Himalayan
The colourpoint Persian with blue eyes and a fluffy coat
The Himalayan is a Persian with Siamese-style colourpoints. Breeders in the United States crossed Persians with Siamese in the early 20th century to create the pointed pattern on a Persian body, and the breed was established by the 1930s and 1940s. Some registries treat it as a separate breed and others as a Persian colour, so you may see it called a Colourpoint Persian.
It has the Persian’s round face, sweet nature and grooming needs, and the flat-face health concerns that come with them.
Himalayan at a glance
- Origin
- USA
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- Usually 3.5 to 6 kg
- Lifespan
- Often 10 to 15 years
- Coat
- Very long, thick and silky
- Colours
- Colourpoint: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, tabby and tortie points
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 1 out of 5
- Affection
- 4 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 1 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 5 out of 5
- Good with children
- 3 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 3 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A cobby, medium-sized cat with a round head, a short, flat nose, small ears, short legs and a long, thick coat. Its eyes are always deep blue. The darker colour on the face, ears, legs and tail is called the points, and kittens are born white.
Personality
Quiet, gentle and happiest in calm surroundings. Himalayans like a soft lap, a predictable routine and a peaceful home, and they keep their voices low. They are not big climbers, and are usually good with considerate children and other pets.
Care and grooming
Daily grooming is essential: a gentle comb through the whole coat every day, and a wipe of the face to keep tear stains in check. Keep them cool, indoors or in a safe, secure garden, and keep an eye on eyes, nose and teeth.
Health to know about
Like other flat-faced (brachycephalic) cats, Himalayans can have breathing, eye and dental problems. They can also inherit polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which has a DNA test, so breeders should test their cats. Many vets urge buyers to choose a cat with a longer, more open nose.
Could suit
- Calm homes and flats
- People who enjoy daily grooming
- Owners who want a gentle indoor lap cat
Think twice if
- If you cannot groom every day
- If you want an active climber
- If you are not prepared for possible eye, breathing and dental vet bills
“I am a cloud with a very serious face. Please brush me and say nothing.”
Compare the Himalayan
Name ideas for a Himalayan
- Himal
- Everest
- Snowy
- Yeti
- Tibet
- Lhasa
- Misty
- Mocha
- Pearl
- Sherpa
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Is a Himalayan the same as a Persian?
They are very closely related. A Himalayan is a Persian with colourpoints, and some registries call it a Colourpoint Persian.
Do Himalayans need grooming every day?
Yes. The long, thick coat tangles quickly without a daily comb.
Why do Himalayans have flat faces?
Breeders selected for a short nose over many generations. Extreme flat faces can cause breathing and eye problems, so choose a cat with a longer, more open nose.
Why are Himalayan kittens born white?
Pointed cats carry a temperature-sensitive gene, so the dark points develop as the kitten grows.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
