Hill's gives males over 12 lb (about 5.4 kg) and females 8-12 lb; PetMD gives 7-12 lb overall; GCCF's Persian standard gives females 6-12 lb and males over 12 lb. The long coat makes the cat look bigger than it is.
A sturdy, cobby cat on short legs, with a broad round head, a short nose, small rounded ears and big round eyes that are blue in pointed cats. The coat is long, dense and glossy all over, with a pale body and darker colour on the face mask, ears, legs and tail, the classic Siamese-style points on a Persian body.1635
A soft-spoken, easygoing cat that likes a peaceful home. Himalayans tend to show their feelings with their big eyes rather than loud meows, enjoy curling up on laps and beds, and are usually friendly with visitors, children and other pets once introduced. Now and then they break out of their relaxed routine with short, kitten-like play sessions.2346
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate to low. They are happy to lounge but benefit from daily short play sessions with wand toys, balls, catnip mice or food puzzles; an owner often needs to invite them to play to keep them fit.234
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
High maintenance. Comb and brush the long coat every day, down to the undercoat, so it stays tangle-free; a metal comb works well. Occasional baths or visits to a professional groomer help. Gently wipe around the eyes and face daily. Trim nails weekly for kittens and every 2-3 weeks for adults, and brush teeth regularly.2345
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to a calm indoor home. Offer soft resting places, a few interactive toys and a steady routine; a quiet household suits this breed best.235
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A good-quality complete cat food with proper protein, fed in measured meals rather than left out all day, since this relaxed breed easily puts on weight. Keep fresh water available daily, ideally in a bowl placed a little away from the food.234
Company who they like around
Affectionate and people-oriented, enjoys quiet company and lap time. Gets along with gentle children and other pets when introduced properly.234
The story where it all began
The idea of a longhaired cat with Siamese colouring began as a genetics project at Harvard in the early 1930s, where Virginia Cobb and Dr Clyde Keeler crossed Persians with Siamese and produced the first such kitten, Newton's Debutante; their results appeared in the Journal of Heredity in 1936, but no breed was recognised then. Work picked up again around 1950 on several fronts: Brian Sterling-Webb in Britain, Ben Borrett in Canada, and breeders in the US including Marguerita Goforth, whose cat Princess Himalayan Hope helped set the Persian type with pointed markings. Britain's GCCF accepted the cats as the Longhaired Colourpoint in 1955, and US associations followed in 1957, with every American registry on board by the 1960s. In the 1980s breeders pushed the type ever closer to the Persian, and in 1984 CFA folded the Himalayan into the Persian breed as its own colour division, which is how many registries treat it today.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The very first kitten from the 1930s Harvard breeding programme was named Newton's Debutante.2
2
Sassy, the chatty cat in the films Homeward Bound (1993) and its 1996 sequel, is a Himalayan.1
3
Mr. Jinx, the scene-stealing cat in the Meet the Parents films, is a seal-point Himalayan.1
4
A Himalayan-Persian called Colonel Meow became an internet star in 2012 and appeared in Guinness World Records 2014 for having the longest fur on a cat.1
5
Martha Stewart has kept Himalayans named after composers: Beethoven, Mozart and Bartók.1
6
In CFA and GCCF the Himalayan is not a breed of its own but a pointed colour group within the Persian breed.1
7
Karupin, the pet cat of the main character in the anime and manga The Prince of Tennis, is a Himalayan.1
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named 'Himalayan' because its colorpoint pattern resembles that of the Himalayan rabbit, which also has a light body with darker points, and the name was chosen to reflect this similarity, not because the cat originates from the Himalayan mountains.1
I wake up slowly, stretching one paw at a time on my favorite velvet cushion. The sunbeam is just right. I blink at my human, who says 'Good morning, beautiful.' Yes, I know. I yawn, then pad softly to my food bowl. Not hungry yet. I jump onto the windowsill and watch a bird for a whole hour. Later, I curl on a warm lap, purring like a tiny engine. My human dangles a feather toy, and for a few minutes I'm a kitten again. Then it's nap time. Perfect.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
CFA
Recognised around the end of 1957 after Marguerita Goforth's work; since 1984 shown as the Himalayan division of the Persian breed rather than a separate breed1
CFA
Current standard lists the Himalayan (pointed) division within the Persian breed6
GCCF
Recognised in 1955 as the Longhaired Colourpoint; today a Colourpoint pattern within the Persian standard2
TICA
Accepted in all pointed colours as part of the Persian breed group2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Himalayan. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery day
Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayAbout 15 minutes of play a dayevery day
Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Himalayan tip
Himalayans are prone to weight gain, so use treats sparingly and account for them in daily calories. Because their flat face can crowd teeth, choose soft, dental-friendly treats that are easy to chew.
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Himalayan, and at what times?
Feed your Himalayan measured meals of good-quality cat food rather than leaving food out all day, as this relaxed breed can easily gain weight. Meal times vary by your schedule and your cat's needs, so ask your vet for a routine that keeps your cat healthy.234
What should a Himalayan eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced cat food with proper protein is best, fed in measured meals. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, never give these to your cat.2347
Does a Himalayan need baths?
Occasional baths or visits to a professional groomer help keep the long coat clean and healthy. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests gentle daily eye wipes and regular brushing to reduce the need for baths.2345Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Himalayan need brushing?
Brush your Himalayan every day with a metal comb, reaching down to the undercoat to prevent tangles. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily brushing, and more often during shedding seasons.2345Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Himalayan's claws, and how often?
Trim nails weekly for kittens and every 2, 3 weeks for adults, using a cat nail trimmer and cutting only the tip. Furry Diary suggests a nail care session every 21 days; go slowly and reward your cat.2345Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Himalayan need?
Himalayans enjoy short, daily play sessions of about 15 minutes with wand toys, balls, or food puzzles. They are happy to lounge but benefit from your invitation to stay active and fit.234Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Himalayan's teeth and ears?
Brush your Himalayan's teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste to prevent dental issues. For ears, gently check them weekly and wipe with a soft cloth if needed; ask your vet for specific ear care advice.2345Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Himalayan live?
Himalayans typically live between 8 and 15 years, with proper care and regular vet checkups. Senior years often start around age 11, so adjust their routine as they age.234
Is a Himalayan good with children and other pets?
Yes, Himalayans are usually friendly with gentle children and other pets once introduced properly. They enjoy quiet company and lap time, making them wonderful family companions.234
Can a Himalayan be left alone?
Himalayans are people-oriented and enjoy company, so they prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They can manage short absences if given toys and a calm environment, but a pet sitter or companion is best for longer times.234
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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