Whether you’re yearning for the soft, silky coat of a Persian cat or the mysterious markings of a Siamese, we’ve got you covered. We’re aware that pet parents who are searching for quirky, unique-looking felines might not know that a Persian Siamese mix exists, and that’s why we’re here.
If you’re bored with average moggies (no offense to them, they’re gorgeous), you might want to shake things up a bit with a hybrid breed that’s guaranteed to make everyone question whether it’s a Persian cat or a Siamese cat that’s napping on the sofa. Welp, that’s a Himalayan cat!
Himalayan cats, or Himmies, are what you get when you combine the two breeds. Signature markings on the ears, tail, face, and paws; smooth, sumptuous coats; and bright blue eyes – these traits are what most pet parents focus on.
But, these beautiful beasts are affectionate and appreciative, and they adore hanging out with humans, too. Before you grab your wallet and head out to the nearest breeder, read more about the wonderous world of the Persian Siamese mix, the Himalayan cat.
What do you get when you combine a Persian with a Siamese?
Now, that’s exactly what the American breeders wondered when they were trying to combine the two. First off, they were attempting to create a bigger and better Siamese – with longer hair, too. Furthermore, they were hoping to keep the positive purrsonality traits of the Siamese but add a few that the Siamese didn’t have.
Because of that, the Persian cat seemed like the perfect fit. Persians are known to be sweet-tempered, warm-hearted, and gentle – and, they’re one of the most popular breeds out there because they’re squishy, smooshy, and abounding in floof.
Moreover, Persian cats are adored because of their perfect, pansy-like faces, which was another characteristic the breeders were hoping to pass on to the Himalayan cat. And, we can’t forget that Persian cats are super, super friendly, and rarely refuse a snuggle session with a human.
But, that floof does require heaps of grooming and brushing, which means Persians aren’t meant for humans that don’t have the time to pamper them.
Siamese cats, on the other hand, are the opposite of Persian cats, appearance-wise. Right off the bat, Siamese cats are long, lean, and muscular. And they’re adorned with short, stubby coats rather than long, luscious ones (which explains why the breeders wanted to cross them with Persians).
Siamese cats are best known for those darkened, masquerade-like markings near the face, ears, legs, and tail. And, as for temperament, Siamese cats are easy-going, attention-loving, and energetic. They’re even described as “dog-like” because they’re obsessed with hanging out with humans, running around, and playing.
Himalayan cats combine the charming purrsonalities and handsome appearances of the two breeds to a tee, and here’s a thing or two you need to know about them.
What’s there to know about the Persian Siamese mix, aka the Himalayan cat?
1. History
Okay, the Persian Siamese mix (let alone the breed name Himalayan) wasn’t even a thought before the 1900s. With Persian cats tracing back to the 1600s and Siamese cats being one of the oldest existing Asian cats, you would think that the cross between the two would’ve happened much, much earlier.
But, even though these two would’ve made the perfect pair, breeding attempts didn’t begin before the 1920s and 1930s. Breeders around the world had wanted to create a Persian cat with Siamese markings, but early attempts weren’t that great.
Two medical researchers from Harvard came close around 1935 when they created the first luscious, long-haired Siamese and named her Newton’s Debutante. The two researchers wanted to keep on trying, but WWII halted the breeding efforts.
Following the war, though, a breeder by the name of Marguerita Goforth continued working towards a Persian Siamese mix. Over the course of time, Marguerita managed to bring recognition to the Himalayan as a new, separate breed.
But, even though the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA) accepted Himalayan, both of them decided to drop the recognition and deem the Himalayan “a division of the Persian.” What a journey, right?
2. Appearance
Himalayan cats are the definition of bold, bright, and beautiful. We didn’t expect anything short of perfection from a Persian Siamese mix, but we’re surprised these curious creatures aren’t as prominent and popular as Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and even Persians.
