Himalayan Cat: How It Differs from the Persian

A Persian's fluffy body with a Siamese-style mask and deep blue eyes: that's the Himalayan [1][2]. Under the colouring, it's the same cat as the Persian, so it needs the same daily care. Here's the quick guide.

Himalayan cat quick facts

What's the difference between a Himalayan and a Persian?

Mostly the colour. The Himalayan has the Persian's body, coat and flat face, plus a "pointed" pattern and blue eyes from its Siamese side [1][2].

Is it a separate breed? That depends on the registry [2][3]:

• CFA made it its own breed in 1957, then moved it into the Persian breed as a colour division in 1984 [2].
• GCCF (UK) lists "Colourpoint" as a Persian colour group [3].
• TICA puts it in a shared Persian breed group with the Persian and Exotic Shorthair [1][2].

Why are a Himalayan cat's face, ears and tail darker?

It's the pointed pattern, inherited from the Siamese. The darker colour stays on the ears, face mask, legs, feet and tail, while the body stays a clear, lighter shade [1][2]. Point colours include seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, flame, cream, tortie and lynx (tabby) [1].

Did you know? The name comes from the colour pattern, also seen in Himalayan rabbits, not from the Himalayan mountains. The breed was developed in the West [2].

How often should I brush a Himalayan cat?

Every day. It carries the full Persian coat, which tangles fast and can form painful mats [3][4]. Even 5 to 10 minutes of daily combing helps [3]. A simple routine [4]:

• Gently massage the skin first.
• Comb head to tail with a wide-toothed comb.
• Go softly under the "armpits" and around the back legs.
• Finish with a rubber glove or damp cloth.

What should a Himalayan cat eat?

Ask a licensed vet which food suits your cat. General vet guidance on how to feed [9]:

• Adults: usually two measured meals a day, not a bowl left full all day.
• Kittens: 3 to 4 smaller meals a day until about 9 to 12 months.
• Water: always fresh. Several bowls or a fountain can help cats drink more.

Free feeding and low activity can lead to weight gain [9].

Why do Himalayan cats' eyes water?

The flat face again. Short tear ducts mean tears often spill down the face instead of draining into the nose [5]. Gently cleaning the eye area is part of routine care [5]. Thick or coloured discharge, redness or squinting? See a licensed vet. More in our guide to eye and tear-duct problems.

How do I keep a Himalayan cool in the Saudi summer?

Any cat can get heatstroke in a hot, stuffy space [6]. And the flat face means a narrower airway [5]. So:

• It's a sensible precaution to keep it in a cool, air-conditioned room [5][6].
• Offer shade, a cooling mat and several water bowls [6].
• Watch closely for laboured breathing.

Contact a vet right away if you see heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting or collapse [6].

What health problems do Himalayan cats get?

The same ones as Persians, because the body and face are the same. Big UK vet studies count Himalayans together with Persians rather than separately [7]. Watch for:

• Breathing problems: small nostrils and a long soft palate come with the flat face [5].
• Eye and tear problems: large eyes and short tear ducts [5].
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): inherited, and most common in Persians and related breeds like the Himalayan [8].
• Skin and coat problems, plus teeth issues, are also seen in Persian-type cats [7].

Does the colour affect PKD? One genetic study of 60 related Persian-type cats found no link between the pointed colour and PKD. Cats of every colour carried similar risk [10]. So the blue eyes don't change the kidney question.

Before you buy or adopt a Himalayan

• Ask the breeder about PKD in both parents, since it's inherited [8].
• Watch the kitten breathe at rest. Snoring or open-mouth breathing? Talk to a vet first [5].
• Check the eyes for heavy discharge or redness [5].
• Ask for the health record, vaccination card and microchip details [11].
• Plan for costs: food, daily grooming tools, vet check-ups and vaccinations, and an emergency fund [4][8][9].

Can a Himalayan cat travel to Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Import rules treat all pet cats the same, whatever the breed or colour [11]. The points below come from an unofficial English translation of MEWA’s rules, so treat them as guidance only: confirm current rules with MEWA through the Anaam platform, and with your airline, before you book.

• Register on Anaam and get an import permit, valid for 30 days [11].
• The cat needs an ISO microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an official health certificate from the exporting country [11].
• Limits: that unofficial translation lists a minimum age of 4 months and up to 2 cats every 6 months per person. Confirm the current limit directly with MEWA/Anaam before you travel [11].

The flat face adds heat risk in transit, so talk to a licensed vet before flying. Airline details are in our Persian cat travel section.

Himalayan cat FAQ

Is the Himalayan a real breed or a Persian colour?

Both answers exist. CFA and GCCF treat it as a Persian colour group, while TICA groups it with the Persian in a shared breed group [1][2][3].

What colour eyes does a Himalayan cat have?

Deep, vivid blue. The CFA standard accepts no other eye colour [1].

Are Himalayan cats calm or active?

The CFA describes them as people-oriented and vocal, thanks to their Siamese side, with the calm Persian temperament underneath [2].

Is PKD linked to the Himalayan's colouring?

The evidence found says no. A genetic study found similar risk across all coat colours in Persian-type cats [10].