Himalayan
The Himalayan is a Persian with Siamese pointed colouring - created by crossing Persians with Siamese to combine the Persian's body type and long coat with the Siamese's pointed pattern and blue eyes.
🗓️ Last reviewed: June 2026
Overview
The Himalayan is a Persian with Siamese pointed colouring - created by crossing Persians with Siamese to combine the Persian's body type and long coat with the Siamese's pointed pattern and blue eyes. The CFA classifies the Himalayan as a colour division of the Persian; TICA recognises it as a separate breed. Either way, ownership is essentially the same as owning a Persian.
History & Origins
Persian × Siamese crosses began in the 1930s in the US and Britain. By the 1950s the breed type was stable. CFA recognition (as Persian colour division) came in 1957.
Appearance
Identical to Persian except for pointed colour pattern. Cobby, round, flat-faced. 3-6 kg.
- Coat: long, dense, plush.
- Colour: pointed only - pale cream/fawn body with darker points on face, ears, legs, tail. Seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream points plus lynx (tabby) and tortie variants.
- Eyes: brilliant blue.
Temperament & Character
Same as Persian: calm, gentle, dignified, sweet. Adapts to most households.
Care
Daily brushing essential (or short clip every 6-8 weeks). Daily face care for tearing. All Persian care requirements apply.
Health & Lifespan
12-15 years.
Same as Persian: PKD, brachycephalic syndrome, dental disease, HCM, heat intolerance.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Persian temperament with striking pointed colour. Cons: All Persian health and grooming issues.
Himalayan - frequently asked questions
Is the Himalayan a Persian?
Officially, CFA considers it a Persian colour division; TICA considers it separate. Practically the same cat.
Why are the eyes blue?
The pointed gene from Siamese ancestry produces blue eyes in all pointed cats.
🧠 Test yourself: guess the cat
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our cats. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Often cited as one of the smallest cat breeds in the world, this brown-ticked cat takes its name from a Southeast Asian island city-state.
It's the Singapura - read the full profile →
Clue 2.This spotted cat has a 'worried' brow marking shaped like a scarab beetle and loose belly skin for long strides.
It's the Egyptian Mau - read the full profile →
Clue 3.One of the oldest natural longhair breeds, this elegant cat from a Turkish capital region is often pure white with a silky single coat.
It's the Turkish Angora - read the full profile →
💛 Adoptable Himalayans near you
Real cats of this breed (and close mixes) waiting in shelters and rescues right now, live from Petfinder. We have no affiliation and earn nothing - if someone catches your eye, the link goes straight to their shelter. New to adopting? Start with our adoption guide.
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