Today, we will talk about the Himalayan cat breed, one of the most famous cats in Pakistan. Now, when we talk about its production, it is the result of a beautiful crossbreed. Crossing a Siamese cat with a Persian cat resulted in the creation of the Himalayan cat. Therefore, the Himalayan cat possesses all the wonderful and intelligent qualities of both Siamese and Persian breeds.
Now, if we talk about its name, you might be surprised to know that it’s not named after the Himalayan mountains, nor does it have any regional affiliation with the Himalayas. Instead, the name “Himalayan” derives from the Himalayan rabbit because similar dark markings are found on the faces of Himalayan rabbits.
In Pakistan, the Himalayan cat, like in other South Asian countries, is a very popular breed. In today’s post, we will tell you about the temperament, appearance, and need-to-know aspects of the Himalayan cat breed.
Dimensions of Himalayan Cat:
- Height: When we talk about the height of a Himalayan cat, it ranges from around 9 to 11 inches.
- Weight: Now, if we discuss their weight, a Himalayan cat typically weighs between 4 to 5 kilograms, with males being slightly heavier.
- Lifespan: Talking about their lifespan, Himalayan cats can live approximately from 12 to 15 years.
- Coat Color: Now, if we talk about the coat colour of Himalayan cats, it comes in various colours including blue, lilac, red, chocolate brown, seal brown and cream.
The personality of Himalayan Cat:
It is stated that this cat came into existence in the world due to the crossbreeding of Siamese and Persian cats. And if we talk about the Siamese cat, it is a very intelligent cat, a trait that is also evident in the Himalayan cat. Himalayan cats can play with their owners for hours. They enjoy fetching items and are very fond of interacting with their owners. Additionally, they establish a routine of cuddling and showing affection towards their owners.
Another reason for the Himalayan cat being immensely popular in Pakistan is their perfect behaviour. For instance, if you want to cuddle and play with them, they will play with you wholeheartedly, and when you want to be busy, they will entertain themselves in a dignified manner without bothering you.
However, one thing every cat enthusiast in Pakistan should keep in mind is that if you want to bring a Himalayan cat into your home, remember that they do not appreciate highly stimulating and noisy environments. They prefer a calm and serene environment. So, if your home is always bustling with noise and children’s activities due to a joint family system, remember that a Himalayan cat may become stressed and even fall ill due to the stress.
Appearance of Himalayan Cat:
In Pakistan, if there is one most famous cat breed, it might be the Persian cat. And you’ll find Himalayan cats with a similar appearance to the Persian cat, except for their dark face and pointed colour coat. An estimate of this can be made by the fact that Himalayan cats are often referred to as colour-point Persian cats. In short, we can say that the appearance of Himalayan cats is similar to Persian cats.
Another feature that distinguishes them in appearance is their round, medium-sized body. Like Persian cats, their legs are slightly shorter, with broad shoulders and a deep chest. Due to their large and majestic coat, they often appear more rounded than other breeds. Their small tail is quite common, and they do not have any curvature in their back.
In Pakistan, people also adore Himalayan cats for their eyes, which are large, round, and deep like the ocean. Due to their round and large eyes, Himalayan cats generally have very innocent-looking faces. While their coat colours may vary, their eyes typically have the same blue shade, some deeper and some lighter blue shades, but all within the blue spectrum.
Taking care of your Himalayan Cat:
Now that you are familiar with its temperament and appearance, it’s essential to consider all the requirements and needs before bringing a Himalayan cat into your home.
Diet:
When it comes to diet, Himalayan cats also prefer dry cat food like other breeds. You can also offer them fish or chicken meat to some extent along with dry food. However, avoid feeding them raw meat as it may contain harmful bacteria. Generally, feeding your Himalayan cat twice a day with a 12-hour interval between meals is sufficient. If you prefer to feed them three meals a day as part of their daily routine, you can also do so, but you’ll need to monitor the quantity given at each meal.
Health:
The genetic makeup of this cat is so perfect that generally, there are not many prevalent specific diseases. However, some conditions are observed in Himalayan cats. Let me tell you about these conditions that you need to pay close attention to before bringing any Himalayan cat into your home.
Due to their flat faces, Himalayan cats often face difficulty breathing, which is why they may pant frequently. Himalayan cats are also more prone to respiratory issues compared to other breeds.
Idiopathic Seborrheoa Syndrome is a hereditary skin disease in which excessive oil production begins in the pores of the cat’s skin, leading to follicular plugging and an extremely inflammatory form of acne that can be expelled from your cat. In addition, Himalayan cats are also very sensitive to colour and heat, just like other breeds.
Grooming and Maintenance:
In Pakistan, one common complaint heard from all those who keep Himalayan cats as pets is about their grooming and maintenance. Keeping their long dense and silky coat groomed can be quite challenging for any owner. Before bringing a cat into your home, consider that you’ll need to groom its coat daily. In addition to daily grooming, you’ll also need to trim their nails every week.
Himalayan Cat is Not Hypoallergenic:
Himalayan cats shed their hair throughout the year due to their long coat. So, remember that if you have any allergies related to hair or fur, a Himalayan cat may not be the best choice for you.
Veterinary Visits Checkups:
You can groom your cat at home and perform weekly grooming sessions, but we recommend taking your cat for a professional checkup and grooming once a month. This not only ensures a thorough veterinary checkup but also prevents any issues like matted fur due to professional grooming.
If we sum up our article, should you keep a Himalayan cat in Pakistan? If you don’t have allergies and want a cat that you can spend time with and cherish, then rest assured, the Himalayan cat is an excellent choice.
