| Himalayan is a breed of long-haired felines. It is a very | | | | Persians are subject to periodic development of |
| popular and pretty cat. The cat originated in 1930 in | | | | matts and hairballs, requiring regular grooming and |
| United States through breeding of Persian and | | | | baths. Their depressed nose obstructs their breathing |
| Siamese cats. The objective was to create a breed | | | | at times and compresses the tear ducts, leading to |
| with the long hair of the Persian and the points of | | | | permanently watery eyes in some cases. As such, |
| the Siamese. Indeed it is referred to today in | | | | the Himalayans often require their face to be wiped |
| European countries as the Colorpoint Persian. | | | | as the coat is brushed daily. Furthermore decades of |
| The Himalayan is light colored at birth. With time | | | | inbreeding to create the prefect Himalayan has |
| markings develop on face, limbs, ears and tail. This is | | | | meant that these pretty felines sometimes suffer |
| attributed at times to difference in temperature | | | | from genetic defects, resulting in organ failures, in |
| between the trunk and extremities. Accepted colors | | | | particular Polycystic Kidney Disease. |
| include blue, brown, chocolate, cream, flame, lilac and | | | | As regards temperament, the Himalayans are quite |
| red. Fur is long, flowing and often thick. Overall built | | | | peaceful and at times laid back. They are loving and |
| of the cat is stocky with short limbs and large round | | | | interested in their owners and develop close bonds |
| paws. Head is round and somewhat big and | | | | with them. Social and gentle cats, the Himalayans |
| supported by a short neck. Ears are small, though | | | | make adoring companions. Even as their company |
| eyes are big, bright and round, in varying shades of | | | | requires daily grooming and maintenance, pet owners |
| blue. | | | | around the world recognize that it is well worth the |
| Owing to their extremely long fur, these Colorpoint | | | | effort and cherish the company of these lovely cats. |