lot of space to move around in.
Do You Need To Bathe A Himalayan Cat
The Himalayan is a beautiful long-haired cat with a silky coat. To keep its coat looking beautiful and shiny, regular bathing is required when it’s shedding. You can do this more than once a year if you want to, but too much bathing can cause the cat to lose its natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.
Can You Trim A Himalayan Cat’s Hair?
These cats are known for their long, silky coats that keep them very warm in winter and cool during the summer months; it is not recommended to trim or cut a cat’s hair.
Himalayan Cat Dental Care:
You can help your Himalayan cat with their dental care by giving them treats that are specifically designed to help them maintain healthy teeth and gums. These treats have been specially formulated to prevent any plaque buildup on their teeth, which they are very susceptible to.
Himalayan Cat Ear Care:
The Himalayan has a reputation for having a very delicate ear. You should always clean your cats’ ears with a specialized ear cleaner. These cleaners contain special oils that nourish the sensitive skin around the ear canal to heal more quickly.
Himalayan Cat Litter Requirements:
The Himalayan is an indoor cat, so you can use any litter that you want. There are many different types of litter available on the market, and it’s up to you to figure out which one your cat prefers. But sometimes, the best types of litter are the ones that are made from natural materials such as corn, paper or wheat. These can also reduce the risk of any infection developing in their feet and anus, which is always a good thing.
Litter Box Training:
ASPCA recommends a depth of at least two inches for litter boxes. When it comes to the type, they recommend large-sized rectangular or square pans with low sides and no top, which help kittens feel more secure when using them because, as we all know, accidents sometimes happen just by doing everyday things in life such as going to the bathroom.
Is The Himalayan Cat Suitable To Be Left Alone For Long Hours?
No, the Himalayan cat will become bored and agitated if left alone for long periods. It is recommended that you get your Himalayan cat used to being left alone when they are young. If you intend on leaving your cat alone for long periods, you should invest in a cat door as these allow them to leave and return to the house without you ever having to go out into the yard.
How Much Should A Himalayan Cat Eat?
The Himalayan’s diet is pretty simple. They are indoor cat and don’t need as much food as outdoor cats because they aren’t burning up as many calories. You could try giving them a little more protein than usual, but you should always let them dictate how much they want to eat.
How Much Does a Himalayan Cat Cost?
A Himalayan cat can cost less than $600.00! As with any cat, the price depends on where you buy it from and what kind of lineage they have as well, but these cats are generally in high demand, so nearly every breeder is going to be trying their hardest not only because this will make them money but because they want to make sure that their cat is given the best chance at a good home.
Himalayan Cats and Children
The Himalayan cat is a very friendly breed that could be a perfect choice of cat for families with older children or calm younger children. Young children should always be supervised when interacting with a cat. They should also be taught how to safely interact with cats and know when it is time to stop before injury or exposure occurs.
How To Clean A Himalayan Cat’s Paw Pads
For the most part, you should wipe their paws off after they’ve been outside and let them do what they will inside the house. This also helps keep your floors clean as well.
Do Himalayan Cat Cats Shed?
Himalayan Cats have long hair that requires frequent grooming. Due to the amount of hair they have you can expect the Himalayan can to shed a fair amount.
Are Himalayan Cats Good For Apartment Dwellers?
Yes, Himalayan cats are perfect for apartment dwellers because they don’t make that much noise, and they don’t need a lot of space to move around in. The Himalayan cat has very low energy levels, this means they will not have a desire to run around outside and explore or play excessively throughout the day.
Are Himalayan Cat Cats Affectionate?
Yes, Himalayan cats are very affectionate cats. They like to be around people and other pets. When you hold them, they make a lot of noise purring and rubbing themselves on your hands. They will not stop this annoying behaviour until you give them a lot of loving attention. Once you do, they will put their head on your shoulder and react like a cat with a favourite human.
Is The Himalayan Cat Hypoallergenic?
The Himalayan cat has long been touted as the infamous “hypoallergenic” felines. However, it turns out this is not true at all, Himalayan cats are not Hypoallergenic. Due to their beautiful long hair, many people experienced allergic reactions to these cats, just like they can with any other breed of pet.
How Much Exercise Does A Himalayan Cat Need?
Himalayan cats have an average amount of energy. They do not have any additional exercise needs than other breeds of cats.
They are relatively lazy, but have a high prey drive and can be very active when they feel the need to hunt or play with their owner’s hands under blankets on cold floorboards in wintertime.
What Type Of Food Do Himalayan Cats Like To Eat?
Himalayan cats are fish lovers, so you should feed them at least one type of fish each week. You can also try different meats like chicken, beef and other meats that you cook at home.
How Easy To Train Himalayan Cats?
Himalayan cats are relatively easy to train because they enjoy being around their humans. They’re also smart and can learn new tricks quickly, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for you!
