The Himmie, short for Himalayan cat, is a captivating feline breed resulting from the crossbreeding of a Siamese and Persian cat. They are sometimes called “Persian cats dressed as Siamese” because of their long, silky Persian fur and Siamese-like coloring on specific body parts such as their tails, ears, paws, and faces. The Himalayan cat’s temperament combines the gentle nature of Persians with the friendly and energetic demeanor of Siamese cats. Their beautiful coats resemble silk, their faces look like pugs, and they have striking blue eyes. Himmies are gaining popularity among cat enthusiasts, owners, and pop culture followers. In this article, we will share 20 intriguing facts about the Himmie that you probably didn’t know before.
The Himalayan cat has a fascinating history rooted in its mixed ancestry of Persian and Siamese cats. Unlike other feline breeds that have been crossbred with Siamese for their attractive appearance and charming demeanor, the Himalayan cat resulted from genetic research. The origins of this breed date back to the 1930s when Dr. Clyde Keeler of Harvard Medical School conducted studies on the gene responsible for color pointing in certain cats like the Siamese. To create the Himalayan cat, Dr. Keeler collaborated with Virginia Cobb, a cat breeder from the Newton Cattery, and began crossing Persians with Siamese. After numerous attempts, they succeeded in producing a kitten named Newton Debutante, which had striking blue eyes, a flat face, long, thick, snow-white fur with color points on its face, ears, paws, and tail, making it an adorable sight to behold.
After the Second World War, Himalayan cats were bred in both the United States and United Kingdom. Margaret Goforth, an American cat breeder, decided to crossbreed Persian and Siamese cats, and bestowed upon the new breed the name Himalayan in 1957. It’s worth noting that these cats were not named after the mountain range in Asia but rather their resemblance to the thick white-haired foxes and rabbits that were native to the Himalayas. In 1957, the Cat Fanciers Association recognized this new breed in both the US and UK. However, in 1984, the CFA reclassified Himalayan cats as a sub-color of Persian cats. Despite this, Americans still refer to them as Himalayans, while in Europe and the UK, they are called Persians. When competing in shows, Himalayan cats are judged separately from Persians and are recognized as Himalayans by the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts and the Traditional Cat Association.
The Himalayan cat, also known as “Himmies” by their owners and fans, has been recognized by various names in the past, such as Persian-Siamese and Longhaired Colorpoints. However, the Europeans call them the Himalayan Persian or Colorpoint Persian nowadays. Despite their fluffy appearance, these cats are of medium size and have a sturdy build with large bones. They usually weigh around 7 to 12 pounds, with males being heavier. The Himalayan felines have a round face, a short and thick neck, and a well-balanced physique. Their legs are small, while their tails are full, furry, and straight.
The Himalayan cat is a popular breed known for its distinctive features such as pointed fur and a unique facial structure. Its face is notably flattened, with pointed ears and striking blue eyes that stand out. The color of its face corresponds to the points while its nose, or “cobby,” is skin-colored, completing the look. There are two facial classifications for this breed: Traditional and Exotic. The Traditional or “Doll Faced” has a rounded face with a longer, lower nose, while the Extreme or “Flat Face” or “Peke Face” has a more Pug-like appearance, with a pushed-in and flattened face.
The Himalayan cat breed is known for its stunningly beautiful and luxurious coat as its primary characteristic. The breed was developed by researching the Siamese color point gene, resulting in a magnificent feline with long and thick silky hair that is usually white or cream-colored like a Persian but has color points on its face, ears, paws, and tail, similar to a Siamese. Although Himalayan kittens are born without any color points, they develop them as they mature, usually around two years of age. Initially, there were only four color points: seal (black), chocolate, blue, and lilac. However, breeding and research have revealed that colors like chocolate and lilac are difficult to produce because both parents of the kitten must carry the color point gene. Currently, there are twenty different color points available for the Himalayan breed, including various combinations. These amazing cats possess long, silky tresses that fall luxuriously over their bodies, with a ruff around their necks and frills between their ears, front legs, and toes. Their full and fluffy tails add to their overall majesty.
Let’s take a closer look at the captivating world of Himalayan cats and their remarkable color points. Nowadays, there are more than 20 different color points available for these delightful felines. Although their bodies remain white or cream-colored, they can display an array of shades on their faces, ears, paws, and tails, ranging from black to red. This pigmentation appears like a type of “mask,” which covers the area above their eyes, stretches across their cheeks, and down to their chin. The markings on their ears extend to the tips and inside, while the paw markings reach their pads. Today, Himalayan cats come in a broad range of color points, including seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, fawn, red (flame), silver, Tortoiseshell, Tabby, Lynx, and many more.
Research has revealed that a combination of genetics, temperature, and enzyme production can influence the cat’s color pointing. Melanin is responsible for producing pigmentation in the skin and fur, which forms in cooler areas of the body in response to both body and environmental temperature. This explains why the color points on Himalayan cats extend from their body to their ears, paws, and tails. Moreover, scientific studies have suggested that Himalayan cats living in cooler regions will possess darker color points than those residing in warmer climates.
To ensure the health of your Himalayan cat, it is important to give them extra attention. This breed is susceptible to carrying a gene that can cause Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), similar to Persian cats. Early testing is crucial to determine if your Himalayan carries this gene. If they do, it is best to avoid breeding them and instead opt for spaying or neutering. Feline hyperesthesia syndrome is another condition that Himalayans may suffer from due to a nervous system disorder. It is essential to visit the vet regularly for check-ups and vaccinations as the flat face of Himalayans can lead to dental, eye, and breathing problems. Providing your cat with a healthy diet and adequate clean water is vital along with ensuring they get enough exercise to burn calories as they are a high-energy breed. With proper care, Himalayan cats can live up to an average of 8-15 years.
