Caring for Himalayan cats is similar to the cat care for most feline breeds. If you want a close look at how to care for your pet cat, I recommend the great guide Ultimate Cat Secrets Revealed.
There are a few unique factors to consider if you are planning to make a Himalayan cat part of your family. So, although you may know how to take care of a cat, here is some specific information:
- Himalayan cats are actually a subcategory of the Persian cat breed. Persian cats were bred with Siamese cats to acquire their beautiful coloring. Himalayans have the characteristic flat faces and long fur of the Persian breed. Their bodies are well-muscled and lean, despite the puffy appearance.
- Himalayans tend to have gentle and sweet temperaments and make good pets for many different kinds of families. They tend to have relaxed natures, but also to be playful and active. As a breed, they are affectionate and sweet, if a bit fickle.
- As with all cat breeds, it is important to provide good, basic cat health care for your pet. Your Himalayan should always have fresh water available, be fed healthy food and have access to a clean litter box. Of course, your kitty also needs love, affection and entertainment.
- A Himalayan’s long fur does require some extra care. First, remember that your cat or kitten may be sensitive to overly warm weather since he has a very warm coat; make sure you do not leave him in a home without air-conditioning during hot summer months. Alternately, some people get their Persian cats shaved during warm weather, often leaving the ruff and tail untrimmed in a style known as a “lion cut.”
- In addition, a Himalayan cat’s fur requires special attention when it comes to cat grooming. While short-haired cat owners can get away with only an occasional brushing, your Himalayan will need grooming daily. Use a soft brush to remove knots from the cat’s fur and to remove excess fur.
- Even if you are vigilant about grooming, your Himalayan may be prone to hairballs. These are formed when too much fur accumulates in the cat’s stomach and cannot be passed through the digestive system. You may need to give your cat a laxative formula such as “Petromalt” regularly to help prevent hairballs.
- While Himalayans are adventurers and enjoy exploring, they are best-suited for indoor life. Their fur is susceptible to getting tangled and gathering prickly plants, ticks or other parasites if you allow your fluffy companion into the great outdoors. In addition, indoor cats are generally healthier and live longer than their outdoor counterparts. Fulfill your Himalayan’s jungle-cat dreams with plenty of playtime, ample leafy plants for their hide-and-pounce pleasure, and regular visits to the screened porch or open screened windows for fresh air and the scent of the wild.
- Himalayans, like other flat-faced felines, are prone to a couple minor health problems. They may have breathing problems or breath loudly, a byproduct of their foreshortened noses. In addition, this cat breed tends to have watery eyes. Neither condition is usually life threatening, but people living with Himalayans should be aware of these issues and prepared to provide the extra care required, which typically involves just wiping the kitty’s eyes and nose with a soft cloth or tissue daily.
Now you know how to take care of your pet! Enjoy your time together!