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Himalayan (cat) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Himalayan Persian
A cream point Himalayan
Seal point himalayan cat
A seal point lynx (tabby) Himalayan

The Himalayan is a special kind of cat that was first created by mixing two popular breeds: the Siamese and the Persian. This cat gets its unique look from both parents. It has the cool "point" markings (darker fur on its ears, face, paws, and tail) and bright blue eyes like a Siamese. But it also has the long, fluffy fur of a Persian cat. Sometimes, people think of the Himalayan as just a color variation of the Persian, rather than its own separate breed.

What Himalayans Look Like

Himalayan cat percy
A 3-year-old seal-point doll-faced Himalayan

Their Body Shape

Just like most Persian cats, Himalayans usually have a round, sturdy body with short legs. This body shape can make it a bit harder for them to jump as high as other cats. However, since the 1960s, some Himalayans have been bred to have a body more like a Siamese. These cats can jump higher, but they might not be allowed in cat shows, depending on the rules of different cat clubs.

Their Head and Face

Himalayans, like other Persians, come in two main face types:

  • Traditional or Doll-face: These cats have a more classic cat face, with a nose that sticks out a bit. The seal-point Himalayan in the picture on the left is a doll-faced cat.
  • Peke-faced or Ultra-typed: These cats have a very flat, "squashed" looking face, with a very short nose. The chocolate-point cat in the main picture at the top of the page is peke-faced.

Cats that are shown in competitions often have a very flat nose and big, round eyes, with their nose right between their eyes. Himalayans kept as pets or for breeding usually have slightly longer noses and smaller eyes than the show cats. No matter the face type, they are all still Himalayans!

Their Amazing Coat Colors

The main part of a Himalayan's fur is usually white or cream. But their "points" (ears, face, paws, and tail) come in many cool colors and patterns!

Here are some of the common point colors:

  • Blue Point: The points are a soft blue-gray color.
  • Lilac Point: This is a lighter, brighter version of blue. The body fur is usually whiter than on a blue point cat.
  • Seal Point: The points are a dark, rich brown, almost black.
  • Chocolate Point: The points are a warm, milk-chocolate brown. The body fur is whiter and brighter than on a seal-point cat. A cool way to tell the difference between a chocolate point and a seal point is by their paw pads: chocolate points have pink paw pads, while seal points have dark brown ones.
  • Red or Flame Point: The points are a fiery red or orange color.
  • Cream Point: The points are a light, creamy orange color. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between a cream point and a light red point.

Himalayan points can also have patterns like Tortoiseshell (mixed colors), Lynx (tabby stripes), or Tabby.

Chocolate and Lilac point Himalayans are harder to breed. This is because both parent cats must carry a special gene for these colors to appear in their kittens.

Himalayan Cat Personality

Cléopatre 2
A Himalayan lounging.

Himalayan cats are known for being very sweet, smart, and usually quite friendly. Because they have Siamese cats in their family tree, they tend to be more active and playful than pure Persian cats.

These cats make wonderful indoor pets. They are generally gentle, calm, and have a fun, playful side. Just like Siamese cats, Himalayans often love to play games like fetch! A simple crumpled paper ball or a small cat toy can keep them entertained for hours. Himalayans are very loyal and love to be with their human families. They really enjoy getting affection, being petted, and being groomed.


Images for kids

  • Himalayan-sharapova

    Red (flame) point

  • Strathcona-Siamese-Persian-mix-cat-3730

    Blue-point

  • Chocolate Himlayan

    Chocolate-point

  • Himalayan close-up

    Tortie-point

  • Himalayan Male Cat 5 years Old Lilac Point

    5-year-old male lilac-point

  • Himalayan Cat Male

    Himalayan cat, offspring of Siamese and Persian; this one is male

  • Himalayan Cat

    2-year-old Himalayan cat

  • Himalayan Cat Male with Brown Colour 3

    Male Himalayan cat with brown coloring (note the points inherited from siamese and relatively long hair inherited from Persian parent)

  • Himalayan Cat Male with Brown Colour 8

    Himalayan cat male

  • Himalayan Cat Male with Brown Colour 7

    Himalayan cat

  • Himalayan Male Cat Cosmo 51x84x3456 2012-2-7 by A Silverstein

    Male Himalayan cat

  • Himalayan cat m3

    Seal lynx point Himalayan cat

  • Himalayan Blue Point Kitten Cirrus at 8 weeks

    Eight-week-old blue-point Himalayan kitten

  • Bluepoint Himalayan Kitten Cirrus at 6 months by Asilverstein 2014mar14 IMG 2542b

    Example of blue-point feline markings on juvenile male

  • Sealpoint Himalayan Kitten Genghis at 6 months by Asilverstein 2014mar14 IMG 2626

    Example of seal-point feline markings on juvenile male

  • Seal point himalayan

    Seal-point Himalayan

  • 8 week old female Himalayan Kitten

    8 week old female Himalayan Kitten

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gato himalayo para niños

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Himalayan (cat) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.