Characteristics
Longhair
25-30 cm
4-6 kg
up to 15 years
Brief information
Character
Despite the name, blue-eyed Himalayan cats are not related in any way to the mountains of the same name. They were bred in the middle of the last century in the USA as a result of crossing Siamese and Persian cats. Only a light color is called Himalayan, in which the paws, ears, muzzle and tail of a cat have a darker shade. It appears only in the second or third year of the animal’s life.
International felinological associations do not have a unanimous opinion regarding this breed, therefore, depending on the association, these cats are listed in the same group with Persians and Shorthair Exotics (TICA) or they belong to a separate species with their own breed standard (AACE, CCA, CFF and others). ).
From the Siamese, these cats inherited curiosity, and from the Persians measured movements and a calm character. They are very loving and affectionate, strongly attached to the owner and family. But this does not prevent Himalayan cats from experiencing loneliness well and easily adapting to a new environment. Natural kindness and gentle nature also make them easy to get along with children and pets. However, representatives of this breed cannot be considered playful, so they are not suitable for owners who expect active games with their pet. Himalayan cats, with proper socialization, are not afraid of people and gladly give guests their attention. At the same time, they can stand up for themselves if they don’t like something. Unlike most cats, Himalayans are very quiet, they almost never meow, even when necessary.
Care
Himalayan cats have good health. In rare cases, some of them suffer from polycystic kidney disease. This is a hereditary disease, so when buying a kitten, it is important to pay attention to the health of his parents. The absence of the disease must be confirmed by documents. Also, if you do not monitor the quantity and quality of food, you may encounter the problem of overweight in a Himalayan cat. For this reason, it is necessary to feed the representatives of the breed with food suitable for them and in no case give food from the table.
When getting a Himalayan cat, you need to be prepared for the fact that her long and soft hair needs careful care. The pet should be combed daily with a special comb to prevent the formation of tangles and remove dead hairs. Without timely combing, wool will scatter throughout the apartment. To avoid problems, the cat must be accustomed to this procedure from childhood. At an early age, the kitten’s coat does not require daily care, it is enough to comb it 1-2 times a week. Bathe Himalayans as needed, but at least once every six months.
It is also important to keep the eyes of these cats clean. The tearfulness inherent in the breed can spoil the quality of the hair on the muzzle, and the dirt in the corners of the eyes can lead to inflammation. With the help of a cotton pad dipped in warm water, the eyes should be wiped every day.
Conditions of detention
Himalayan nose structure often leads to respiratory problems. They are expressed in shortness of breath during excitement and overheating of the pet. For this reason, it is important to maintain a moderately warm temperature in the apartment, and it is also necessary to protect the cat from stress.
