- Cat Breed Facts

·  Status: They have current status.

·  Size and Weight: Himalayan Cats are large or medium sized and weigh 7 to 12 pounds.

·  Coat: They have a long, thick coat.

·  Head and Muzzle: They have a large, round head.

·  Body: Himalayan Cats appear to be big boned.

·  Colors: They can be a variety of colors including chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, red, cream, and mixed.

·  Life Expectancy: The average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.

·  Popularity: Himalayan Cats are growing in popularity.

·  Habitat: They are mainly indoor cats.

  - Cat Breed Origins

·  Country of Origin: They originated in Iraq and Iran, formerly known as Persia.

·  Lineage: They are a cross of Siamese and Persian cats. They have the stocky body type, long hair, and easygoing temperament of the Persian and the pointed pattern of the Siamese.

·  Date Admitted to CFA: The seal blue, chocolate, and lilac Himalayan Cats were admitted to the CFA in 1957, the flame and the tortie points in 1964, the blue-cream points in        1972, the cream points in 1979, and the lynx points in 1982.

·  Historical Information: Himalayan Cats are the result of years of Persian breeding to create a longhaired cat.

- Cat Breed Defining Characteristics

·  Training Ease: They should be house trained at an early age.

·  Temperament: Himalayan Cats are active cats that like to play.

·  Tolerance to Children: They get along well with children.

·  Behavior: Himalayan Cats will follow you and try to "help" you do things.

  - Cat Breed Concerns

·  Health Issues: They are healthy, vigorous cats that have no history of specific diseases or genetic faults.

·  Feeding: They should have a balanced diet that is high in protein and fat.

·  Exercise Needs: Himalayan Cats need some daily exercise.

·  Grooming Needs: They are high maintenance cats. They need groomed almost daily and they require weekly baths.

·  Special Household Needs: They should be contained at night in a comfortable place with plenty of fresh air.

·  Travel Needs: When traveling, you should talk to the cat to help them relax and give them plenty of chances to get out of the car.

·  Getting Along With Other Pets: Himalayan Cats generally get along well with other pets.

 - How to Choose your Cat Breed

 ·  What To Look For In A Healthy Cat: A healthy Himalayan cat should have clean vivid blue eyes, clean ears, healthy looking fur, the correct number of toes, and healthy looking gums. They should also be agile and respond quickly to sounds.

·  What You Will Need For A New Cat: A new cat will need a food bowl, litter box, kitty litter, nail clippers, a brush, a bed, and a scratching post.

·  Cat-Proofing Your House: They will need an easily accessible litter box and scratching post.

·  How To Make Your New Cat Feel At Home: A new cat needs love, attention, and lots of playtime.