CHILDREN’S WORLD – PETS – CATS II - The Himalayan Cat

The Himalayan Cat The Himalayan is not a natural breed, but is a man-made breed developed through selective breeding and crossing several breeds to help avoid genetic diseases and to see how distinctive features will be inherited after breed crossing. An excellent pet for true cat lovers was created almost accidentally. Breeders worked on creating this breed throughout the 20th century and about 40 years ago breed recognition was achieved and now this cat is regularly met in cat shows. The parent breeds of the Himalayan are the longhaired Persian and the shorthaired Siamese. The word Himalayan is not connected with the Himalayas, but with the cat’s distinctive look. Namely, some animal breeds with the same characteristics, e.g. hare, rabbit, Guinea pig, etc., also have the word Himalayan in the name of the breed. The Himalayan has a long coat and long ear and toe tufts and a full tail, with colour on the facial mask, the feet, ears and tail, like the Siamese. There are several basic coat and point colours in which the Himalayan is bred. Grooming is important and coat requires daily combing. Occasional baths are required as well and products for coat. The Himalayan has a silky coat with fine texture and it is long and shreds occasionally, which is why it is important to keep up the grooming and combing routine. Himalayans are intelligent and sweet. They like being petted and love to play, and they love receiving attention, but never demand it. They adjust to the mood of their family members: if one is in a bad mood or gloomy, the Himalayan will try to cheer them up and if she feels it is not the time to seek attention, she will be content to keep to herself and wait for the right time to interact. Himalayans enjoy playtime with teasers or balls, which they love retrieving like dogs. The Himalayan is a perfect pet for any home where she can enjoy sitting in a lap, have her hair gently combed or playing with interactive cat toys and for people who do not mind finding a hair or two on their furniture.