Himalayan

A Persian wearing a Siamese mask

Also known as: Himalayan cat · Colourpoint Persian · Himalayan Persian · Colourpoint Longhair · Himmie

Himalayan, a medium cat from United Kingdom (photo 2)

Himalayan, a medium cat from United Kingdom (photo 3)

Himalayan, a medium cat from United Kingdom (photo 4)

Himalayan, a medium cat from United Kingdom (photo 5)

Himalayan, a medium cat from United Kingdom (photo 6)

Photos: Asilverstein (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Joseph Morris (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Elbriga89 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Sheepwalrus (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Dody.bukittinggi (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Munnyfun (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

25–30 cm(10–12 in)Height at the shoulder

3.5–6.5 kg(8–14 lb)Adult weight

12–15 yearsLife expectancy

15 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupPersian

OriginUnited Kingdom / United States

SizeMedium

CoatLong, thick and silky, with plenty of undercoat

ColoursColourpoint: seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, tortie and lynx; blue eyes

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1955

Estimated cost in Spain*€1,070–1,480 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

Varieties

The Persian family: same type, different coat

PersianLong coat, all coloursHimalayanLong coat with coloured points and blue eyesyou are hereExoticShort, dense, plush coat

What it is like

It is a Persian with the colourpoint pattern and blue eyes of the Siamese. In the 1930s, American researchers crossed Siamese and Persians to study how that pattern is inherited, and British and American breeders then fixed the type: the GCCF recognised it in 1955 as the Colourpoint Longhair and the CFA, shortly afterwards, as the Himalayan. Today many registries treat it as a colour variety of the Persian. It has a compact body, a long, dense coat and the same flat face as the modern Persian, with the same brachycephalic problems. It is calm and affectionate, with a touch more curiosity and playfulness than the Persian, inherited from its Siamese side.

Coat colours and patterns

Colours and patterns that are common or accepted in this breed. Each page explains where the colour comes from, the myths around it and other breeds that have it.

Cream Colour · Cream cat, Beige cat

Colourpoint Pattern · Pointed, Siamese

All cat coat colours and patterns →

Temperament

CalmSweetHome-lovingCurious

Activity

2/5

With children

3/5

With dogs

3/5

With other cats

4/5

Ease of learning

2/5

How vocalless is better

2/5

Sheddingless is better

5/5

Brushing needsless is better

5/5

Health robustness

2/5

Indoor and flat life

5/5

Copes with being alone

3/5

For first-time owners

2/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

Daily brushing is a must, with a metal comb and slicker, so knots do not appear; a bath and blow-dry every few weeks if it gets dirty. Daily cleaning of tear stains and facial folds, and hygiene of the rear end. As it is calm, keep play to short sessions with a wand toy. Keep the house cool in summer: with a flat face and so much coat, heat affects it badly.

Health

It inherits the Persian's risks: polycystic kidney disease (PKD, DNA test available), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and brachycephalic syndrome, with narrow nostrils, watery eyes, corneal ulcers and dental problems. More cases of calcium oxalate urinary stones are also described. Insist on the PKD test and look for lines with a visible nose.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Health problems to watch for

These are described more often in this breed. It does not mean a Himalayan will have them, nor that a moggy is free of them: they are worth knowing about and discussing with your vet.

Infectious diseases Feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus) The most common cause of a “cold” in cats. Contagious Kidneys and urinary tract Chronic kidney disease A slow, irreversible loss of kidney function and the classic disease of older cats. Kidneys and urinary tract Urinary obstruction A male cat’s urethra becomes blocked by a plug of crystals and mucus or by a stone, and he cannot urinate. Emergency Kidneys and urinary tract Urinary stones Mineral stones in the bladder or, less often, in the kidney. Kidneys and urinary tract Polycystic kidney disease An inherited disease in which the kidneys fill with cysts that grow over the years until they cause chronic kidney disease. Inherited Skin and coat Ringworm A fungal infection of the skin and coat, common in kittens and long-haired cats. Contagious Eyes Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the membrane around the eye and the most common eye problem in cats. Contagious Eyes Corneal ulcer A wound on the clear surface of the eye. Emergency Respiratory system Feline brachycephalic syndrome A group of problems that come from a very flat face: narrow nostrils, watery eyes, crowded teeth and a higher risk in hot weather. Inherited Bones and joints Osteoarthritis Wear and tear of the joints, very common in older cats and greatly underdiagnosed because the cat does not limp: it simply stops jumping. Poisoning and accidents Heatstroke Body temperature rises above 40–41 °C (104–106 °F) and starts to damage the organs. Emergency

The A to Z of cat diseases →

Fun facts

Its name comes from the Himalayan rabbit, which has the same pattern of dark points.

Kittens are born almost white and gain colour over the weeks.

The CFA has considered it a colour division of the Persian since 1984, not a separate breed.

As in the Siamese, the points depend on temperature: in cold climates the body darkens too.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Himalayan get?

An adult Himalayan usually weighs 3.5–6.5 kg (8–14 lb) and stands about 25–30 cm (10–12 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a Himalayan live?

Its usual life expectancy is 12–15 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Himalayan hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the Himalayan good with children?

It can be, with calm children who respect its space. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Himalayan need?

As a guide, 15 min of play a day. Its activity score is 2 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.