Skip to main content

What’s the difference between a Himalayan and a Persian cat? Get the facts

The Himalayan Persian cat is a beautiful cat that can make a fantastic pet. But there’s a lot of confusion around what a Himalayan is, exactly. If you’re looking for a Persian cat, you might find the Himalayan’s characteristics highly desirable, and it’s easy to see why. Himalayans are a type of Persian, and after learning more about this type of cat, you might be tempted to narrow your search down from a Persian to looking specifically for a Himalayan cat. Before you decide on what type of cat you want to add to your home, check out all that the Himalayan has to offer.

Himalayan cat sitting in a grassy yard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Are Himalayan and Persian cats the same?

According to Mondou, Himalayans are a type of Persian cat. They’re sometimes called colorpoint longhairs. While the Himalayan isn’t a breed, it is a subset of the Persian breed. They’re also highly popular.

Recommended Videos

The Himalayan is a medium or large size and features a stocky body and bright blue eyes. They have a long, dense coat with a significant undercoat.

The Himalayan is most defined by its coat color. All Himalayan kittens are white when they’re born, but once they’re a few days old, their ears, face mask, paws, and tail become a darker color. Himalayan cats’ coats stay white or cream.

Himalayans also have a highly desirable temperament. While they behave much like Persians, Himalayans tend to be a little more active, but they’re still plenty calm. These cats tend to like to play, but they’re also more than happy to relax and enjoy some quiet time. Some Himalayans can get stressed when their household is busy, so they’re not always a great choice for families with young kids or highly active pets, like dogs. They tend to be quieter cats and don’t meow loudly. Instead, they tend to relax quietly in the background.

How do I know if my Himalayan cat is Persian?

Any Himalayan cat is naturally a Persian cat, because the Himalayan is a subset of the Persian breed.

Are Himalayan kittens expensive?

According to AdoptaPet, adopting a Himalayan can cost $75 to $150. Buying a Himalayan kitten can cost $600 to $1,300. Factors like the breeder you buy from, the cat’s bloodlines, and the cat’s color will all affect its cost, too.

Whether you decide to adopt or buy a Himalayan kitten, make sure that you budget for the other expenses that come with owning a cat. Necessities like food, flea and tick treatments, grooming, and vet care can all add up. Just like Persians, Himalayans require significant grooming, so make sure that you’re up for the task of giving your new cat the care he will need.

Himalayan cat lying on a white blanket
G_Arman / Pixabay

What is a Himalayan cat a mix of?

Mondou explains that the Himalayan cat owes its origins to a United States breeding program that started in the 1930s. The program focused on crossing a Siamese with a Persian in an effort to get the characteristics of a Persian cat with the coloring of a Siamese.

By the 1950s, there was renewed interest in this distinctive-looking cat. The UK recognized it as a Persian cat, and the American cat associations recognized the color as the Himalayan cat in 1957. Multiple cat associations in Europe consider the Himalayan as a color of Persian cat today, while others, including the American Cat Fanciers Association and the Canadian Cat Association, consider the Himalayan to be a breed.

If you’re thinking of bringing home a new cat, there’s a lot to consider. You’ll need to make sure that the cat has the right temperament for your home, and that your lifestyle will work with the cat’s preferences. For example, Himalayans tend to be a little quieter and more reserved than other breeds, so they’re often most happy in quieter homes. You’ll also need to be prepared for the care that the cat will require, in particular, the daily grooming that will help to keep his coat from getting matted. Keep in mind, too, that each cat’s personality and habits can vary. It’s best to take the time to get to know your new cat, to be honest with the breeder or rescue about what you’re looking for in a cat, and to make sure that the cat truly is the right fit for your home and family.

Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
This is why your cat headbutts you
Don't worry — it means your cat has accepted you
Cat stretching out and rubbing its chin against a corner

After you've been out for the day, you may have noticed that when you come home and sit down on the couch, your cat greets you in an unusual way. In addition to rubbing up against you, your cat might headbutt your head, hand, or legs. Cats headbutting our hands is particularly common and it doesn't just say they want pets. It might seem like just a passing glance, but there's actually significant meaning behind a similar behavior called bunting.
So, why do cats bunt or headbutt? It's an important method of communication and can have multiple meanings behind it. The more you understand about this behavior, the better you'll understand your cat.

Head bunting to bond

Read more
Wondering why cats chirp? Fascinating reasons why your cat chirps at birds (and you)
What cat chirping is and why they make this cute sound
Orange and white cat looking up and chirping

If bird-watching is your cat's idea of a good time, it's possible you've heard him chirping while he gazes out the window. With his tail swishing and eyes wide, he's definitely tuned in on his potential prey when this strange sound makes its way out of his mouth. And it can be shocking for first-time cat owners! Chirping, also known as chattering, sounds nothing like your cat's usual meow. But don't be alarmed if you've never heard your cat chirp before.

While some frisky felines are chatterboxes, others are silent and stealthy. So, what's the cause of this unusual sound? Why do cats chirp? And more importantly, what do these unusual noises mean? Let's find out together.
Why do cats chirp?

Read more
Why cats shouldn’t eat dog food
Your cat has very different dietary needs from Fido
Two cats eating from a bowl

While we may fight like cats and dogs with people we dislike, many actual cats and dogs coexist happily under the same roof. Though they might be able to share a home, dogs and cats can’t share much else, even if they want to. They require different toys, care, and, most importantly, food. Canines and felines have very different dietary needs, but can cats eat dog food? Read on to learn more about why cats and dogs can’t eat the same food.
Can cats eat dog food?

This question often comes up in households with both cats and dogs. Looking at the nutrition labels on your dog’s and cat’s foods, you may see some of the same ingredients listed and begin to wonder how similar their foods actually are.

Read more