The cats we have featured so far in these Blogs have had a long history and, most of them , a long association with Egypt. Other cats found at Cairo Cat Rescue & Rehoming Champions are of much more recent origin and their breed has only been in existence for a relatively short time. These are sometimes called 'manufactured' breeds because a group, or groups of people have set out to achieve a cat with certain characteristics by blending two or more other breeds.
The Himalayan is one such cat.
As we have pointed out in our other breed blogs, the cats described as Himalayan at Cairo Cat Rescue & Rehoming Champions are not the same as those registered with either the ACFA in the US or bred by registered breeders in the UK and we would never claim that they are.
Himalayans, like many other fashionable breeds, were introduced into Egypt for breeding purposes but there is no breeding registration there. Over time, as fashions or economic circumstances changed some have found themselves abandoned in pet shops or on the streets and so have arrived at the Rescue.
The first Himalayans were produced in the US in the 1930s by Marguerita Gorforth, Dr
Clyde Keeler and Virginia Cobb. They were aiming to produce a Persian cat with the colour points of the Siamese These cats were introduced into the UK in 1935 and a breeding programme began. This stopped during World War II but re-commenced afterwards. In the mid 1950s, the Himalayan was accepted for recognition by the American Cat Fanciers Association and the breed was eventually recognised throughout the US by the 1960s. In the UK it is known as the Colourpoint Longhair but, like the Turkish Angora, it is not recognised as a breed by the GCCF and therefore few pure bred kittens are available and expensive.
Himalayans are a medium-sized heavy-boned cat and their short or long hair comes in a variety of colours - Chocolate, Seal, Lilac, Blue, Black, Flame, Red, Cream, Tortoiseshell, Frost, Silver, Golden, Brown, Fawn and Cinnamon. Their eyes can be blue (like Lilibeth's) copper or green. They are recognised by their domed foreheads, snub noses and large eyes. Longhairs have a dense undercoat and a ruff round their necks.
In personality they are generally friendly and placid, with occasional bursts of activity. They appreciate some form of daily activity but they are not particularly partial to young children who disturb their quiet times. That said they make ideal affectionate family pets for those with older children who allow them room to take a break and rest.
Like Shirazis* and Turkish Angoras* the longhair variety is a high maintenance cat. They require daily grooming and the services of a professional groomer on a regular basis is desirable. The Rescue recommends that they are kept as indoor only cats, not only for safety purposes but because they are highly desirable - and friendly. It's therefore essential that they have plenty of things to keep them amused whilst the owner is out, particularly as they have a tendancy to become couch cats and put on weight.
If you want an affectionate family cat who is not too demanding but requires a bit of daily maintenance then the Himalayan may well be for you. And then of course they are one of the ultimate Instagram cats!
*see our breed blogs on Shirazi and Turkish Angora
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