 In today's video, we are going to talk about some interesting facts and myths about the Himalayan cat. Himalayan cats have been jokingly labeled Persians in a Siamese costume. While that's an adorable image, of course it isn't true. Whether or not Himalayans are a distinct breed. Himalayans are a medium-sized sub-breed of long hair cat. They are almost identical to Persians except that they have brilliant blue eyes and the color point markings of Assiamese. That means they have creamy bodies with a darker face, ears, feet, and tail. The cats have the gentle and calm disposition of the Persian and the energy and friendliness of the Siamese. Common devoted, Himalayans make excellent companions, though they prefer a quieter home. Here are some interesting facts about Himalayan cats that will make you admire them even more. 1. Himalayan cat's history. It's commonly believed the breed got its start at Harvard in the 1930s when researcher Clyde Keeler, with the help of enthusiast Virginia Cobb, conducted a study on combining Siamese and Persian traits. They named their first success Newton's debutant. Keeler's research was picked up again in the 1950s as people longed for long-haired feline friends with those classic Siamese blue eyes and color point markings. In the UK, in 1955, Brian Sterling Webb successfully crossbred what he named long-haired color points. Two years later in the US, Margaret Goforth had similar success and named the breed Himalayans, after the Himalayan rabbit who has similar markings. 2. They even have a nickname. The Himalayan cat has garnered many nicknames over the years like the long-haired color point, Persian Siamese and Himalayan Persian among others. But the one nickname that they are widely known by is Himis, a name given to them by cat enthusiasts and pet lovers. 3. Himalayan cat's temperament. Himalayans are remarkably pleasant. They are smart, affectionate, and devoted. Himis consider their pet parents lapped to be a little piece of heaven, and while they can be left for long hours if you have to work, a Himalayan won't be afraid to tell you if you're neglecting them. These kitties can be shy, and they prefer a calm environment. If you have children, be aware that Himis love getting attention from kids. Some will even let children push them around in buggies, but they do not like rough housing. They dislike loud noise and are timid around house guests. 4. Himalayan cat's attributes. Himis have what is known as a kabi body type. This means that despite their round appearance, these kitties are sturdy and strong. They have short, thick legs and tail and a broad chest and shoulders. Aside from those expressive blue eyes, a Himalayan's face is distinct in that it can either be traditional or extreme. Traditional, also called doll face, is round with a longer, lower nose. Extreme, or peak face, is that adorable squashy look similar to that of a pug? Of course, the most noticeable attribute is a Himalayan's fine, glossy double coat with those quintessential color points. The bulk of their body can range from white to fawn with the color point markings coming in a wide array of hues, including blue, lilac, seal, chocolate, tortoise shell, red, hot cream. And long hair isn't just a label with these silksies, it's a way of life. Himalayan's sport a rough around the neck, a deep frill between their front legs, ear and toe tufts, and a full tail. Hello. This video is sponsored by Beemix Pets. Are you looking for high quality cat collars at an affordable cost? Check out, BeemixPets.com. Use coupon code KittenLife, to get 20% off. 5. They're a celebrity hit. Media mogul Martha Stewart owns three lovely Himalayan cats. She gave them appropriately sophisticated and musical names, Beethoven, Mozart, and Bartok. The cats have been proudly featured on her TV show, in her magazine, and in her advertisements. 6. Himalayan cats grooming. With such a glorious coat, it's no surprise that Himalayan's require frequent grooming. They're thick double coat mats easily, so it's a good idea to comb your kitty daily and bathe them monthly to keep their oils under control. In addition to matting, their long hair also has a tendency to collect litter. Be careful, if you don't keep their litter box tidy, this breed might find their own place to eliminate. Himalayan's are brachycephalic, meaning they have that sweet short-nosed facial structure. This can lead to excessive tear production, and your kitty may need you to wipe their face with a warm, damp cloth on a daily basis. This condition can also constrict your kitty's airways and cause your feline friend to get overheated. Otherwise, your himmy just needs basic grooming like regular nail trimming and dental care. The good news is that Himalayan's are gluttons for affection and most really enjoy grooming time. 7. Himalayan cats common health issues. That whole smushy face deal doesn't just make your kitty's eyes water. As a brachycephalic breed, Himalayan's are prone to difficulties with breathing, dental malocclusions, and eye conditions like cherry eye. They also have a predisposition for polycystic kidney disease and a nervous system disorder called feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Himalayan's are no stranger to ringworm either, so keep your kitty up-to-date with regular veterinarian visits. 8. They have a unique and beautiful fur coat. The Himalayan was born as a result of the research that was being conducted into the color point genes of the Siamese cat. What the world got out of it is a cat with the beautiful long-haired body of the Persian cat and the unique color points of the Siamese. But what's really strange is that a Himalayan kitten is not born with any color points. However, by the time the kitten reaches the age of 2, the color points become fully visible on its body. 9. The Himalayan cat has low exercise needs. Himalayan cats are not a particularly active breed, preferring to be a pampered house pet. For this reason, their food intake should be carefully controlled to discourage weight gain. However, just because the Himalayan prefers the sedentary lifestyle does not mean that regular exercise is not necessary for him. Himalayan's do love to play and can easily meet their daily exercise needs through such things as interactive toys, catnip-laced balls, and more. 10. Himalayan cats are so special. Himalayan cats do differ in appearance from other members of the cat family. When compared to other felines, the Himalayan can appear to be distinctly bigger. This is due to the fact that the Himalayan has a thick coat and larger bones than his other kitty counterparts. Interestingly enough, the Himalayan is really only of medium size and weighs between 8-12 lbs. The breed is known to shed only moderately in spite of his long, lush coat. His eye color ranges in hue from blue to copper to a brilliant green, contributing to his unique and regal appearance. When it comes to longevity, this cat's 9 lives typically span from 8-11 years. Thinking about adding a Himalayan cat to your family? They make excellent family companions. Cuddle up with one on your couch today. If you enjoyed this video, kindly press the like button. Also don't forget to subscribe with notifications on, so that you don't miss out on videos like this. Thank you for watching.