Himalayan vs Persian Cat: What’s the Difference?
Same coat, same gentle nature. The real difference between a Himalayan and a Persian comes down to colour, and here is what that means.
By Sean Donovan, Himalayan and Persian breeder in Waterford, VA since 1995
- A Himalayan is a Persian in build and coat with the colourpoint markings and blue eyes of a Siamese.
- Persians come in solid and bicolour coats; Himalayans come in point colours such as seal, blue, flame, chocolate and lilac.
- Temperament, grooming, size and care are essentially the same.
- At Friendly Kittens both breeds are $1,400 and raised the same way, in our home.
We raise both breeds in our home in Waterford, Virginia, and families often ask which one they should choose. The honest answer: they are far more alike than different.
The short answer
A Himalayan is a Persian with colourpoint markings. It has the Persian’s broad face, sturdy body and long, dense coat, combined with the darker points and blue eyes of a Siamese. Some cat registries treat the Himalayan as a colourpoint variety of the Persian, which is why you will also hear “Himalayan Persian” or “colourpoint Persian”.
Side by side
| HIMALAYAN | PERSIAN | |
|---|---|---|
| Coat | Long, dense | Long, dense |
| Colour | Colourpoint (seal, blue, flame, chocolate, lilac) | Solid and bicolour |
| Eyes | Always blue | Varies with coat colour |
| Temperament | Calm, affectionate, lap cat | Calm, gentle, unhurried |
| Grooming | Brushing most days | Brushing most days |
| Our price | $1,400 | $1,400 |
Colour and eyes
This is the one clear difference. Himalayans are pointed: a lighter body with darker colour on the face, ears, paws and tail, and always blue eyes. Kittens are born pale and their points fill in over the first months. Persians come in solid colours and bicolours, and their eye colour varies with the coat. See our guide to Himalayan colours.
Temperament
Both are calm, quietly affectionate cats who would rather sit on a lap than climb the curtains. Himalayans are sometimes described as a touch more playful, but in our experience how a kitten is raised matters far more than the breed name. Ours are raised underfoot with children and other pets, so they are not shy or unfriendly.
Grooming and care
Identical. Both need regular brushing to stay free of mats, a gentle daily eye wipe, and an indoor life. Our grooming guide covers the routine we teach every family.
Health
Both share the same Persian-type health considerations, including an inherited risk of PKD and the eye and breathing issues that can come with a flat face. Choose a breeder who health-tests. Our kittens are PKD negative, from a feline leukemia negative colony and guaranteed free of genetic defects.
So which should you choose?
Choose the kitten, not the label. Come and visit our home, sit on the floor and see which one chooses you.