A Guide to Persian Siamese Mixes

The Himalayan is the breed name given to the Persian Siamese mix. These cats are known for their thick, color-point coats and brilliant blue eyes. Himalayans are known as the Himalayan Persian or Colorpoint Persian in Europe. Some cat registries classify the Himalayan as a long-haired sub-breed of Siamese or a color point sub-breed of Persian.

What is a Persian Siamese Mix?

The Persian Siamese mix is known as Himalayan.

The Himalayan breed has a relatively short history compared to many other breeds. It has taken decades to breed long-haired Siamese cats, which have existed for less than 100 years.

Breeders tried to produce cats with Persian bodies and Siamese markings in the 1920s and 1930s. A black Persian male and a Siamese female were crossed in 1935 by two Harvard medical researchers for the purpose of studying genetic inheritance. In order to produce Newton’s Debutante, the first true long-haired Siamese, these researchers crossed several litters.

Marguerita Goforth continued breeding Persians and Siamese mixes after World War II. The American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially recognized the Himalayan in 1957.

Several years later, the Cat Fanciers’ Association ceased to recognize Himalayans as a separate breed, instead recognizing them as a division of Persians. Even so, many organizations still consider the Himalayan and Persian breeds to be distinct.

The Himalayan cat is an ideal house cat, naturally well-mannered, sweet, quiet, and not overly energetic. These cats have long fur like their Persian parents and the colorpoint markings of their Siamese parents.

What is the difference between the Persian and the Siamese?

When you think of a Persian cat, you probably think about the fluffy white cat in the James Bond movies For Your Eyes Only and Never Say Never Again. A Persian cat appeared more recently in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. However, there is more to the Persian than being a fluffy, snow-white status symbol.

Persians are known for being sweet and quiet. They are easygoing and relaxed, which makes them perfect pets for a family. They don’t tend to get upset with loud children or other pets. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t get upset if pushed to annoyance.

Persian cats come in many colors and patterns and can be recognized by their long, fluffy coats and flat faces. They must be brushed every other day to keep them from matting.

The Siamese cat is a sleek, well-muscled, medium-sized with triangular heads, long, straight noses, tall ears, and long slender legs. These cats have bright blue, almond-shaped eyes.

Short and glossy, the Siamese coat lies close to the body. The beauty of the Siamese cat lies in its slender body, blue eyes, and the contrast between the body’s color and the darker shade at its extremities. A contrast like this is known as color restriction or, more commonly, pointing.

Ears, tails, and feet have different colors than the rest of the body. The darker color gradually blends into the lighter shade of the body. A mask of the same dark color is also visible on the face. It covers the face, surrounds the eyes, and covers the whisker pads. As a kitten, the mask is small, but as she grows, it becomes more prominent.

The Himalayan cat is an ideal house cat, naturally well-mannered, sweet, quiet, and not overly energetic. These cats have the long hair of a Persian cat with the coloring of a Siamese cat.

These kittens are not just cute; they are also incredibly gentle and affectionate. 

If you’re looking for a cat that equally enjoys playing, affection, and cuddling in your lap, this is the breed for you. 

Due to their bright blue eyes and  pointed coloring, Himalayan cats are also popular as models for Mother’s Day cards, cat t-shirts, commercials, and TV shows. The Himalayan cat is named after the Himalayan rabbit, which shares its beautiful color and pointed coat.

When they grow up, how big do they become?

Himalayans weigh between three to six kilograms or seven to twelve pounds and measure from thirty to forty centimeters or twelve to sixteen inches. Males can be larger. Himalayans look larger than their weight and measurements reveal. The reason for this is their stocky Persian frame and all that luscious thick fur

Do Persian Siamese Mixes Take a Long Time to Develop?

Persian cats mature in about two years. The Siamese, on the other hand, can be sexually mature by six months. However, that isn’t the time to breed them as they aren’t fully developed at six months. They reach their total growth by the age of one. So, the Siamese is a quick developing breed. The Himalayan will mature by the time they are two years old.

Does a Persian Siamese Mix have a long life expectancy? 

The Himalayan’s life expectancy is about fifteen years. 

Can you tell me how my Persian Siamese mix will behave?

Himalayans are gentle, somewhat sedate cats, but I don’t think that makes them dull. These cats love playing with their toys, but won’t be likely to climb the curtains as other cats might. They are smart and attuned to their owners. Himalayans will often greet their people at the door after an absence. These cats love to cuddle, be petted, and spend time interacting with their family.

These medium-to-large, sociable cats generally get along well with children as long as they aren’t too boisterous. They are at home with other cats and cat-friendly dogs.

What should I feed my Persian Siamese Mix?

Since Siamese cats are carnivorous like most other cats, their diets should be high in fats and protein. A healthy diet should also include omega-6 and 3 fatty acids. Despite this, Siamese cats shouldn’t consume a large number of carbohydrates. It is imperative not to overfeed these cats since they are prone to obesity. Due to their sensitive digestive systems, Siamese cats require easily digestible food.

An additional hairball formula should also be given along with a high-protein diet. Persians shed, and it’s inevitable they will have problems with hairballs. Feeding a hairball formula will help eliminate most of the hairball issues.

Is my Persian Siamese Mix likely to have health issues?

Health problems are rare in the Himalayan cats, they are generally a very healthy breed. Mixed-breed cats’ health problems are usually less common than those of exotic or pure-breed cats. Your veterinarian can run some tests to make sure your kitten is healthy. Breeders should do this and make the records available to you when you view the kitten. 

Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition in which the kidneys are enlarged and do not function properly. Cats can develop it as young as three years old, but it is more common in older cats around the age of seven to ten. A responsible breeder will test for this condition and breed only cats that do not have PKD.

Symptoms of Progressive Retinal Atrophy appear in Persian kittens around 4 to 8 weeks of age and quickly progress to blindness.

Due to their flat faces, Himalayan cats may develop breathing problems. However, even if they do not have breathing issues, they should be kept out of hot weather since they are more likely to overheat.

I am interested in purchasing a Himalayan. What should I expect to pay?

You can find Himalayan kittens and cats for sale through the CFA or local Persian or Himalayan clubs. Also, talk to your veterinarian about local breeders with excellent reputations and health records in the area.

Depending on the coat colors and the bloodline, Himalayan kittens cost between $600 and $1000.

Adults are typically less expensive than kittens. They might not be as readily available as kittens, though.

Responsible cat breeders should be very knowledgeable about their cat breed. In addition, you should be able to meet at least one of the parents on-site and see other kittens in the litter.

Conclusion

We learned the Persian Siamese mixed cat is called the Himalayan. There are several mixed breeds that have their own breed names.

Himalayan cats cost less than their parent breeds even though they are a breed of their own. They have a life expectancy, on average, of fifteen years. Himalayans are laid back, easy-going, playful, fun-loving, and social and should take on attributes of both parent breeds. This mixed cat will mature quickly. 

They can breed at six months, not suggested, and will be fully mature by the age of two years. These kittens need a protein and fiber-rich diet with some hairball remedy-type food mixed in because of the parent breeds’ needs. All in all, this mixed breed of cat would make a great family pet.

Do you have a Himalayan? If so, we’d love to hear from you about your furry friend and your life with them. Leave any questions or comments below. Again, we’d love to hear from you.