According to the ASPCA, the Himalayan Persian cat is rumored to be descended from the Pallas cat, a small wild cat from Central Asia. However, it’s more likely this breed originated from Harvard when two researchers sought to combine the traits of a Siamese and Persian cats. This research resulted in the breed known as the Himalayan Persian, a striking breed with soft white fur and a smokey face. While this breed’s origins may still be up for debate, the Himalayan Persian’s beauty, combined with their cuddly, calm disposition, makes them a great family pet. If you’re interested in this unique breed, this article will walk you through their personality, care, and if they are a good addition to your home.
Personality
The Himalayan Persian has a unique personality due to their genetic makeup. Inheriting the calm, cuddly nature of a Persian and the playful, sassy attitude from the Siamese—there’s never a dull moment with this breed! This breed is also very inquisitive, whether it’s meeting someone new or finding a new hiding spot in the house. Himalayans can also be very talkative thanks to their Siamese genes. Don’t be surprised if this breed meows around you often to let you know what they want!
A Himalayan Persian is a true companion cat. She will most likely rush to greet you when you get home or might be already waiting by the door for your return. This breed is very social, preferring to be around their people and other animals. If you work from home, you’ll have a nice lap cat or a furry ‘supervisor’ throughout the day.
Grooming
Two distinct features of Himalayan Persian are their flat face and long fluffy white fur. Due to their long fur, this breed will require daily grooming to avoid tangles and matting. Praise with treats during and after a brushing session will allow your kitty to associate the brush with good memories. Establishing a brushing routine early will help maintain your cat’s coat, while also strengthening the bond between you and your cat.
A Himalayan Persian cat’s flat face also requires daily maintenance and care. This breed is susceptible to tear stains and prone to infections, if not cleaned regularly. It’s best to establish a face washing routine. All that’s needed is a warm damp cloth to rub their face gently to remove tear discharge. As with brushing, reward your kitty with treats for a positive experience.
Health Concerns
This cat’s distinctive face is endearing, but it does come with some health issues. This breed can experience breathing issues that sometimes leads to a deformity in the airway called Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS). BAS may seem scary, but if caught early, this syndrome can easily be treated. You can mitigate this risk by finding a reputable breeder, weight management, and regular vet visits—your Himalayan Persian will thank you!
Diet
True to their regal nature, Himalayan Persians can be picky eaters at mealtime. To avoid a standoff at the food bowl, it’s recommended to put them on a wet food diet with a moderate amount of healthy animal fat, according to Untamed. Animal protein (beef, chicken, tuna, etc.) should always be in the first three ingredients and ideally will be the first ingredient listed. Thinking about adding a Himalayan Persian to your household and need recommendations for cat food? Check out our article, 4 Top Rated Cat Foods to Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy, for our top-rated finds.
The Himalayan Persian is a one-of-a-kind breed with their dynamic personality and their distinctive appearance. This breed thrives in an action-packed household and loves to join in on the fun! If you liked this informative article, check out our Instagram, Peak City Puppy, for trivia, service information, client pet spotlights, and more!
