Himalayan cats have long, luxurious coats much like the Persian cats. Unlike the Persian cats, however, Himalayan cats have rounded bodies and short legs. They also have distinctive faces with round eyes and a nose set right between the eyes. If you are considering getting a Himalayan cat from a Himalayan cat rescue group, then there are a few things that you should know about the breed’s temperament as well as the type of care that it will require. A cat rescue group is interested in ensuring that the cat goes to a loving and responsible home, and so you should take the time to educate yourself about your new pet’s needs.
As previously mentioned, the Himalayan cat has a long and luxurious coat. While the coat is beautiful, it needs regular tending to avoid snarls and snags as well as hairballs. To car for a Himalaya’s coat, you must brush it at least once a day using a metal comb. The cat will also require regular bathing to keep the coat looking healthy and shiny. If you don’t believe that you can do this yourself, then there are grooming services that you can take your cat to on a regular basis. Bottom line, a Himalayan cat rescue group will want you to commit to regular care of your new cat’s coat.
Himalayan cats have the tendency to develop a condition called polycystic kidney disease. This disease is a genetic one and so there is nothing that you can do to prevent it if your cat has the gene for the disease. The disease causes cysts to develop on the kidneys and can also lead to damage to other internal organs. One thing that you can do is spay or neuter your cat if it is determined that it has the gene. Many cats from the Himalayan cat rescue group may already be spayed or neutered. If your new cat has the disease, it likely will require regular veterinary care to remain relatively healthy.
Himalayan cats make excellent pets and if you have it in your heart to give an unwanted cat a home, then go to a Himalayan cat rescue group. Himalayan cats are generally gentle and affectionate. They are not very active and prefer to just lie quietly on your lap or in the sun. In that way, keep in mind that they are not all that playful and may not do well in a home with kids who want to play all time. They are a cat that is better suited to a calm environment.
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My rescue Himmy, Bob, is the sweetest girl in the world. She is very loving and cuddly, and also loves to play with little bits of string and paper. She is most definitely a one-woman cat though, and does not like other cats. She is not aggressive, but rather timid and fearful around people, maybe because she was treated so badly. But one-on-one, she is the sweetest companion I’ve ever had. I was worried about caring for a pure-bred, but she loves to be brushed-starts purring as soon as she sees her brush. If you want to rescue a cat, please choose a Himmy. She is a delight and a blessing.