How to Select a Himalayan

With its pushed-in face, the Himalayan looks a lot like a Persian cat, but it has Siamese colorings. Himalayans are sometimes considered part of the Persian breed.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cat Beds
• Cat Carriers
• Cat Collars
• Cat Combs/brushes
• Cat Dishes
• Cat Foods
• Cat Leashes
• Cat Litters
• Cat Scratchers
• Cat Shampoos
• Cat Toys
• Cat Treats

1. Find a responsible breeder who will guarantee that your Himalayan is in good health and doesn't have feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

2. Expect to pay around $300 to $500 for your Himalayan.

3. Pick up and hold the cat or kitten to check for good muscle tone.

4. Make sure that the cat isn't sneezing or sniffling, that the eyes have no discharge and that the ears are clean and pink inside.

5. Examine the cat's fur, which should be long, flowing, and knot-free and have no bald patches or signs of dry or flaky skin.

6. Check for fleas behind the ears and at the base of the tail - flea dirt, which looks like black sand, is a sure sign.

7. Get a written sales agreement from the breeder that provides the breeder's health guarantee.

8. Take your Himalayan to your veterinarian as soon as possible to confirm that the cat is healthy.

9. Take home a kitten no younger than 12 weeks of age.

10. Plan to keep your Himalayan inside and to have the cat neutered or spayed. Vets say it's the best way to keep cats happy and disease-free and to prolong their lives.

Tips & Warnings

• Himalayans are known for their sweet, gentle temperament.

• In Britain, the Persian is known as the longhair, and the Himalayan is known as the colorpoint longhair.

• Himalayans are famous for their gentle temperament - except when it comes to hair or tail pulling. They're probably not suited to a home with aggressive or extremely active children.