Himalayan Cat

History of the Himalayan cat breed

Oddly enough, the name of the breed is absolutely unrelated to the area of its breeding. In fact, the homeland of cats is the USA, and the definition of "Himalayan" stuck to them simply because their color coincided with the color of rabbits living in the vicinity of the Himalayas. First attempts to withdraw persian cat with a color-point color were made back in the 30s of the XX century at Harvard University. The experiment was successful, but the felinological associations were not impressed, so the animals did not receive the status of an independent breed at that time. But British breeders became interested in them, who took the initiative from their foreign colleagues and began their experiments on crossing.

In the early 50s, American breeders Virginia Cobb, Margarita Gorford and Clyde Killer again started promoting a new breed. As a result, in 1955, the Himalayan cats were recognized by the GCCF, and two years later by the CFA. It is worth noting that in the early stages, breeders simply wanted to form a Persians atypical Siamese color, retaining the rest of the external characteristics. As a result, the animals were bred mainly by the method of inbreeding. In the 60s, the fashion changed, and individuals born as a result of direct crossing began to appear in nurseries Persians c siamese , which brought a strong dissonance to the ranks of the breeding stock.

The breeders managed to agree and come to a common standard only by the end of the 80s. As a result, the bet was placed on the dominant "Persian" exterior features, which led to the designation of the breed in the CFA felinological registers as Himalayan-Persian. As for the domestic Himalayas, their number is extremely small – color-point fuzzies came to our country on the eve of the collapse of the USSR and did not cause a stir. To date, the popularity of Himalayan cats in the world has also declined slightly, although in the second half of the 90s the breed literally "lit up" at exhibition rings.

Video: Himalayan Cat

Himalayan Cat Breed Standard

At first glance, the Himalayan is the most typical persian , who decided to disguise himself as siam . Blue eyes to animals also passed from representatives of the oriental group. Actually, by the color of the iris, the breed is most often identified. The general fatness of the addition, bordering on an average degree of obesity, is nothing more than an optical illusion created by the voluminous coat of a cat. Under his "fur coat", the Himalay hides quite average dimensions and moderate stockiness of build.

Officially, the breed is bred in two lines. The first is the classic Persian type, whose representatives have delicate doll–like "faces" with a short, but not too upturned nose. The second variety is the so–called Peking (Pekingese) Himalayas, which have more flattened muzzles of an emphatically brachycephalic type. In recent years, there has been a tendency to extremalize the exterior characteristics of the family, so cats with hyperbolized round eyes and snub noses most often get into the show class.

Head

The head of the Himalayan cat is characterized by a smoothed domed shape, an impressive width and a developed chin area. The size of the skull is from large to medium. The cheeks are plump and voluminous, the expression of the muzzle is tender and tender.

Jaws

Representatives of the breed have fairly wide and powerful jaws. The bite should be correct, that is, of a tick-like type, when the incisors are closed straight.

Ears

Himalayan cats have very tiny ears with a rounded tip shape. The distance between the hearing organs is large, the set of the ears is low.

Eyes

The eyes are perfectly round, widely spaced, shaped like transparent buttons. The iris is clean, expressive, painted in a rich blue or pale blue tone. The look can be both concentrated and hypnotizing, and slightly puzzled.

Nose

The correct Himalaya has a miniature snub nose and a short nose. In a dream, a cat can sniff and snore, which is considered an acceptable physiological feature for animals with a brachycephalic structure of the muzzle. Important requirement: the nose, forehead and chin are located in a straight line.

Neck

The neck of a Himalayan cat is always thick and short, but it is important that it is muscular and flexible.

Body

The Himalaya has a large (not to be confused with a swollen) body with soft outlines. The shoulders and the croup are equally voluminous. The backs of the breed representatives are of a shortened type, perfectly smooth. The abdomen and ribs are moderately rounded. The muscular corset of the Siamese is developed, but at the same time it is characterized by an amazing softness, which is easily confused with an overabundance of adipose tissue. The backbone is strong and quite heavy.

Legs

When viewed from the front and back, the limbs look straight. The front legs are very short, which gives the exterior of the cat a light "toyiness".

Tail

The tail is of normal proportions, relatively short and straight.

Wool

Himalayan cats have the richest "fur coats" that make purrs look like giant pompoms. Elongated throughout the body, the soft wool is "reinforced" by elastic, dense layers of undercoat.

Color

An animal with a pure pedigree has a Siamese mask on its muzzle. It is also mandatory to have shaded markings on the tail, paws and ears. The colors of Himalayan cats registered by the standard are: blue point, purple point, seal point (dark brown markings), chocolate point, as well as red-red and cream point.

Disadvantages and disqualifying vices

The champion title is not awarded to individuals with contrasting spots in the form of a medallion or buttons, as well as animals with any eye color other than blue. Cats with tail fractures, asymmetrical muzzles, malocclusion (noticeable overbite or underbite) and strabismus are unconditionally disqualified.

