Himalayan
Persian body, Siamese coloring — a popular long-haired colorpoint cat.
Himalayans combine the Persian's plush long coat and round face with the color-pointed pattern and blue eyes of the Siamese. Calm, sweet-natured, and quietly affectionate, they prefer serene homes and bonded human company.
Key facts
| Origin | United States, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 7–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Low |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Daily brushing |
| Shedding | High |
| With children | ●●●●○ |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●○ |
| For beginners | ●●●○○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Stunning long coat with bright blue eyes
- Calm and sweet
- Good apartment companion
- Quiet
✗ Things to know
- Daily grooming required
- Health issues from flat face
- Daily eye cleaning needed
Ideal owner
A Himalayan may suit you well if you:
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Prefer a calmer, less demanding companion
A Himalayan may not suit you if you:
- Want a low-maintenance coat — this breed needs regular grooming
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Himalayans can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Brachycephalic issues
- Eye conditions
Is a Himalayan right for you?
The best way to find out if a Himalayan suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Himalayan a good cat for first-time owners?
Himalayans can suit first-time owners who do their research. Calm, sweet, and gently affectionate. Make sure you can meet their specific care needs before committing.
Are Himalayans good for apartments?
Yes — Himalayans adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Himalayans good with children?
Himalayans are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Himalayans hypoallergenic?
Himalayans are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Himalayan suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Himalayan on Wikipedia