Have you ever wondered why Persian and Himalayan cats look a lot alike? The Himalayan looks so much like a Persian because they started as a Persian Siamese mix in an experiment. Now, at least partially recognized as a breed apart from the Persian. However, each breed of these cats has its characteristics that set them apart. This article will look at what sets these cats apart.
Himalayan and Persian Cat Facts
Persian Facts
- Persian cats live anywhere from fifteen to twenty years.
- They are medium-sized cats, ranging from twelve to fifteen inches long. However, some adults may be as long as eighteen inches.
- They weigh from seven to twelve pounds.
- They come in sixty-one color combinations.
- Their coat is long, silky, and prone to shedding. It requires daily grooming.
- Persians are mild-mannered and friendly.
Persians have a long life expectancy, which is good because you know they’ll be with you for a long time. The unique thing about Persians is their color variety. There are sixty-one color combinations for this breed. Persians require daily grooming to keep their coat smooth and silky.
Himalayan Facts
- Himalayan cats can live anywhere from nine to fifteen years.
- They are medium-sized cats, ranging from ten to twelve inches long. However, some adults may be as long as nineteen inches.
- They weigh between seven and twelve pounds.
- Himalayans come in twenty colors. They are known for the color points on their faces, ears, paws, and tails. The points they are so well known for coming from their Siamese heritage.
- They have a long, thick coat prone to high shedding levels and require daily grooming.
- Himalayans are mild-mannered and friendly
Himalayan cats don’t live as long as Persian cats, but they are still worth any investment you put into them. A Persian can live, on average, five years longer than a Himalayan. Though with any pet, there are exceptions. The care you give them can make a difference as well. Both breeds are about the same size and weigh about the same. They are also both known for their mild-mannered personalities.
Persian and Himalayan cats are very similar. Himalayan cats are a subgroup of the Persian breed. They are a cross between Persian and Siamese cats. Though both breeds are physically similar, the Himalayan has a longer coat than the Persian.
Himalayan cats are known for their big, blue eyes, and their coat colors are all point colors, meaning the colors are on their faces, ears, paws, and tails with a white or cream body. Persian cats’ eyes range in color, and their coat can be any of sixty-one combinations.
What About Personalities?
Himalayan and Persian cats’ personalities are pretty similar because they are from the same genetic line in the cat family. So whether you adopt a Himalayan or Persian cat, you can usually anticipate that you will get an intelligent and loving kitty.
Persian Cat Personality
- Persian cats are highly affectionate.
- They are also intelligent problem solvers.
- Persian cats are friendly and playful. They get on with even those they don’t know well.
- They are good with toddlers, infants, and other pets.
Himalayan Cat Personality
- Himalayans are loving, affectionate cats.
- They are mild-mannered with low to mid energy levels.
- These cats are not demanding.
- Himalayans are quick to get along with other pets.
As you can see, both breeds are of similar personalities. Though, Himalayan cats may exhibit a bit of that Siamese attitude once in a while.
What About Health Issues?
Persian and Himalayan cats are prone to certain diseases like most cat breeds. Both cat breeds may have these issues:
- Eye conditions include eyelid protrusion or cherry eye, congenital ankyloblepharon, feline epiphora, or excessive tearing.
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
- progressive retinal atrophy
Even though these cats can suffer from these issues, they are rare. For the most part, these cat breeds are healthy.
Conclusion
These two cat breeds are pretty similar, and why not? They are both close to the same breed. The only difference between them is that a Himalayan cat has Siamese cat ancestry to get the color points for which they are known rather than the full-body colors of the Persian. However, Persians are still kings of the colors with sixty color variations.
These cats are lovely family animals and great companions. They get along well with other pets in the household. Hopefully, this article answers any questions you have about these cat breeds. We’d love to hear from you, so please leave your comments below.
Very useful information for me since I have a Himalyan cat.