- Breed Size:
- Height: 25-30 cm
- Weight: 3-5 kg
- Life Expectancy: 9-15 years
- Learning Rate: Medium
- Country of Origin: United States
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The Abyssinian is a medium-sized cat with a ticked coat. This active cWonderful indoor cats, the Himalayan cat breed is beautiful, gentle, and calm by nature. Also called Himmie, this cat breed replicates the features of a Siamese mixed with that of a Persian cat. They are docile by nature but also have a playful side to their character. You’ll fall in love with their luxurious coat and their flashy striking features.
Himalayans look a lot like the Persian cat. They are medium-sized with a flat face, beautiful long and furry coat that is soft to feel. They have round little heads with cool blue shades of eyes. Their flat face with small ears adds looks to their entire gorgeous appearance. You’ll find a Himalayan mostly in cream color. However, they are also available in different shades of seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, and flame. Some also have distinct shades of tabby, tortoiseshell, and lynx.
Super affectionate and real loyal, the Himalayans make the perfect family cat that you can pick up and cuddle. This quiet breed is easy going and generally, happy breed unless they are starving. Unlike most other cat breeds, you won’t find your Himalayan hanging on the curtains or jumping to reach the shelves. They indeed will play with toys, laser games, or maybe chase games. Himalayans are not much vocal; they interact very little, mostly with soft purrs and meows.
They love their family and are pretty friendly with everyone in the house. Sweet-tempered, they are also friendly towards small kids and other pets when introduced correctly and at an early age. You’ll be amazed how they also get along with dogs. One great combination of traits in the Himalayan is docility, along with intelligence. This makes training them and teaching tricks relatively easy for the owner.
Even though they are friendly, the Himalayans do not trust everyone. They reserve their trust spot for the humans they love and trust, and for guests, Himalayans take their sweet time to understand and see if they can trust them. Himalayans are pretty sensitive by nature and will mind if left alone. They are also not perfect for a chaotic household. They love peace and wouldn’t bother anyone unless there is a desperate need to seek help.
A recent breed, the Himalayan, is a cross between the Siamese and the Persian cat. The origin can be traced back to the 1920s and the ‘30s. A hybrid, the Himalayan was developed by crossing two of the most striking cat breeds because of their unique features and colors. It was Virginia Cobb and Doctor Clyde Keeler of Harvard University; the early breeders attempted to develop this breed for the first time, and it was near perfect. They named the breed Debutante. After World War II, Marguerita Goforth perfected the breed, and we got the Himalayan we know of today.
In 1957, the Himalayan was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, and since then, the breed has been a wonderful family cat. In popular culture, the Himalayan is amazing, even on screen. Jinx is a character played by a Himalayan in the comedy movie Meet the Parents, starring Robert De Niro. In 2012, a Himalayan named Captain Meow set the Guinness Record for the cat with the longest hair. at breed has a strong body structure with a muscular form. Well balanced both physically and temperamentally, this cat breed is high on energy level and is playful. They are high-spirited and not those that you’ll just pick to cuddle. Abyssinians like challenges and are really curious about their surroundings, quite a cat thing to do! These natural athletes are swift and have agile paws. They are beautiful and loyal to their families.
Lovingly called Aby, the Abyssinian are one of the oldest cat breeds. They have a tabby pattern on their body and with a combination of lighter and darker shades on their coat, Aby has dense short coats. You’ll find lighter shades on their body and striking darker shades on the tip of their tail. You’ll usually find them in a red-brownish base with somewhat black ticking – that’s the original Aby color. That said, now you will discover Aby with different shades such as fawn and blue as well.
They have unique ears, which not only help them hear what we can’t, but their ears are also well cupped, quite large as compared to their body. They have a long, slender body with small paws and a graceful gait which makes them look as if standing on tiptoes. Abys has beautiful almond-shaped ears and a wedge-shaped head. They have a long, tapering tail and a coat that is soft to touch.
Highly intelligent and interested in nature, Aby is a natural explorer, and nothing escapes their vision. Smart as they are, this cat breed, although loyal, is moderately attached to their owners, which is a common cat trait. That said, they are full of affection towards their owners. They love being the center of attention which might call in with some purrs and meows now and then. Abys likes to sit at the heights and observe everything that surrounds them. However, they do quite well with kids and other pets.
Abys are independent thinkers and wouldn’t like much being picked up cuddled. They instead enjoy sitting at top shelves and have a good day relaxing. You may find them climbing shelves, cabinets, or crawling on your shoulders. They enjoy being involved as family members and when you have something for them. They’ll also follow you up everywhere you go. Arrange for a place for them to sit by the window and let them bird watch; they enjoy that much. Abys are usually silent and won’t meow until required.
Considered one of the oldest cat breeds, Abyssinian are believed to have originated by the banks of the river Nile. On careful observation, one would find several similarities matching with the cats back then in time in Egypt. However, recent studies have argued this point and have put forth that the cat breed is actually from Southeast Asia and the coast of the Indian Ocean. The cat breed caught attention for the first time when it was first showcased in a cat show in 1871 and took the third position.
Some interested cat breeders of America imported the cat breed in 1900, but it was only after 1930, the breeding actually took place. Only a handful of cats survived in England in World War II and sent some to the United States. The breed bounced back to popularity and started breeding once again. Today, the Abyssinian is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.
Health
A variety of Exotic cat breeds, the Himalayan is a relatively healthy breed. But like most other cat breeds, the Himalayan also has some health problems. This cat breed is prone to specific health problems such as progressive retinal atrophy, breathing difficulties because of the flat face, kidney problems, eye conditions such as cherry eye and entropion. Hammies are also prone to heat sensitivity, fungal and bacterial infections such as rabies, parvo, and distemper. At times, Himalayans suffer from excessive tearing and dental problems such as tartar build up and teeth and gum infections. It is essential to take your Himalayan for a regular vet visit and get their oral health checked.
Exercise
Unlike other cat breeds, the Himalayans are less active. So they do not require much exercise but letting them all day on the couch is not healthy either. However, they are incredibly playful by nature and would appreciate some fun toys. It is vital to keep your Himalayan busy, or they may become bored and get into mischief. Bring them plenty of toys or maybe a scratch post so they can be themselves and enjoy. Spend some quality time with your cat and play with them using laser lights or feathered bands. They also enjoy playing fetch and chase.
Feeding
A balanced diet is most important when it comes to providing the dietary need for your cat. This helps in them overall health and avoid any problems. Contact us to understand the food requirement for your cat and which formula works best for them. Feed them twice a day and make sure to note their reaction to the food you are serving. For Himalayan kittens, you’ll need to feed them 3-4 times a day or maybe more if your kitten is underweight.
Grooming
With great lustrous locks come significant grooming needs. Himalayans shed all the time, and they shed heavily, which is why they may not be the ideal pet for people with allergies. Brushing their coat every day will help to shed to keep in control. Brushing will prevent loose hair from hanging on the body and distribute natural oils throughout the body. Himalayans have draining eyes, so make sure you clean up the tear strains and clean their ears too. Trim their nails whenever they are too long. Brushing their teeth regularly, if possible every day, is essential.