Himalayan cats, also known as “Himmies,” are a true treasure of the cat fancy. Their affectionate nature, loving eyes, and cuddly bodies make them wonderful pets.
There are seven facts you need to know about himmies that will help you understand what makes these felines such exceptional pets.
1. Himalayans are Not a Separate Breed
Surprisingly, Himalayan cats are not a separate breed of cat! Rather, they get their name from where they come from: The Himalaya Mountains in Asia. They were first introduced to the Western world by Dr. Owen and Margit Van Loon; at the time, the Van Loons were traveling around the world with their two Himalayans, Snowball and Pura. These cats are considered by many to be the foundation of modern-day Himalayan cats.
2. Their Pointed Coat is Actually an Extremely Thick Coat
Himmies have fur that is much thicker than other breeds, but it is the length of their fur that makes them so unique. Himmies have a double coat, which means it has two layers—the first layer being the undercoat and the second being more coarse guard hairs. This thicker-than-average coat can be extremely warm if desired or longer for show. Some cat owners like to keep their hissies hairless, but there are options to keep them fur-ball free.
3. Their Unique Eyes Make Them Hard to Miss
This breed’s most notable feature is their eyes – they’re often referred to as “colorful” or “marbleized.” They come in four colors: orange, blue, odd-eyed (two different colors), and green. The intense color of their eyes makes them stand out from most other breeds, making them a sought-after breed for those who want a truly unique cat.
4. Himalayans Can Be Expressive and Talkative
They will let you know exactly how they feel with everything from meows to chirps – and some even enjoy whistling! Since their personality is as sweet as their looks, you won’t mind at all.
5. Even Though They’re Known for Being Affectionate, They’re Independent
Himmies tend to be a bit on the independent side, but that doesn’t stop them from being loving and affectionate whenever they want to be. While they might not always want to cuddle, it won’t be long before you can tell your himmie wants a little lovin’.
In conclusion, Himalayan cats are a sum of their parts: an incredibly cuddly fur-ball with sweet eyes, a thick coat, and a voice to match.
Overall/overall, these cats take the cake when it comes to cuteness and temperament.