A Himalayan cat is a cross between a Siamese and a Persian cat. With their big bones and bunch of long, luxurious hair, it is impossible to resist petting these magnificent creatures.
Himalayan cats are among the most recent feline breeds to hit the pet industry.
They first appeared in the 1920s and 1930s, once breeders all over the globe attempted to create a cat by combining Siamese coloration with a Persian physique.
The Cat Fanciers Association officially recognized the mixed-bred Himalayan cat in 1957.
In this article, we will look at some of the pros and cons of having a Himalayan cat breed with some insightful details from real Himalayan cat owners.
Himalayan Cats Pros
Great Family Pets
Himalayan Cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Himalayan cat may appear intimidating, but it is nothing like that. This lovely species truly loves and cares for its humans, no matter how tiny or big they are. Given its cuddly nature, this cat breed is what families choose to have.
Your children would love the way this breed likes to hang out with them regardless of whatever they’re doing, snuggle up inside the tent with them, and be nearby while they’re falling asleep.
This cat breed is an ideal family pet since children adore cats, and the majority of them are too scared to spend considerable time with children.
Bruce Dyer shares his thoughts on how affectionate these cats are on social media.
These kitties are not just beautiful! They are also incredibly gentle and affectionate. If you’re looking for a cat that equally enjoys playing, affection, and cuddling in your lap, this is the breed for you.
They’re Indoor Cats
Many pet parents don’t like the fact that they have to keep their pets inside the house all the time. That’s why many people don’t like cats; however, Himalayan cats are indoor pets.
Letting a cat breed like this outdoors is really not advised by breeders. Due to the fact that it has long and beautiful hair, it will become a total mess to leave this cat outside. The cat is aware of its beauty.
As a result, the Himalayan cat breed is less interested in going outdoors or doing anything that it considers a task. It prefers to relax at the home and flaunt its beauty.
Bruce Dyer further shares useful advice for new cat owners.
These cats need to live indoors. They do not like loud noises or change. If you enjoy having lots of guests over or moving around a lot, the Himmie may not be the breed for you. They become stressed in a new environment and hide from strangers.
Playful In Nature
Himalayan Cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Cats are generally thought to be lazy, which in some ways, they are. Many people even claim that their kitties are just like new infants.
They would like to take naps all day and then spend the whole night up hunting and making your home a mess, and this might be accurate with the Himalayan cats if they don’t receive proper training at an early age.
For instance, it’s a brilliant idea to let your kitty play all day long if you own a pet like this. If you invest some time interacting with the feline during the daytime or allow your children to play games with your pet, then you would not have to worry about your pet getting hyperactive during the night and disturbing everyone’s sleeping schedule.
Sharon Veeee shared pictures of her new cat being playful and adorable.
Our new baby! He’s still getting used to his new home, but he is very sweet and playful.
Elegant
The Himalayan cat is a hybrid of the Persian and Siamese breeds, each of them is a stunning breed with a friendly personality.
What makes this crossbreed creature so appealing (it was famous even before hybrid pets got popularized) is that it possesses the best features of both breeds. It has the gorgeous long locks of a Persian cat and the stunning colors of a Siamese cat.
Reddit user Charmien shared a picture of her gorgeous Himalayan cat.
I never knew Himalayan cats with golden faces existed until I met this beautiful boy.
Low Exercise Needs
Although Himalayans don’t require much exercise, they are quite lively and could misbehave if they are left by themselves. By giving them lots of stuffed toys and cat towers to play with and setting aside some time per day for play sessions, you may keep them occupied and happy.
Due to their lively natures, Himalayans can spend hours playing by themselves even with the simplest things like a paper ball.
Himalayan Cat Cons
Health Problems
Himalayan Cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Himalayan cats are susceptible to polycystic kidney conditions, which they inherited from Persians. Himalayan cats must be spayed and examined at a young age to avoid developing such diseases.
This breed is prone to several health problems as the Persians, such as nasal and respiratory problems due to their flat face, bulbous nose, and small nasal canals.
The same as any pet, your Himalayan cat should have periodic vet visits and receive the required vaccinations. Proper nutrition is essential for all pets. Your Himalayan must be fed a balanced diet that includes a proportion of healthy cat food in addition to a clean, fresh water bowl.
It’s important to remember that the Himalayan cat breed has high energy and would need calories. With proper medical care, the Himalayan cat may enjoy a healthy lifespan of 9-15 years.
GardenGirlva shared on Reddit that her cat lived for almost 21 years.
Mine lived for 21 years, really healthy except for the last few months, and then developed Kidney disease, which ultimately took her.
Frequent Grooming
It’s not surprising that Himalayans need extensive grooming due to their magnificent coat. To maintain your cat’s oils in a good condition and prevent their luxurious double coat from matting, it’s an excellent habit to brush them every day and shampoo them once a month.
Their lengthy coat also tends to attract debris, along with serious matting. Be extra cautious; if their litter container isn’t kept neat, this cat may choose another spot to relieve themselves in the home.
Himalayan cats are more likely to create hairballs through self-grooming, similar to various longhaired feline breeds. These are often harmless and pass on their own; however, they might occasionally become too big for a feline’s gut and cause a potentially deadly intestinal obstruction.
It is recommended for Himalayan kitties to have regular brushing as well as precautionary diets or snacks that are made to assist in the smooth release of hairballs from their system.
Reddit user KorvOchMos says that he uses pet grooming gloves to get rid of loose hair.
I use a wet flannel to wash him every two to three days. This keeps his fur fresh and clean and detangles really well. Twice per week, or three times, I use those rubbery pet grooming gloves and go all over his body fairly quickly, 2-3 minutes. That’s it, he’s always perfectly groomed.
They’re Not Hypoallergenic
Although there is no specific link between shedding and allergy formation, a Himalayan cat is not the ideal breed for people having allergies.
Himalayan kitties are known for their excessive shedding.
As a result, they shed more fur that is covered with allergens throughout your home as well as on your clothing and shoes than low-shedding felines.
If you’d like to cut down on allergies, even more, get a female Himalayan cat or get your male cat sterilized. Daily brushing will help your Himalayan feline shed less, but you can still expect a lot of hair from this breed.
Require Special Diet
Himalayan Cat (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The real problem for budget-conscious pet parents is the fact that a Himalayan cat requires a specific diet. Your pet’s dietary demands are determined by its age, body weight, and level of physical activity, so consult with your vet regarding its dietary regimen.
You may also need to consult your veterinarian about a meal specifically designed to stop or decrease hairballs since Himalayans are likely to be exposed to them due to their lengthy, velvety coats, which are particularly subject to excessive shedding.
Feline obesity is an issue that affects every breed, so avoid overfeeding your pet at feeding times or with extra snacks. If your feline is acquiring too much weight, consult with your vet about a personalized diet and exercise plan.
