Himalayan Cats
Introduction Himalayan cats ("Himmies") are called "Colourpoint Persians" in Europe, whilst "Himalayan" is an American term. They are a cross (a hybrid) between Siamese and Persians. Hence the classic color markings at the "points" of the body and the slightly more lively demeanor than a pure Persian. Ayla the cat featured on this page is a Red Point Doll Face Himalayan. Dani Breeds traditional cats. The Helmi Flick photograph (below on blue background) is of an Ultra (extreme faced) Himalayan.Photographs
in slide show ©
Daniëlle Rozeboom 
Himalayan Cats have the temperament of a Persian and the coat coloring of a Siamese. So, the coat is white (off white) with a range of colors for the points such as, for example, blue, brown, chocolate (the most rare color), tabby (see tabby coats generally), tortoiseshell and cream. Being essentially Persian cats, Himalayan cats, are registered as Persians with the main cat registries. The health and grooming issues are as for Persian cats. Grooming is essential. The genes that give these characteristics to the individual breeds are recessive, which means that only 6% of offspring have the desired combination of traits. Look out for the blue eyes and long colourpoint fur.
History Himalayan Cats
The Colours The range of point colors for this breed is as follows:
Health Issues These are covered under the Persian Cat pages on this site. Click here to see the page.
You can see a picture of a Persian Cat (the Ultra type) demonstrating this condition, by clicking on the adjacent image>>>. This cat has no association with Dani Rozeboom. This is a slightly shocking image (and I apologize for that) but a real one. The facial anatomy that deals with tear drainage has been altered by selective breeding, the objective of which is the ultra type face (squashed, flattened). The Persian breed standard even specifies that the face should be flat (read about the gradually transformation of the Persian face). It can be dealt with by daily cleaning, which, hasn't happened, it seems, with the cat illustrated. It is not all beautiful in the Himalayan cat world. Of course the Persian Cat standard is also the Himalayan standard in respect of the shape of the head and face. So, Himmies have the same tear duct overflow problems. Some Himmie keepers use www.eyeenvy.com for tear stain remover and wash with warm water only. Perhaps more than once a day would be prudent. Apparently a good diet can help reduce tear overflow. Some people use Felidae, which contains no corn or wheat, but a lot of people have suggested Dick van Patten's duck and potato (US market, I believe). They also have breathing problems due to the anatomical defect that has been bred into her. My personal view is that if a breeding program is going to cause health issues then don't do it. The priority is health, obviously. In fact the underlying CFA breed standard (non cat breed specific) states that no breeding should result in health issues. There would therefore seem to be a clash between the Persian breed standard and the underlying standard.
Update on health issues: At some point under an unknown analysis eye cataracts were seen in both eyes of a Himalayan kitten.(src: Robinson's Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians 4th Ed.). The authors say that this condition was possibly due to a single inherited gene (monogenic). PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) has the potential to affect all cat breeds but is seen more frequently in Persians and cats bred from Persians, which includes Himalayan cats. If every cat was ultrasound scanned for PKD at the age of 9-10 months and if positive not used in the breeding program, the disease could and should be gradually eliminated. Cats with this disorder should not normally be euthanized. PKD is a late onset disease a final test should be carried out at aged one or older. Information from Himalayan Cat keepers This is often practical but unscientific information. Tortie Point Himmies are only females. As for Persians they come in Ultra (extreme) and Traditional. Himmies are calm, gentle and sweet natured but can playful.Their character is a major attraction - a really nice personality. Caveat: as is the case for people, Himalayans aren't all sweet and lovely. If your Himmie is more aggressive than expected then it could be because of the Siamese in him/her. Apparently some can have a delicate digestive system. They need, as is expected, a lot of grooming, particularly the rear end - daily is best. You might consider getting your Himmie shaved (including the rear end) on a regular basis. They are usually tolerant of this. They shed a lot so there is lots of fur in the home to get up. I use a thing called a "bizzy brush" to get fur off furniture etc.. This is a brush which has velvet running in one direction. I have found it very effective on fur and highly durable.
A good breeder will be happy to give transparent answers. Himalayans range from $300 (pet)-$2500 (show quality) in price (as at mid-2007). Remember to read about Persian health issues. I'd ask the breeder about DNA testing for PKD, Polycystic Kidney Disease. Most if not all will have this test done. I'd prefer to re-home a rescue Himalayan. Have your cat spayed or neutered. Don't breed cats until you know all the issues and there are many including moral issues. Do Himalayan cats feel the heat because of their long coat? - "no" it seems.
Breeders At 2008 (things change) - Selected as independent websites from the first 2 pages of listings, on a Google search. These links open in new windows.YewCats Cattery The rank first in Google search but don't say where they are located. It's USA though. They also breed Traditional Siamese. Boutique Kittens Located Colorado, USA. Breed Doll Face Himmies, Napoleons (dwarf cat) and a cat I have never heard of "Ragaper". Kasiakatz Located in Upstate New York, USA. Breed Ultra Himalayans. Wonderfluf Cattery Located in Nebraska, USA. They breed Doll Face Persians and Himmies. Karen's Cat House Located Essex, Ontario, Canada. Breed Doll Face. Source:
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