We might have talked your ears off with what you can expect when you get your hands on a Himalayan cat, but when we argue that you’re getting “a Persian with a mink coat,” we aren’t kidding. Himmies aren’t the biggest breeds out there, but they’re embellished with heaps and heaps of floof, making them appear bigger.
More times than not, they’re cream-colored with splotches of dark, contrasting markings scattered across strategic areas (ears, face, legs, and tail, for the most part). Contrary to what you might think, these areas aren’t always chocolate – they can be seal, blue, lilac, flame, cream, tabby, lynx, and tortoiseshell, too. Chocolate Himalayans are the most common, though.
We can’t forget about the smooshed faces, rounded heads, signature bright blue eyes, and the tiniest ears you’ve ever seen. Whether or not you were planning on getting a Himalayan when you crossed paths with our article, we’re pretty sure you’re searching for the nearest breeder’s number right about now!
3. Purrsonality
Oh, Himalayans are beaming with purrsonality – not. Himmies are couch potatoes that prefer napping on the floor and cuddling with humans than running around and causing trouble. However, that certainly doesn’t mean they’re boring.
Himalayan cats are the cutest because they’re cuddly, and they don’t mind spending hours and hours watching your favorite TV show with you and munching on paw-licking treats.
They’re great listeners because they aren’t going to leave the moment you start venting to them. They won’t be bored to death by your stories from work.
They adore spending time with humans, so they’ll probably follow you wherever you go, stare at you while you’re trying to use the bathroom, and wait for you outside your bedroom door.
While you won’t have to chase after them, beg them to come down from the kitchen counters, and rescue them from the treetops, we can assure you that you’ll have the time of your life with one of these bad boys.
Himalayan cats might be a little too chill for some pet parents, but they’ll never refuse to snuggle, scratch you when you try to pet them or run away when you approach them.
4. Diet and nutrition
Himalayan cats might be comprised of two breeds, but that doesn’t mean that they’re eating for two.
A Himalayan’s diet and nutrition depend on age, health, weight, and the amount of physical activity she gets. For the most part, though, she needs meat, animal protein, and animal-sourced nutrients to survive and thrive.
And, there’s no need to worry about that because most commercially available foods meet an average cat’s nutritional needs.
On the chance that your Himalayan suffers from certain health problems or requires a specific diet, it’s best to consult with your vet to ensure you’re doing everything right. Other than that, you can proceed to stock up on Meow Mix and Fancy Feast galore.
5. Living needs and care
A Persian Siamese mix must be high maintenance, right?
While we wouldn’t say that Himalayans are more challenging to care for than average moggies, they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and knotting.
Shedding can be annoying, too, so we wouldn’t suggest getting a Himalayan cat to pet parents who don’t have the time to take care of these things.
Sure, you might spend your Friday nights scrubbing your furniture. But, you’re going to have a happy and healthy kitty, which beats the sacrifice. Himalayan cats are prone to hairballs (who’s surprised?) and you might need to consult with your vet on how to reduce them or get rid of them completely.
6. Health problems
Himalayan cats are a healthy breed, for the most part. Hybrid breeds tend to experience niggles early on, but these ferocious felines don’t seem to be affected by the same diseases as other hybrids.
However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t susceptible to some health issues. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are the more serious ones, but breathing problems are common, too, due to their flat faces.
We brushed over the fact that they’re known to develop hairballs, but that’s something you can prevent with a little help from your vet. We’re positive that with regular affection, attention, and veterinary checkups, you can have a healthy Himmie!
Persian Siamese mix: How can you get your hands on a Himalayan?
At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with your Persian Siamese mix while watching your favorite TV show. Actually, Himalayan cats are becoming more and more popular, so you might be able to get your hands on one at a nearby cat rescue or shelter.
And, of course, you can bank on reputable breeders to provide you with pedigree, purebred Himalayans. But you might need to pay anywhere between $800 and $1500, depending on the coat color, age, and bloodline. Good luck!
