Himalayan kittens are beautiful, interesting creatures with just as interesting a history. They are a very new breed, less than one hundred years old. They were first bred by an American doctor who was trying to create a new breed that had both the body and luxurious long coat of a Persian, while at the same time displaying the prominent pointed coloring common to the Siamese. For a short time, it was considered its own breed, but has since been relegated to little more than a color variation of the Persian breed. There are a number of characteristics common to the Himalayan “breed” that make it an interesting companion.
Physical Characteristics
Physically, Himalayan kittens are going to be almost identical to Persians in most ways. A large, round head will be attached to the body with a thick neck. They will have a large body with long, soft hair. Like Persians, Himalayan kittens will also have short, stubby legs with large paws.
The only real difference you will find between Persians and Himalayans is going to be their coloring. The eyes of Himalayan kittens should be a pale blue, and the coloring will be almost identical to Siamese, including a mask, socks, and tail. They are usually born a solid white color, then develop their distinctive coloring over time.
Personality
They take most of their personality queues from their Persian ancestors. They are very calm, laid back, personable cats that make great, easygoing companions. They are also very playful, and get a lot of enjoyment from interacting with their owners and any other cats that are around.
Health
Himalayan kittens share many health concerns common to Persian kittens, also. Their eyes are prone to problems, so care must be taken to ensure their continued good health. Their squashed face also contributes to the development of breathing problems. Their hair, being extremely long, needs to be frequently brushed to keep it clean and to prevent buildup of dust and other particles. An occasional bath is also recommended.
While in many ways, especially in the eyes of many organizations, Himalayan kittens are virtually identical to Persian kittens, they are still wonderful pets that can be loving companions for many years and should definitely be considered as the next addition to your family.
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