Character of the Himalayan cat

By nature, the Himalayas are rather imposing Persians , rather than self -willed Siams , so in everyday life these comrades behave carefully and peacefully. However, occasionally an "inspiration" descends on the cat, and then the fluffy pet begins to trade in petty hooliganism. Therefore, more often remember the episode from the comedy with Ben Stiller, where the Himalayan limitless flushes the dog he is tired of into the toilet, and watch for changes in the mood of the ward.

Otherwise, Himalayan cats are quite sofa-cushion pets, dependent on comfort and affectionate atmosphere. These fluffy sybarites are happy to take a nap on the master's lap and will gladly accompany a person in his movements around the apartment. To someone, such behavior will seem like a banal obsession, but in fact, animals thus satisfy the irrepressible curiosity received from Siamese ancestors. As an example: if the ward climbed onto the table where you laid out working documents, do not rush to take his actions for shameless sabotage. It is likely that Kotofey just decided to help you with things.

Himalayans are much more playful than their persian relatives , therefore, they can drive a lump of paper or a feather flying through the window around the apartment until they are exhausted. If you give a purr stuffed with catnip mouse, the animal will fall into a real euphoria. However, you should not expect that a fluffy gambler will rush at the speed of a meteor – such extreme activity is not peculiar to the breed. The toy object will be tortured with sense, with feeling, with arrangement and often at a half-asleep pace, occasionally interspersed with sharp attacks.

The Himalayan cat is very loving and has sincere sympathy for all family members, provided that they reciprocate. At the same time, the pet will always have a separate pet, who will get a little more affection and contented rumbling than the rest of the household. Representatives of this fluffy family are not vindictive and not vindictive, but they subtly feel the mood of the one with whom they communicate. So if you are the same owner who believes that stroking a cat is only spoiling, you are not on the way with Siamese people. Himalayan cats treat children fairly evenly, and even in the most critical situations they prefer not to release their claws, sincerely counting on a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Education and training

Despite the generally accommodating nature, Himalayan cats are in no hurry to join the educational process. For this reason, it is necessary to instill basic norms of etiquette in an animal from an early age – an adult person who has managed to master bad habits, alas, does not lend himself to re-education. After the kitten has socialized and got used to the new home, immediately engage in the formation of his toilet skill. The tray should be in the most calm and quiet place and in no case near the food bowl.

It is necessary to plant a small Himalayan on the tray immediately after sleep and active games. In order for the baby to understand that the toilet belongs only to him, it is recommended to put a piece of cloth in the filler with which you previously wiped the puddle left by the pet. Along the way, wean the animal from the habit of sharpening its claws on furniture, but first buy a scratching post. If, after that, the kitten attempts the upholstery, sprinkle water on it when you find it behind the diversion, and then send it back to the scratching post.

Are you used to leaving fragrant delicacies on the table? Get ready for the cat to taste them! Himalayans, of course, are passive comrades, but they will not resist a delicious dish left unattended. Wean the ward to jump on the table immediately and unconditionally. First, do not leave meat products on the kitchen surface, so as not to tempt fluffy. Secondly, try to make this piece of furniture cause unpleasant associations in the animal. For example, treat it with products with a strong menthol or citrus smell, which cats hate. You can also lay out tape tapes on the table with the sticky side up to "catch" the prankster with them.

Teaching a Himalayan cat funny tricks is difficult and in fact there is no need, but if you decide to play the great trainer, stock up on meat delicacies. Make allowances for the fact that cats are not dogs, they will not strain themselves solely out of a desire to please you. An important nuance is to clearly convey to the animal what is expected of him. For example, if you want to teach a cat to sit down on command, then you first need to demonstrate a delicacy, and then gently incline the fluffy to the necessary position, encouraging it to perform a delicacy. Some owners use catnip as a training incentive. This is the easiest way that experts do not recommend going.

It is also useful to slightly refine the method with a delicious reward, adding a clicker to the treat. Click the device while working out the command, and then, if the task is completed, please the cat with a treat. Soon fluffy will realize that the clicker sound is followed by encouragement, and will fulfill the requirements more willingly. By the way, if you notice that Kotofey sincerely resists your commands and rushes to leave, you should not try to suppress his will. Practice only when the cat is ready to study and no more than once a day – in a 15-minute lesson, the breed exhausts its internal resource and needs a long rest.

Maintenance and care

Himalayan cats are comfort–dependent creatures, so take a responsible approach to choosing a comfortable couch, tray, toys, as well as bowls for eating and drinking. To care for wool, it is better to spend money on a set of combs, which must necessarily include a fluff, metal combs with frequent and rare teeth, as well as a brush made of natural bristles.

Dressed in voluminous "mantos", perso-Himalayas are sensitive to temperature rise and easily get heat stroke in hot weather. Animals also overheat in stuffy city apartments, so in summer the cat will either have to be cut, or turn on the air conditioner more often. The breed does not suffer from increased jumping ability. This means that you can save money on buying a high gaming complex or replace it with some interesting maze with jute scratching posts.

Hygiene and grooming

The spectacular coat of Himalayan cats without care instantly loses its gloss, turning into a creepy collection of tangles and dirty "dreadlocks". So three times a week, and in the molting season – daily, get an arsenal of combs and work out the pet's fur. First, the hair is "disassembled" with a rare comb, then the tangles are manually untangled, removing the dead undercoat with the help of a furminator and a frequent comb. The final touch is the introduction of gloss with a brush made of natural bristles.

