Himalayan cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A long-haired, flat-faced cat with blue eyes and Siamese-style points, bred from Persian and Siamese cats and treated by many registries as a Persian.
Also known as Himalayan cat, Himmie, Colourpoint Persian, Longhair Colourpoint, Colorpoint Persian
Quick facts
| Origin | United States and United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-12 lb (3.2-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Long |
| Coat | Long, thick, fine-textured coat with a full ruff and ear and toe tufts |
| Colours and patterns | Pointed in many colours, with a pale body and darker face, ears, legs and tail |
Recognition
| How common | Uncommon |
|---|
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 2 |
| Playfulness | 2 |
| Talkativeness | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 5 |
| Shedding | 5 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 |
| Trainability | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 5 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. A long, heavy coat sheds a great deal, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A calm, quiet indoor home with time for daily grooming and regular vet checks. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A hot home, a household with little time for grooming, or anyone concerned about flat-faced cat welfare. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- TICA
- GCCF
Health conditions to watch
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Eye problems
- Feline asthma
About the Himalayan
The Himalayan is a long-haired cat with the flat face and thick coat of the Persian and the pointed colouring of the Siamese. Breeders in the United States and Britain made it by crossing Persians with Siamese, with American efforts starting in the 1930s. In Britain it was recognised as the Longhaired Colourpoint in 1955, and the CFA recognised the Himalayan in 1957. The name refers to the pattern, which is also found in rabbits.
Status depends on the registry. The CFA and TICA treat the Himalayan as a pointed variety of the Persian, and the CFA merged it into the Persian breed in 1984. The GCCF also treats it as a colour of Persian, and some registries combine it with the Colorpoint Shorthair and Javanese in one breed called Colourpoint. Others, including ACFA, keep it separate. If you meet this cat under another name, it is the same animal.
A Himalayan is cobby with short legs and a broad chest. The head is round with full cheeks, small ears and big blue eyes. The long coat covers the whole body, with a full ruff.
Temperament and living with one
The Himalayan is sweet, gentle and quiet. It likes lying near its owner and enjoys being stroked and brushed. Play is gentle and in short bursts, and few are climbers. It is happy indoors and rarely noisy.
It generally gets on with calm children, other cats and dogs, but it dislikes noise and sudden change.
Care: coat, food and play
Daily grooming is the main task. Comb the coat with a long-toothed comb to prevent mats, especially behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail. A bath after a thorough combing helps now and then, and many owners use a professional groomer. Wipe the eyes and face daily, since flat-faced cats often have tear staining. Keep the home cool.
Feed a complete diet in measured portions to avoid weight gain. Offer short play sessions and a low perch.
Health
The flat face is linked to narrow nostrils, breathing difficulty and eye problems. Polycystic kidney disease is a well-known inherited disease in Persian-type cats, and DNA screening is available. Feline asthma, ringworm and skin conditions also occur. The welfare of flat-faced breeds is debated, and some countries restrict extreme-faced breeding. Ask a breeder for kidney test results and look for a cat with an open nose. Ask your vet about regular checks.
Is it right for you?
Choose a Himalayan if you want a calm lap cat and can groom it every day. It is not a good match for hot climates or a busy, noisy house. For a similar look with a longer nose, consider the Birman, and for a shorter coat compare the Exotic Shorthair.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026