Himalayan Cat Insurance | Cat Breed Guide

Himalayan cat breed

Information and advice.

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Himalayan cat breed information and advice

The Himalayan cat was created in the USA in the early 1930s. Also known as the Himalayan Persian or Colourpoint Persian, it’s a sub-breed of the Persian cat. The Himalayan breed has the long-haired coat of a Persian cat with the blue eyes and point colouration of a Siamese.

Their name comes from the goats and rabbits found in the Himalayan Mountains that share the same colouration. Nicknamed the Himmy, these cats are sweet natured, intelligent and make great a great companion pet.

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Himalayan cat facts
Lifespan	9-15 years
How much	£500+
Size	medium
Weight	3-5 kg
Grooming	high
Temperament	intelligent, generally sweet natured, sociable
Colour	white or cream coats with different point colours of seal (or black), blue, lilac, chocolate, red (flame), and cream
Exercise	low

Himalayan insurance

Unexpected accidents, diseases, and breed-related problems can happen at any time. Having Himalayan insurance for your cat can help cover the costs and put your mind at ease. Our cat insurance can help get your cat back on their paws as soon as possible.

How to care for a Himalayan cat

Himalayans, while intelligent cats, can be high maintenance. You’ll need to do some homework and know how to care for a Himalayan before you bring them home.

Feeding and nutrition

If you get your Himalayan kitten from a breeder, ask them what they’ve been feeding your kitten and at what time. You’ll want to ease your kitten into your home with a familiar diet to avoid them feeling unwell. You can gradually make changes to their diet over time.

Himalayans can be prone to putting on weight, so you should follow the advice of the breeder on how much you should feed your cat. You can also ask your vet for tips or follow guidelines on cat food packages to prevent overfeeding. If your cat does become overweight or obese, this can lead to health problems. You should speak to your vet about how to get them back to a healthy weight.

Grooming

Being long-haired, Himalayans will need grooming every day to keep their coats tangle and mat free. To keep them looking good, as part of their grooming routine you should wipe their faces with a damp cloth to prevent tear stains. You should also brush their teeth with a vet-approved toothpaste to prevent dental disease. Regular baths may be needed, so it’s best to get them used to be bathed as a kitten.

Exercise

Himalayans aren’t naturally inclined to be active so they might need some encouragement to exercise. However, when the mood takes them, they can have bursts of energy. You can provide interactive toys and make sure they have playtime each day to help keep them in good condition. Himalayans are heavily boned with short legs so avoid toys that include jumping or climbing.

Training

Himalayans are intelligent breeds so can be easily trained. If you set out their litter box and clean it regularly, they should pick it up no problem.

Temperament and behaviour

Like their Persian ancestors, Himalayan cats are placid and generally sweet-natured, sociable and devoted to their owners. They can be more talkative than Persians but less vocal than Siamese cats. Most of the time, they’re happy to lounge around and sit on your lap. They're best suited to living the life of an indoor cat.

Frequently asked questions

How long do Himalayan cats live?

Himalayans generally live to 15 years if they are well cared for. If they become overweight, they can be prone to health problems that might shorten their lifespan.

Do Himalayan cats shed?

With their long-hair, Himalayans are high shedders. They’ll need grooming daily to remove loose hairs and any tangles or mats. This means they are not the best cat to be in the presence of someone who suffers from cat allergies.

Are Himalayan cats friendly?

Himalayans are friendly and sociable if they’re treated with care. They can be wary of strangers and can take a little longer to warm up to visitors to their home.

Are Himalayan cats mean?

No, Himalayans are gentle cats. Their flat faces may give the impression that they are somewhat disgruntled, but they have very sweet personalities and are good-natured.