Happiness is a Hauntingly Lovely Himalayan Cat

Known colloquially as "the Himmy" - it is a breed that was first developed during the .

The unique features of this animal are due to the cross breeding of Persian and Siamese cats. The original intention was to produce a Persian cat that had distinct Siamese markings. The result is this lovely breed with its unusual point colorings and stunning longhaired beauty.

The Cat Fanciers Association first recognized this breed in the 1950s, but later changed its designation to only a variety of Persian. The International Cat Association considers the Himalayan to be a variety of the Siamese cat breed. Only the American Cat Fanciers Association recognizes this feline as a separate breed.

This beautiful animal exhibits a variety of points, or colors, much like its Siamese relatives.

A Himalayan cat has legs that are noticeably short, large paws, blue eyes, and - like their Persian relatives - flat faces, with an almost frown-like appearance.

These 'squashed face' features make it prone to having watery eyes and breathing problems.

With a rounded body and fairly large bone structure, these cats will weigh an average of about 13 pounds when they are adults.

Taking Care

This breed is best suited to an owner who is willing to groom it frequently. A Himalayan cat has such a thick coat that it requires regular bathing to keep it clean and healthy.

They will also need daily brushing, as the thick fur is also prone to matting.

Because of its tendency to have watery eyes, you may need to wash their faces once or twice a day as well.

These felines can exhibit genetic problems as adults, including joint and organ abnormalities. They also are prone to develop kidney disease, so regular checkups are a must.

These are sweet-tempered, intelligent cats that make wonderful indoor companions. Because of their Siamese heritage, they tend to be a bit more active than their Persian relatives. Even so, they are not too active for any type of household setting, even small apartments.

If you are willing to invest the time to care for a Himalayan cat, the effort will prove worthwhile they can get along well with other pets and do not care about being the dominant animal.

These guys just want a little love, attention and food. Oh, yes, a comfortable bed will also be much appreciated. If you have small children these pets may not make an ideal pet, but they love older children.



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