Difference Between Himalayan & Persian Cats

A Persian is a distinctive cat with fluffy fur. However, you may have heard this breed of cats called Himalayan. While this is confusing, there are, in fact, slight differences between the two.

  1. History

    • The Himalayan breed came into existence in the 1920s when Persian cats were bred with Siamese cats for their markings.

    Significance

    • It is important to note that Persians and Himalayans are actually two separate breeds.

    Features

    • The difference between the Persian and Himalayan comes down to the cat's color. The Himalayan has dark markings on the ears, face, tail and paws. Himalayans also have blue eyes.

    Himalayans

    • Himalayan cats come in all the same colors as Siamese cats, including seal and cream point, lynx and tortie point.

    Persians

    • Persians come in many different colors, but never come pointed. Otherwise, it is not pure-bred.