Himalayan Cat

The Himalayan cat breed shares a long, silky coat with its Persian breed relatives, which requires daily upkeep to stay soft and healthy.

• Bathing: Monthly bathing will help remove oils from the coat, and keep their fur clean and healthy. 
• Brushing: Geri Fellerman, who has been breeding Himalayans since the mid-1980s, recommends using a quality stainless steel comb on their coat once a day. This prevents tangles and matting, which can lead to skin irritation.
• Nail care: Like all breeds of cats, Himalayans need their nails trimmed about once a month.
• Dental care: Like all cats, Himalayans benefit from daily dental care. At minimum, aim for brushing your cat’s teeth three times a week to help prevent dental disease, though daily brushing is best. Always use a cat-safe toothpaste and toothbrush.
• Ear and eye care: Because of their flat facial structure, Himalayans require regular maintenance around their eyes and ears. “You definitely want to be doing eye cleaning every day to keep it nice and clear and open,” Brown says. Clean their eyes daily with pet-safe wipes or a damp cloth. Check their ears weekly for dirt, debris, or irritation and clean them with a safe, vet-approved solution if needed. 

Himalayan cats do best on a high-quality, complete, and balanced diet that supports their skin, coat, and overall weight management. Your vet can recommend the best cat food for your Himalayan.

Because Himalayans tend to be more lounge-loving than high-energy, portion control matters. Measured meals are often better than unlimited free-feeding, especially for indoor cats who are happy to make napping a full-time job.

Most adults do well with two scheduled meals per day, while Himalayan kittens might need more frequent feeding. Ask your vet how much (and how often) you should feed your cat.

Wet cat food can be helpful for hydration because some cats aren’t enthusiastic water drinkers. Talk with your veterinarian about the best feeding plan for your Himalayan based on their age, activity level, and any breed-related concerns like kidney health or weight gain.

Most adult Himalayans would rather spend the afternoon lounging than playing, but regular activity and exercise is still important for keeping them mentally stimulated and preventing obesity.

Because they’re naturally less active than some breeds, Himalayans may need encouragement to play each day. A few short sessions of interactive play can help them maintain a healthy weight.

Brown recommends “anything that makes noise, like crinkle balls or balls with bells in the middle of them.” Many cats also enjoy puzzle feeders that make snack time feel like a tiny mission. 

If left entirely to their own devices, many Himalayans will happily choose naps as their primary hobby.

Himalayans prefer calm homes where they can enjoy plenty of down time with their people. They’re easygoing companions for singles, couples, and seniors looking for a relaxed lap cat.

They can be happy living with children and other pets, but they’re not usually up for lots of play or roughhousing. 

“If you want something that’s going to play with the kids, you probably don’t want [a Himalayan],” Fellerman says. “They’ll watch the children play, but they’re not real active.”

Because they’re social and affectionate cats, Himalayans enjoy companionship and may become lonely if left for long stretches every day. They don’t need constant entertainment, but they do appreciate being near their people.

Their ideal setup includes scratching posts, soft beds, cat trees, and sunny window perches for quality bird watching. A catio or screened porch can also be a huge plus for a cat who enjoys safe outdoor sights and fresh air.