Overview

The Himalayan, also known as the Himmy and the Colorpoint Persian, is one of the most popular of all purebred long-haired cat varieties. The Himalayan comes in a wide range of colors. Its body is always white to pale fawn, and the color-points are distributed evenly on the ears, face, legs and tail. Recognized Himalayan colors include chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, red, cream tortie, blue-cream, chocolate tortie, lilac-cream, seal lynx, blue lynx, red lynx, cream lynx, tortie lynx, blue-cream lynx, chocolate lynx, lilac lynx, chocolate-tortie lynx and lilac-cream lynx. The Himalayan, like other Persians, is a medium to large-sized cat with a stout, cobby body set on short, heavily-boned legs. Himalayans have the characteristic flat, open, pansy-like faces of all Persian color varieties. They have brilliant, bright blue eyes and small, perky ears. There is a distinctive ruff around their necks, resembling a lion’s mane. Like their bodies, their paws are large and fluffy. Himmys are not born with their full color-points, but instead develop them as they age. As a result, adults are usually darker than kittens. Himalayans tend to mature a bit more rapidly than other Persian varieties, reflecting their Siamese ancestry.

As one of the most popular of all domesticated cat breeds, Himalayans – like other color varieties of Persians – are extremely affectionate, loving and loyal. They are sweet, gentle, relaxed cats, who prefer to be in familiar, secure surroundings. However, with kindness and reassurance, they can adjust to boisterous living accommodations. This is a mellow, quiet breed that has a melodious voice when it chooses to use it. The enormous, expressive, brilliant-blue eyes of this breed give it an unusually contemplative countenance. Himmys do not do well left unattended for long periods of time, as they crave human contact and companionship. The Himalayan can be playful, but spends most of its time supervising its people and making sure all in the household is in order. This lap cat forms very close bonds with its owners.