Himalayan

Coat & Grooming: The Himalayan is known for its gorgeous long fur, which requires daily grooming to remain clean and free from mats. Bathing your Himalayan at least once a month can be helpful since that long fur can pick up plenty of things from the floor.

Some Himalayans have a problem with excessive tearing, so washing your cat’s face daily can minimize unwanted staining. Some owners also take their Himalayan to a groomer in the summer for a “lion cut” to help keep their cat cooler in the hot weather, Rose adds.

Shedding: The Himalayan’s long coat requires daily grooming to minimize shedding. However, even with daily maintenance the breed is a heavy shedder.

Temperament & Behavior: Himalayans are very people-oriented, but they aren’t overly needy. Their calm and collected personalities make them a great match for quieter households, although they are also known to exhibit bursts of kitten-like energy and enthusiasm from time to time, especially if met with grins and encouragement from their human, Rose adds. Mostly though, you’ll be more likely to find your Himalayan lounging or sitting next to you on the couch rather than running around and playing. The Himalayan is also a very adaptable breed and they can do well with change.

Life Span: Healthy Himalayan cats may live to be between 10 and 15 years.

Inherited Health Issues: As with all breeds, certain health conditions can occur in Himalayans through inheritance or at an increased frequency within the breed. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Pericardial effusion, Fading kitten syndrome and Polycystic kidney disease.

Preventive Care: As with all cats, Himalayans should be examined by a veterinarian once or twice per year. Subtle changes may be apparent during this physical exam that could lead to the earlier diagnosis and treatment of a health problem. Himalayan owners should continue to monitor their cat closely at home for any sudden or gradual changes.

The Himalayan’s characteristic flat face and snubbed nose is due to brachycephalic airway syndrome. With this condition, many cats experience a combination of narrow nostrils, a small trachea (windpipe), elongated soft palate or everted laryngeal saccules, which can partially obstruct the trachea. These airway abnormalities can lead to breathing difficulty, particularly in hot environments or during strenuous activity. Obesity can also exacerbate these changes, so Himalayan owners should work to keep their cat at a healthy body weight and avoid temperature extremes.

Nutrition: Since Himalayans are happier sitting in a sunny windowsill than running laps through the house, they have a greater propensity to become overweight than some other breeds. Himalayan owners should take care to feed their cat portion-controlled meals of a high quality, balanced diet. Too many treats coupled with their couch potato habits can quickly pack on unnecessary weight.

Daily Consumption: An adult Himalayan eats 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dry food per day

Energy Level: Not interested in exercise, would rather doze the day away

Exercise: The Himalayan is a smart breed that occasionally likes to play games — especially those that involve puzzles with food. Sweet and docile, these cats prefer affection over all else and they flourish in a home that’s equally as laidback and serene.

Since the Himalayan isn’t likely to exercise heavily on its own, it’s important for owners to provide daily entertainment and movement to keep this breed from gaining too much weight.