The Himalayan Cat

The Himalayan cat is a large Persian cat with a long top coat and full undercoat. The head is round with broad ears and the face is flattened. This cat was developed by crossing Persians with Siamese in the 1950's. The Himalayan retains most of the characteristics of the Persian and few of the Siamese other than color. It is sometimes recognized as a seperate breed but the CFA recognizes it as a color variation of the Persian called a "Color-point Persian". The Himalayan is a typical Persian lap cat that loves to lounge and be petted, brushed and fussed over. They adore human contact but don't rise to the point of pestering to get it. They are sweet, good-natured, beautiful cats.  

 Cool Cat Facts...
The Himalayan cat is not from the Himalayan mountains. Although their coat might be suited for the climb, they were developed in Europe and named "Himalayan" after the rabbit of the same color.                                                                

Is A Himalayan Cat Right For You?

The Himalayan cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. and is one of the most popular pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cats, but is seen as a color variety of the Persian and not as its own breed. These are large, full-bodied cats that share some of the Persians health issues such as eye and sinus problems. The coat may be an issue for folks with a busy schedule. These cats MUST BE BRUSHED at the very least twice a week to avoid mats that can lead to skin problems. Potential owners must consider the upkeep, but will in return get a loyal. gentle companion. Because it enjoys interaction and is easy-going, the Himalayan can make a lovely family pet that is inclined to form close bonds with gentle children. They do not mind being left alone and are not cloying when you are at home. They are lower on the energy scale than some cats, but may be a little more playful than other Persians do to the Siamese influence. It is not uncommon for Himalayan cats to learn to fetch and some seem to enjoy a leisurely stroll on the leash.

Himalayan Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head should be round and massive with great breadth of skull. Round face with round underlying bone structure. Head well set on short, thick neck. Jaws broad and powerful, with cheeks full and prominent. In profile, forehead, nose and chin should appear to form a perpendicular line. Nose snub, as broad as it is long, and with a break. Break to be no higher than the middle of the eye. Top of nose leather no higher than the middle of the eye. Chin well developed. Ears: Small, round tipped, tilted forward and not unduly open at the base. Set far apart and low on the head fitting into, and without distorting, the rounded contour of the head. Eyes: Large, round, and full. Set wide apart, giving sweet expression to the face. The pointed Himalayan must have blue eyes, the deeper the better. Non-pointeds must be copper in all colors except Silver and Golden Tabbies, these two colors must have green eyes. Deeper shades preferred. Allowance to be made for color variations in kittens.
Body and Tail: Cobby in type. Low on legs, deep in the chest, equally massive across the shoulders and rump. Back level, short, rounded midsection. Medium to large in size. Quality and proportion the determining consideration. Legs/Feet: Legs should be short, thick and heavily boned. Forelegs should slant inward very slightly from breadth of chest adding to sturdy appearance. Feet should be large, round and firm with toes close together; five toes in front and four behind. Tail: Short, straight, but in proportion to the body. Carried without a curve and at an angle lower than the back.
Coat: Long and thick, standing off from the body. Of fine texture, glossy and full of life. Long all over the body, including the shoulders. Ruff immense and continuing in a deep frill between the front legs. Ear and toe tufts long. Tail full. Seasonal variations of the coat shall be recognized.
Pattern: The mask, ears, legs and tail should be clearly defined in darker shade but to merge gently into the body color on legs. foot pads and nose leather to be included in point color as described in color standard. Allowance is to be made for body darkening in older cats and for lighter and incomplete markings in kittens and young cats as certain colors are slow to develop..
Overall Appearance: This should be a large, broad-bodied cat with a grand head, full face, and sweet expression. The coat should be profuse. A beautiful cat of calm nature easily handled and gentle in disposition.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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