Himalayan

USA / UK · 1950s · Flat face

Persian with Siamese points and blue eyes

SizeMedium7–12 lb
Life span9–15 years
CoatLong
Typical price$800–$2,500

Himalayans are Persians with colorpoint markings and blue eyes. CFA treats them as a color division of the Persian; TICA lists them separately.

At a glance

EnergyCouch cat
Cuddlylikes touch and being heldLap & hugs
TalkativeSilent
GroomingDaily
SheddingHeavy
With kidsOK with kids
With petsOK
Alone timehow long they’re happy aloneHalf a day

Life with a Himalayan

They are calm and sweet, and a little more playful than many Persians. They love quiet lap time. Like all Persians, they need daily coat and face care.

Great for
  • Quiet homes
  • People who enjoy grooming
  • Apartments
Think twice if
  • No time for daily grooming
  • A hot home without air conditioning
  • A very busy household with toddlers
Before you buy

Very flat faces are linked to lifelong breathing, eye and dental problems. Look for a breeder who breeds open nostrils and a less extreme face, and watch the parents breathe at rest.

Care tips
  • Comb daily down to the skin; a groomer every 6–8 weeks helps.
  • Wipe the eyes daily.
  • Keep them cool.

Health

Same as Persians: breathing problems in flat-faced cats, runny eyes, crowded teeth and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in untested lines.

Ask the breeder for
  • PKD DNA test for both parents
  • Vet check of nostrils, breathing and eyes
Typical US price$800–$2,500
RegistriesCFA · TICAAsk for both parents’ papers

Prices are rough ranges from registered breeders and vary by line, color and region. A much cheaper “purebred” kitten is a common scam sign.

See Himalayan kittens

Similar breeds

PersianCalm · CuddlyBirmanCalm · CuddlyRagdollCalm · Very cuddly
Compare with similar breeds

Sources: breed standards and profiles from CFA and TICA, DNA tests listed by the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, and veterinary breed profiles.