The Himalayan cat is a hybrid between the Shirazi and the Siamese cat

Himalayan cat Cat Breed

The Himalayan cat

is a hybrid between the Persian cat (Shirazi) and the Siamese cat, and the result is beautiful cats with long, soft, Persian-like fur, sharp color like the Siamese cat, and bright blue eyes. Medium to large, Himalayan cats are distinguished by a full body, wide chest, rounded abdomen, and strong bones. The Himalayan cat is also distinguished by muscle and stiffness, but not as full.

Despite their large size, Himalayan cats can be considered a "gentle giant." They love to attract the attention and affection of their owners, have gentle, mild personalities, and are very playful. If you are looking for a cat that needs a little low grooming, a Himalayan cat may not be the right choice for you - because its long, soft coat requires daily care.

Look at the breed

• Origin: United States, United Kingdom
•  Weight: between 3 and 6 kg, but some males may weigh more.
• Fur: ​​long bushy fur
• It comes in sharp colors and patterns. Some colors include gray, blue, dark brown, purple and cream.
• Life expectancy: 15 years or more

Take care of a Himalayan cat

If you are not willing to spare the time to groom your cat every day, then the Himalayan may not be the cat for you. Since there are long, fine hairs that tangle easily, the Himalayan coat should be brushed with a strong, wide tooth comb daily.

This will remove and prevent dead hair from getting tangled, and help remove any dirt, dirt or debris.

It is worth noting that the Himalayan cat loves to attract the attention of its owners, which makes cleaning easier - and an excellent bond for both the owner and the Himalayan cat.

You can protect your legs and furniture by trimming the Himalayan nails regularly. Inspect the paws weekly and trim as necessary to keep the paws healthy and free from injury.

Take some time each week to check your cat's ears, too. Himalayan pointed ears are prone to dirt and debris, which can lead to infections and other ear problems down the road.

If you find debris in your cat's ears, use a pet ear cleaner and a cotton ball to gently remove it. Never use a cotton swab on your cat's ears - you can cause severe damage to the delicate inner ear structures.

If the ears are very red or inflamed, very dirty, or smelly, take him to the vet as soon as possible.

Himalayan cat character

The Himalayan cat has low exercise needs, but it is full of fun and you will be harmed if you get bored. You can keep her entertaining and engaging by saving lots of cat toys and setting aside a few minutes to play with her every day. Since Himalayan cats have fun personalities, something as simple as a paper ball will keep them happy for hours.

Common health problems

Polycystic kidney disease: PKD is characterized by the development of multiple cysts on a cat's kidneys. It is not immediately life-threatening, but it must be treated as soon as possible to prevent the development of new cysts and to reduce the risk of dangerous bacterial infections.

Respiratory problems: Since Himalayan cats have a flat face, they are more prone to respiratory problems, such as difficulty breathing and swallowing, or the inability to perform physical activity.

Ringworm: Long, thicker fur is more difficult to care for, which gives it an increased risk of ringworm. Be sure to carefully check your cat's skin for red, scaly patches during grooming sessions and see a vet as soon as possible if you suspect ringworm.

Diet and nutrition

Your cat's nutritional needs depend on age, weight, and activity levels, so it is important to talk to your veterinarian about a feeding schedule.

Since Himalayan cats are prone to hair loss - their long, silky coats are very prone to falling out - you may want to ask your vet about food that has been specially formulated to prevent or reduce hair loss.

Obesity in cats is a common problem among all breeds, so make sure your cat does not over-eat his meals during their usual meal times or while eating them. If your cat is gaining weight, your veterinarian can provide a personalized diet plan.