Breed Bits: Teacup Himalayan Kitten

If you’re addicted to cute, you’re probably coveting a Teacup Himalayan kitten. Kittens just don’t get much more adorable than these. When Hallmark is trying to cast a Valentines Day card, they look at headshots of Himalayan Teacup kittens; so fluffy, with huge eyes and a little button nose. If you can avoid squealing after catching sight of a Himalayan Teacup kitten than you’re just not human!

The Teacup Himalayan kitten is considered a pedigree breed and is prized by professional breeders. Pure-bred Himalayans are often sold with certificates of lineage. A typical price for a Himalayan Teacup kitten purchased from a reputable dealer is between $450 and $1500. Prices can get even higher for kittens that come with a cat show championship pedigree.

The standard Himalayan kitten also goes by the breed name Colorpoint Persian, and is affectionately referred to by breeders as the “Himmy.” Other typical Himalayan characteristics are very long fur and a Siamese “point” coloration (darker muzzle, ears, tail and paws.) Himalayan cats developed when breeders deliberately crossed a pure-bred Siamese line with a pure-bred Persian line. The body of a Himalayan will always be either white or cream colored, the cat’s points can vary in color, and different breeders specialize in differently pointed Himalayans. Point colors range between blue, lilac, brown, red, chocolate and cream and the only way to guarantee a specific color pattern is if both of the kitten’s parents have the same colors.

In terms of personality, the Teacup Himalayan kitten lives up to its appearance. These cats are known for being sweet, social and very smart. If you have any experience with Siamese cats, you’ll know what I’m talking about; Himalayans possess the same intelligent curiosity and make good companions. On the downside, Teacup Himalayan kittens require a serious commitment in the grooming department. In addition to just keeping their extraordinarily long fur from becoming matted, grooming also helps minimize the chance that your Himalayan will suffer from hairballs. Owners interested in acquiring a Himalayan kitten should be willing to commit to the cat, since they also have a high rate of joint problems and kidney disease due to necessary inbreeding. This means they can require extra veterinary care that could become expensive.

Himalayan cats are a favorite in Hollywood, and Himalayans on the silver screen have included the famous toilet trained cat from Meet the Parents and the adventurous Sassy from the Homeward Bound . The Himalayan breed is also favored by none other than domestic diva Martha Stewart, and several of her six Himalayans have made it into her K-Mart commercials.