Himalayan

The Himalayan is a Persian with Siamese colouring — a long-haired, flat-faced cat carrying colourpoints and blue eyes, and depending on the registry either a breed of its own or a division of the Persian.

History

It was created in the mid-twentieth century by crossing Persians with Siamese to move the colourpoint pattern onto a long-haired body, work done in parallel in Britain and the United States. British registries treat it as the Colourpoint Longhair; American ones have gone both ways.

Temperament

The breed is known for being gentle, quiet and affectionate — more playful than a Persian and far less vocal than a Siamese, which is the placid end of both parents and what breeders were selecting for.

Care

The long dense coat is a daily commitment: it mats readily and needs brushing every day, with many households choosing a shorter clip instead. The flat face means eyes and folds need wiping as routine.

Health

It carries the Persian burden — brachycephalic breathing, tear-duct problems and polycystic kidney disease, which reputable breeders screen for — and its coat makes hairballs and matting ongoing work. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts and trait ratings are in the panels.