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Once upon a time, back in 1931, a breeding program in Virginia wanted to “create” a Persian cat that had the color points of the Siamese. So they bred the two together and Voila; the Himalayan was born. You may notice that the Himalayan (or “Himmy” as they are known by cat fanciers) looks like a Siamese, with its point pattern and beautiful blue eyes, but also has small ears, large round eyes, and a snub nose, similar to a Persian. Himalayan cats have the best of both worlds and if you decide to take one into your home, you’ll have the best of everything.
These Sweeties Are Mellow Marvels
Himmies are very mellow and gentle cats. They are affectionate, friendly, and inclined to bond very well in families with older or quieter children. They are calm creatures who prefer low-key surroundings. Though not incredibly active, you might get them to play with a toy mouse or a challenging cat puzzle. Himalayan cats love to lounge on your couch and you won’t often find them on top of the bookcase as that requires way too much effort. They love to be in the company of their owners and will gently let you know if you are not providing enough attention. This is not the ideal cat for a busy person who is rarely home. Independent to a point, they can become lonely after a short time alone. Please be aware that pet food reviews online usually use affiliate marketing so the reviews can be biased.
To Stay Gorgeous, Keep Up On Grooming
Himalayan cats are glamourous cats. You will need to groom your Himmy daily since their fur is thick and can tangle easily. They absolutely love being lavished by attention, so take advantage of that love with a good set of grooming tools. You should get your Himalayan used to bathing as soon as you bring her home to keep her looking and smelling good. Because of their facial features, some kitties have a problem with tearing of the eyes, so be sure to wash her face daily to prevent staining.
Help To Keep Hairballs Away
Due to the amount of hair that Himmies possess, they can be prone to hairballs if too much is ingested. This is why it is important to groom them daily. You might also consider a hairball formula that will help your Himmy digest and pass excess hair with ease. If you look at a cat food guide, you’ll see various formulas made especially for hairball digestion. But even varieties with lots of fiber can combat hairballs by keeping digestion moving along. Some brands that can assist with hairballs include:
- Nutro Ultra Hairball Control Adult Cat. This formula starts with plenty of meat protein, essential for the good health of your Himalayan cat. It also includes plenty of fiber, such as oatmeal, oat fiber, and brown rice. Especially good to see is dehydrated alfalfa meal, which is full of minerals and vitamins.
- The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Turkey. With turkey and eggs providing excellent proteins, the addition of pumpkin helps with digestion and fiber while cranberries are high in vitamins C & E and fiber. Cranberries can also help with keeping urinary infections at bay.
- Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Adult Chicken and Brown Rice. Deboned chicken and chicken meal provide great protein and ground barley and oatmeal help aid in digestion. Meanwhile, apples provide an excellent source of pectin, a water- soluble fiber and sweet potatoes are a great source of potassium, vitamin B, and beta-carotene.
Flat Faces Mean: Beware Of The Breathing
Himalayans are prone to respiratory issues due to their flat faces, so be sure to keep them clean by wiping their face daily. They can also be heat-sensitive so keeping them cool is important. Traveling by air is discouraged for this breed as transport in the hot and stuffy cargo bay can cause undo respiratory distress (or worse!). Visiting the vet annually is important to make sure that this pretty breed stays healthy and continues to thrive.
They Are Big Cats, But Need To Watch Their Weight
Himmies are sturdy and well-built cats that are medium-build with large bones, similar to their Persian ancestry. Combine the Persian nature with their relaxed and laid-back attributes and you’ll find that many Himalayan cats struggle with their weight. Be sure to monitor food intake and try feeding at intervals instead of giving them a free-grazing bowl of food.
If you worry that your cat is overweight, there are plenty of formulas made to keep your cat’s weight in check. A cat food guide shows that fiber is very important to keep your cat feeling fuller for longer, but meat is still of the utmost importance.
Weight Management Formula
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Healthy Weight. Chicken and turkey meal provide just the right amount of meat to satisfy your kitty’s craving. Flaxseed is a rich source of micronutrients, dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA or omega-3. Sweet potatoes add potassium, vitamin B, fiber, and beta-carotene.
- Innova Weight Management Dry. After the all-important meaty goodness, and fiber-richness of brown rice and oats, this formula includes carrots which is known to boost the immune system, promote healthy eyes, and provide a good source of fiber. And DL-Methionine is an important amino acid that cats need for good health.
- Artemis Weight Control. There’s plenty of protein in this mix to give your cat his meat and this formula not only includes a lot of fiber, but a few probiotic strains as well to aid in digestion. Parsley is an excellent antioxidant that provides iron, copper, potassium, calcium, fiber, and several other nutrients.
Stay away from brands that use corn or corn meal as a filler. These can lead to weight gain in some cats, as well as allergies in others.
Taking care of your Himalayan cat can be a pleasure, so be sure that he is well groomed, well fed, and well loved.