Taking care of a Himalayan feline’s fur can be quite time-consuming due to its long and double-layered coat. To prevent tangling and regulate skin and hair oils, it is necessary to brush the cat daily. Daily brushing also helps to control shedding, which can be a problem with this breed. Fortunately, Himalayan cats enjoy grooming and will readily lie on their owner’s lap while being brushed. In addition to daily brushing, it is recommended to give them a monthly bath to keep their coat sleek, shiny, and healthy. Nevertheless, it is essential to keep in mind that even with proper care, Himalayan cats are not hypoallergenic and may not be suitable for individuals with cat allergies.
It is essential to provide your Himalayan cat with proper care, especially due to their unique flat face that can cause issues with their tear ducts. Regularly cleaning their face and eyes with a damp cloth can prevent blockages in their tear ducts, which can lead to health problems. It is also important to feed them a well-balanced diet with essential vitamins and minerals, while controlling their weight gain since they are not very active. However, they may have periods of high-energy activity, so it is crucial to maintain proper calorie intake. Additionally, make sure that your furry friend always has access to fresh water.
The Himalayan cat is an exceptional feline that takes inspiration from its predecessors, the Persian and Siamese breeds. These cats maintain a calm and laid-back demeanor similar to that of Persians. Observing them, you may catch them lounging around on furniture or soaking up some sun. However, they also possess the social inclinations of the Siamese breed. They relish spending time with their loved ones and engaging in various activities. Himalayan cats mingle effortlessly with children, other cats, and even dogs, as long as they are socialized from a young age. Even though they are cordial to visitors, they form unbreakable connections with their primary owner and are highly affectionate and devoted. To sum it all up, the Himalayan cat is an excellent companion and a perfect household pet.
The Himalayan cat has become quite popular in the entertainment industry, appearing in various movies and TV shows. One such example is the “Homeward Bound” series where Sally Field voiced the character of Sassy, a quick-witted and sarcastic feline who went on an adventurous journey across America with two dogs. Another popular appearance is in the “Meet the Parents” trilogy, where Mr. Jinx, a Himalayan cat with a peke-faced seal-colored coat, was portrayed as smart enough to flush the toilet. In the movies and TV shows, Himalayan cats have been portrayed as intelligent and sometimes grumpy characters. The ginger-colored Himalayan cat named Crookshanks in the “Harry Potter” series was one such portrayal. Furthermore, Himalayan cats have also made appearances in Japanese and Korean Anime stories.
13. Celebrities have developed an affinity for Himalayan cats, and among them is Martha Stewart. She has three of them named after famous composers – Beethoven, Mozart, and Bartók. Stewart has flaunted her feline friends on various platforms such as her TV show, magazine, and K-Mart advertisements. Interestingly, over time, she has owned seven Himalayan cats in total. Jeff Lewis from “Flipping Out” also owns two Himalayans named Monkey and Stewie, who have made appearances on his home improvement show.
14. Himalayan cats are equally entertaining companions as their Siamese counterparts. They are smart and enjoy learning new tricks. They have occasional bursts of energy and love to play with toys such as cat toys and plush toys. They can even find joy in a simple ball of crumpled paper and are capable of being taught to fetch. After relaxing for a while, they may surprise you with sudden bursts of energy, running around the room or rolling on the floor. Overall, Himalayan cats make playful and enjoyable companions for those who choose to include them in their lives.
There are two Himalayan cats that have made it into the world record books, each with their own special qualities. Colonel Meow was recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records in 2012 for having impressively long hair that measured nine inches! Despite his grumpy appearance, he quickly became famous online. Unfortunately, he passed away from a heart condition just two years later. On the other hand, Tinker Toy, a blue point Himalayan, holds the title for being the smallest cat in the world. At just 2.75 inches tall and 7.5 inches long when he was 2 1/2 years old, he was owned by Scott and Katrina Forbes from Taylorsville, Illinois and lived for six years. Finally, Lux is another Himalayan cat from Portland, Oregon who weighs a hefty 22 pounds!
Over time, the Himalayan cat has managed to maintain its charm and earned a place in the hearts of many pet lovers. Since its inception, this breed has been adored and is still cherished to this day. The Himalayan cat’s irresistible traits have played a significant role in making it one of the most loved breeds, with only one breed topping it in terms of registrations by the Cat Fanciers Association. It remains the most popular breed in the Persian color group. Not only are they kept as pets, but they also feature prominently in global cat competitions. These felines are readily identifiable and frequently participate in cat shows. A multitude of Himalayan cat clubs can be found worldwide, including in the United States.
The Himalayan cat is a popular choice for pet owners due to their peaceful demeanor and non-destructive behavior. Unlike other feline breeds, they have shorter legs that prevent them from excessive jumping or climbing, making them less likely to cause damage to household items. Although shedding is common, their gentle and tranquil nature more than compensates for any cleaning required. These cats are well-behaved and won’t cause any chaos in the home by swinging from drapes or jumping on shelves or countertops. For those who prefer indoor pets, the Himalayan cat is an excellent choice. They are content to stay indoors and enjoy the company of their human companions. These social creatures love being part of the fun and will make wonderful additions to any family seeking an ideal indoor cat.