MEET THE HIMALAYAN

The Persian and the Siamese were crossbred to develop the Himalayan cat. The breeders wanted to combine the Persian type with the Siamese point coloring. The Himalayan with its long hair and color point pattern was achieved after many years of breeding. Himalayans have the striking pointed markings and blue eyes of the Siamese and the long, luxurious coat, cobby body, trademark short nose, large round eyes and small ears of the Persian. In England the breed was recognized in 1955 after 10 years of perfecting the breed. In North America the Himalayan breed was recognized in 1957. In 1984, the CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) united the Himalayan and the Persian breeds into one, with the Himalayan considered a division rather than a separate breed.

Like the Persian, those longhaired coats come with a price. Combing for a few minutes everyday, as well as the occasional bath, will reduce matting, shedding, and hairballs. Some owners elected to have their Himalayan shaved to reduce the amount of care the coat requires. Daily face washing is necessary if tear staining is a problem, which it often is with this breed.

Himalayan health concerns include breathing difficulties, eye tearing, malocclusions and birthing difficulties due to the head size and the flat face of the extreme Himalayan. Reportedly, traditional Himalayans tend to have fewer of these health problems. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which can cause kidney failure, is also known to exist in some Persian and Himalayan lines. Ask the breeder if the cat has been screened for PKD before agreeing to buy.

Although the breed is popular and plentiful, some breeders still have waiting lists for their kittens. If you want a bargain, look for a retired breeder or show cat (try www.breedlist.com). They can be purchased relatively inexpensively since the breeder generally is looking for a good home for the cat, not a high price.