Himalayan Cat

Himalayan Cat

Breed: Himalayan (Colourpoint Longhair) Cat
Temperament: placid
Cost: from $300 (including microchipping)
Lifespan: 14 - 15 years
Recommended for: life indoors
Maintenance: high

Appearance

Himalayans have the heavy build and thick coat of the Persian but the coat colourpoints of the Siamese. They have large round blue eyes and a short nose. There are a wide range of colours available, the most common being sealpoint, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point. Other colours include red point, cream point, tortie point, blue-cream point, chocolate-tortie point, lilac-cream point, seal-lynx point, blue-lynx point, chocolate-lynx point and lilac-lynx point.

Temperament

Himalayans are generally placid, home-loving cats, however, some can be demanding. They are not scared of strangers and can be easily stolen as they are very approachable and affectionate even to strangers.

Health and lifespan

The pushed in face of this breed leads to problems with the eyes and teeth. They can get discharge from their eyes because their tear ducts can become easily blocked. The pushed in shape of their face can also result in teeth becoming overcrowded which may require extra dental care. Being inclined to life indoors they should have a relatively long lifespan of 14 -15 years.

Feeding

A diet of cooked meat, cheese, and good quality cat food is recommended by breeders. It will cost around $12 a week to feed an adult cat.

Breeding

Female kittens may 'call' (come into season) at a very early age, some as early as five months so early desexing is recommended for pet kittens. Himalayans usually have litters of three to four kittens but may have up to six or eight. No kittening problems are reported with the breed.

Costs

Kittens sell for around $300 for pets, more for breeding or showing animals.

Housepet potential

Daily brushing is important as the cat will shed hair profusely if the coat is neglected, and if they get fleas it can be a real effort to rid the cat of the pest. These cats like the indoor life and are not found to be destructive, rather they are more inclined to lie around looking glamorous than tearing up curtains.

Space and exercise

Himalayans are a breed recommended for life permanently indoors.

Ideal owner

Kittens may be sensitive to strong soaps or perfumes so some breeders suggest prospective buyers shower before visiting new kittens. These cats are not suitable for families with young children as the cats can be easily intimidated. Sticky fingers also wreak havoc with the soft, silky coats. Avoid wearing dark coloured clothes when handling these cats - all that long white fur shows up.

Grooming

These cats should be thoroughly combed each day with a steel comb. If this is not done, knots will form in the coat, causing the cat a lot of pain. Eventually the cat would have to be taken to the vet, anaesthetised and shaved. Regular bathing will keep the cat clean and keep its coat tangle-free. Some breeders recommend that the bathing routine being started at 3-4 weeks of age and continued fortnightly. It is also important to train kittens to enjoy being groomed, as a large cat, left untrained could be very difficult to manage.

History

Himalayans were bred by crossing white long haired Persian Cats with Siamese. It is thought that this cross first took place in 1924 and was followed by further trials in the 1930's. In the 1950's the type was established and in the early 1960s, was accepted as a breed by cat authorities. While Himalayans do not require breeding back to Siamese to retain the point markings, Persian backcrossing is allowed to enhance body type.

Uses

Companionship. Not renowned as a mouser.

For further information:

ACT
Capital Cats Incorporated
Registrar - Jenny West
Phone: (02) 6288 2041
NSW
Himalayan Cat Club of NSW Inc.
Mrs Hazel McManus
Phone: (02) 9607 6674
NSW Cat Fanciers' Association (CCCA)
Phone: (02) 4587 8789
Waratah State Cat Alliance (ACF)
Phone: (02) 9544 1910

NT
Cat Association of the Northern Territory
Phone: 08 8932 3485
Fax: (08) 8931 0114

QLD
Queensland Feline Association Inc.
Secretary - Mrs Valerie Harney
Phone: (07) 3260 6575
Council of Federated Cat Clubs of Queensland
Secretary - Marie Mahoney
Phone: (07) 5498 6078
Feline Control Council of Qld
Secretary - Jan Wylie
Phone: (07) 3857 2743

SA
Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of SA
Secretary - Mrs Nell Evans
Phone: (08) 8449 5880
Feline Association of South Australia Inc
Secretary - Mrs B. August
Phone: (08) 8532 3314

TAS
Cat Association of Tasmania (ACF)
Phone: (03) 6243 7521
Fax: (03) 6243 8660
Cat Control Council of Tasmania
Secretary - Ms T. Plumbridge
Phone: (03) 6344 6464

VIC
Feline Control Council of Victoria
Phone: (03) 9281 7404
Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of Victoria
Secretary - Mrs D. Oates
Phone: (03) 9752 4217
Cat Authority of Victoria Inc.
Phone 0412 526 702
Fax (03) 9734 7416

WA
Cat Owners' Association of WA Inc (CCCA)
Tony Farrell
Phone: (08) 9384 2500
Feline Control Council of WA
Phone/Fax: (08) 9493 5228

Copyright 2000 CTC Productions