Cat Breeds

Himalayan cat

The colorpoint Persian cat, or Himalayan or Khmer cat, is a Persian with a Siamese coat.

Nature

Lovers of this variety believe that it is distinguished by the peace and dignity of the Persian, combined with the energy of Siam. The Himalayan cat has a medium temperament, is balanced, gentle, with a friendly and pleasant disposition. He is strongly attached to the household, but he is not obtrusive and does not abuse the patience of his guardians.

Not lively, does not climb and does not show destructive inclinations. He will be a good friend to the child, because he does not show aggression, and excessively disturbed just to distance himself. Colorpoint is sociable and feels good in a group, but can also be the only pet in the family. We are happy to make friends with the dog. Like all Persians, he is a home man by nature and does not require going outside.

Advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages

  • very demanding in care
  • possible congenital kidney disease (PKD)
  • possible malocclusion
  • Watery eyes require special attention
  • rather not suitable for an outgoing cat
  • easily accepts other cats and dogs
  • the hair is easily felted

Advantages

  • gentle and kind to deal with
  • quiet home man
  • works great in felinotherapy
  • suitable for children and the elderly
  • can be an only child
  • likes fun

Health

Persians may have congenital polycystic kidney disease (PKD), malocclusion, excessively watery eyes, breathing problems due to shortening of the nose, and hereditary progressive retinal degeneration (thankfully the latter does not lead to blindness, as is the case with Abyssinian cats).

Care

Garment care is labor-intensive and must be systematic, because the thick, soft undercoat is easy to tug (you can use a special powder to facilitate combing). Small kittens need to get used to combing, because their hair does not require intensive treatments yet. You should also remember to rinse your eyes, because due to the shortened nose, they tend to tear too much. We also regularly check the ears and trim the claws.

Himalayan cat

History

The origins of the breed date back to 1931, when Virginia Cobb and Dr. Clyde Keeler began an experimental program that resulted in the first colorpoint pers, named “Newton’s Debutante”. In the 1950s, Ben Borrett started a similar breeding program in Canada. Marguerita Goforth also had a significant impact on the creation of the Himalayan cat breed. The Persian colorpoint cat, formerly called the Burmese cat for the poor, today is considered one of the most spectacular Persian varieties. The Persian colorpoint cat is also sometimes called the Himalayan (from rabbits of similar color), has been known for several dozen years. Originally, there were no long-haired cats with the gene responsible for the formation of colored meanings. The new variety was created thanks to human intervention. 

The breeders associated a Siamese cat, which brought colorful meanings, with a Persian cat, probably black or blue. The first attempts were made as early as 1924, but detailed breeding programs were developed only in the 1930s. Initially, the results were not satisfactory. It was possible to achieve the desired color, but the overall structure and coat left much to be desired. The coat was too short and rare, the body was significantly elongated and the tail was thin; the shape of the head also raised many reservations. 

In the next generations probably only the blood of Persian cats was added, although some believe that perhaps the Burmese cat also had a part in creating colorpoint. Initially, the effects were not satisfactory. It was possible to achieve the desired color, but the overall structure and coat left much to be desired. The coat was too short and rare, the body was significantly elongated and the tail was thin; the shape of the head also raised many reservations. In the next generations probably only the blood of Persian cats was added, although some believe that perhaps the Burmese cat also had a part in creating colorpoint. Initially, the effects were not satisfactory. It was possible to achieve the desired color, but the overall structure and coat left much to be desired. The coat was too short and rare, the body was significantly elongated and the tail was thin; the shape of the head also raised many reservations. In the next generations probably only the blood of Persian cats was added, although some believe that perhaps the Burmese cat also had a part in creating colorpoint.

Himalayan cat

Crossing with persians of different colors resulted in the appearance of markings in many colors. The variety was improved for many years and finally, the Himalayan managed to get the body shape and head shape of the other Persian cats. The English Cat Breeders Association (GCCF) officially recognized him in 1955; in the United States it was registered in 1957.

Template

Colorpoint persian cat – himalayan cat – exotic and persian cats – I cat. FIFe
EMS code: PER
  • Origin: Iran (Persia), Great Britain
  • Character: calm, gentle, friendly
  • Size: quite large
  • Weight: 3.5-7 kg
  • General appearance: well-muscled, with a strong structure, the body should appear rounded
  • Head: massive and wide
  • Ears: small, set low, rounded at the ends, with tufts of hair inside the auricle
  • Eyes: round, large, wide apart, blue
  • Nose: Short
  • Body: massive, strong; Strong, thick bones, small and oval feet
  • Tail: profusely hairy, not very long and rounded at the end
  • Coat: long, dense, slightly protruding from the body, well-developed undercoat, so-called chest and neck. lion’s mane, generous fringe on the thighs
  • Ointment: Siamese type markings that occur on the facial part of the head (the mark should begin at ear height and extend to the cushions with a mustache), ears, limbs and tail; spots or white hair are not allowed; the main color ranges from almost white to dark beige and should clearly stand out from the meanings. Markings in brown (seal point), blue (bluepoint), chocolate (chocolate point), lilac (lilac point), red (redpoint), cream (cream point), tortie (tortie point), brindle (tabby point)
  • Activity: calm, balanced, quiet
  • Resistance/susceptibility to diseases: medium, delicate cat, demanding
  • Lifespan: 14-18 years
Himalayan cat

Interesting facts

To keep the eye-catching, contrasting color, colorpoints are mainly associated with each other, although interbreeding with one-colored individuals is also occasionally allowed.

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