Long-haired breeds
Himalayan: personality, life span and weight
The Himalayan combines the Persian's full long coat with the Siamese's points and blue eyes. Some registries classify it as a division of the Persian.
- Gentle
- Affectionate
- Playful now and then
Himalayan at a glance
- Adult weight
- 3–5.5 kg
- Life span
- 9–15 years
- Shedding
- heavy
- Activity
- calm
- Origin
- United States and United Kingdom (a cross between the Persian and the Siamese)
- Coat
- The Persian's long coat with the Siamese's points, and blue eyes
Himalayan personality
Gentle and quiet like a Persian, but the Siamese side makes it seek people out a little more and start a game now and then. It likes to rest on a lap.
Coat care and daily care
It needs daily brushing and eye care. The flat face makes it sensitive to heat and prone to breathing trouble, so watch the temperature in summer, and tease mats apart little by little instead of pulling.
Health problems Himalayan keepers should know
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)The same as in Persian lines. A genetic test can confirm it.
- Flat-face (brachycephalic) problemsExcess tearing, noisy breathing and crowded teeth can occur.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Himalayan photos from cat keepers
Photo tip Use the contrast between the blue eyes and the dark face points. A light-coloured blanket makes the coat colour clear.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryHimalayan questions and answers
- How long do Himalayan cats live?
- An indoor Himalayan typically lives about 9–15 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Himalayan weigh?
- A fully grown Himalayan usually weighs 3–5.5 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Himalayan cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is heavy. The Persian's long coat with the Siamese's points, and blue eyes. It needs daily brushing and eye care. The flat face makes it sensitive to heat and prone to breathing trouble, so watch the temperature in summer, and tease mats apart little by little instead of pulling.
- What is the Himalayan personality like?
- Gentle and quiet like a Persian, but the Siamese side makes it seek people out a little more and start a game now and then. It likes to rest on a lap.