Characteristics of Himalayan Kittens

Himalayan cats made a fairly recent debut into the feline world, with the breed standard being set in 1957. Counting the Persian and Siamese cats as its ancestors, the breed was started in 1930 by Dr. Clyde Keller and Virginia Cobb. They intended to create a cat combining the long hair of the Persian with the color points of Siamese cats. Today the Himalayan is part of the Persian division within the cat breed governing body, The Cat Fanciers' Association. These popular kittens are prized for their beauty and temperament.

  1. Temperament

    • Himalayan kittens possess a sweet and loving nature. These kittens make wonderful pets and are a good choice as a first pet for a child. A Himalayan kitten requires a lot of attention and becomes very attached to its owner, so consider the time commitment before purchasing one. A Himalayan kitten should be purchased only if you are prepared to keep the cat for its natural life span of up to 20 years. Typically, Himalayan kittens stay with their mothers longer than other kittens, so do not expect to take your kitten home before it is 12 weeks old.

    Colors

    • The body fur of a Himalayan kitten is light in color, with the special coloring occurring in the points. You can find Himalayan kittens with points in a variety of colors. Points are darker patches of fur shading to a lighter color at various points on your kitten's body. Cats are specifically bred for points and also certain colors of points. You'll find the points on your kitten's ears, face, legs and tail. Choose from chocolate, seal, red or cream, or go for the more exotic blue and lilac.

    Eyes, Coats and Body Type

    • One of the Himalayan kitten's most striking features can be found in their blue eyes, which are round and set widely. Their ears are small and have round tips. Himalayan kittens have long hair, so frequent grooming is required to keep them looking their best. To meet specifications for their breed, Himalayan kittens must have either long, flowing fur or medium long and thick fur. According to breed specifications, a Himalayan kitten has a large, round head and a short, thick neck.

    Health Issues

    • The beautiful coat of the Himalayan kitten has a downside: Your kitten will be more prone to hairballs. You also have to care for your kitten's eyes and nose. Himalayan kittens and cats have watery eyes, which lead to runny noses. Both need to be wiped daily. The Himalayan kitten's cute flat nose can cause breathing problems, which may require a veterinarian's attention. Be aware that the in-breeding that achieved the Himalayan breed also has left these felines with the potential for genetic defects. Have your kitten checked occasionally by a vet to be sure it is free of problems.