If there is an acute shortage of time, the animal can be cut, but this number will not work with show animals, which after such transformations will simply not be allowed to the exhibition. You should not rely on the fact that the cat will lick its fur on its own – even a gigantic tongue will not cope with such a shock of hair as in the Himalayas. By the way, about licking: there should always be a means for removing wool from the stomach in the first-aid kit of the owner of a fluffy cat. Otherwise, get ready to spend a lot more on surgery at the vet.

Once a month, the Himalayan person is supposed to be redeemed using a mild shampoo and conditioner - most animals are loyal to this procedure and do not panic. Drying wool with a hair dryer is allowed, but fluffy will have to be accustomed to such manipulations gradually – the sound of a working hair dryer scares and unnerves kittens. Pay special attention to the fur around the anus – it needs to be trimmed periodically and thoroughly washed. The eyes of the breed representatives, due to anatomical features, leak, so it is necessary to carry out their hygiene daily. For this purpose, it is better to buy a special herbal lotion with taurine and D-panthenol. During the day, it is also useful to wipe the tear grooves with a clean cloth soaked in cooled boiled water.

Cleaning the ears of a Himalayan cat is carried out weekly with the help of hygienic drops and fabric or cotton pads. Once every two or three days, it is advisable for the pet to brush his teeth, for which it is necessary to buy cat paste and a brush. Even if the fluffy ward has mastered the art of scratching the scratching post perfectly, it is better to shorten his claws once a month – so it is safer and more hygienic for furniture upholstery.

Feeding

Himalayan kittens under the age of 6 months are fed 4 times a day. The same diet in adult pregnant cats. Half-year-old pets are transferred to a three-day diet, which is adhered to until the animal turns 1.5 years old. Next, the Himalayan cat eats twice a day. If you do not want to be engaged in calculating the calories of each serving and spend time searching for useful vitamins and dietary supplements, use dry and wet industrial feed. At the same time, the "drying" class should not be lower than super-premium or holistic.

Feeding a Siamese person with a "straight woman" is also acceptable, but in a particular case it is easy to overdo it, since the breed is prone to overeating and weight gain. Products that are necessary for a pet "sitting" on a natural menu: lean meat, fish fillet (once a week or less), low-fat dairy products, vegetables (carrots, pumpkin), quail egg. Porridges as such are not required, although almost all breeders add rice and buckwheat to the meat to enrich the daily diet of the Himalaya with fiber. And of course, do not forget that it will not work to balance a cat's home nutrition without ready-made vitamins and trace elements, so periodically look into the veterinary library and consult a veterinarian.

Health and diseases of Himalayan cats

With good care and qualified medical support, the Himalayan cat lives up to 14-16 years. The breed's health is not bad, there are no problems with immunity, while it is important to remember a number of physiological nuances. This, for example, difficulty breathing is a common occurrence for all animals with a brachycephalic structure of the muzzle. In addition, the breed often has uncontrolled lacrimation. Another scourge of the Himalayas is obesity, aggravated by reduced motor activity, so the issue of nutrition will have to pay maximum attention.

Of genetically determined diseases, polycystic kidney disease was detected in the breed. Also, animals may have hyperesthesia syndrome, eye diseases (glaucoma, entropy, retinal atrophy), Willebrand's disease, urolithiasis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Predisposition to fungal infections, dermatosparaxis and primary seborrhea is manifested in a limited number of individuals.

How to choose a kitten

• Himalayan cats of chocolate and purple-point colors are born extremely rarely, so get ready to pay an order of magnitude more for the owner of such a suit.
• The most common type of color of the breed is seal point, it is also valued the cheapest. Accordingly, if you want to save a little, choose an animal with such a "fur coat".
• Himalayan kittens are born very light, often without a mask on their muzzle and with unpainted ears. The pigment on the head, paws, ears and muzzle is formed gradually and is fully stabilized only in year-and-a-half-year-old cats.
• Buy a pet from a seller who is ready to provide a cat metric with marks on vaccinations, as well as a certificate of the animal's health.
• Before buying, visit the cattery several times to see what conditions the cat family lives in, what it is fed and how the babies are treated.
• Find out how many births the Himalayan cat has had in the last 12 months. Remember that felinological associations allow registering no more than two litters per year. The best option is if the interval between the previous and last births is at least 8 months.
• Try to get reliable information about the age of the manufacturers. In catteries registered by felinological systems, cats are removed from breeding upon reaching the age of 5.

The price of a Himalayan cat

A club Himalayan kitten with a good pedigree and without exterior defects stands in the area $250 – $300. The price for show animals of rare colors usually increases by one and a half to two times and reaches $500 – $600. If you want to buy an animal cheaper, make a choice in favor of representatives of the pet class and kittens with defects in appearance that do not affect health. The average cost of such Himalayans is $80 – $100. It is recommended to pay attention to the fact that in Russian nurseries they prefer to breed the Beijing type of breed, so in most cases get ready to get a brachycephalic pet.