Contrary to what you might think, the name of this cat has nothing to do with the Himalayas; in fact its origins are divided between Sweden, the United States and Great Britain. The adjective "Himalayan" comes from the mixture of colours in the distal areas of the body, which is present in other breeds such as the Himalayan rabbit. There are different theories about the origin of the breed, but all agree that it originated from the search for a Persian cat that would have the colour of the Siamese.
In 1924, in Sweden, a geneticist started crossing Siamese cats with long-haired breeds. In 1931, Newton's Debutante was born from research in the United States and was crossed with her own father. From this cross came the first colourpoint longhair. But the breed was not recognised until 1955 by the UK's GCCF (The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy). And later, in 1979, it was accepted by TICA, the International Cat Association.
How much does Himalayan cat cost?
The average price of a Himalayan kitten in the UK is approximately £500. The price varies depending on the lineage, breeding, age and even the sex. If you are offered a much lower price, be careful: you may be dealing with a "cat factory", or it may not be a purebred registered cat.
Do Himalayan cats make good pets?
The Himalayan is very fond of its owners and demands a lot of attention from them. This cat therefore needs people who have time to cuddle him. This is why they are very suitable for pensioners and elderly people. This feline is very affectionate, mischievous, but also loves to play. Calmness and gentleness are other qualities that are attributed to him. One thing is certain: he will bring happiness to his family.
The Himalayan is perfectly suited to living in a flat. As they prefer the comfort of their home to roaming, there is no fear that they will run away.
What is the personality of a Himalayan cat?
The Himalayan cat is an extremely quiet, inquisitive and intelligent feline who does not like loud noises, and therefore will not be the ideal pet for very active children. However, it is a perfect cat for adult households who enjoy a quiet, unhurried life as it does. This is a breed that prefers to spend its time snuggled up to you rather than climbing up curtains or furniture, and will need toys to be distracted when you are not around as it does not like to be alone. Whatever he wants to say to you, he will do so with short meows and the expressive look of his big blue eyes.
Do Himalayan cats shed?
The Himalayan requires special care of its hair. The coat must be brushed carefully and thoroughly every day to prevent it from matting and tangling. Note: the Himalayan sheds a lot.
