INDOOR LIFE

Keeping a Himalayan or Persian Happy Indoors

Long-coated breeds do best indoors. Simple ways to keep your cat content, active and safe.

By Sean Donovan, Himalayan and Persian breeder in Waterford, VA since 1995

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Himalayans and Persians do best as indoor cats.
A couple of short play sessions a day is usually enough.
Give them a window perch, a scratching post and a cosy bed.
Kitten-proof cords, small objects and toxic plants.

A litter of Himalayan kittens with their mothers at home

Himalayans and Persians are natural indoor cats: calm, content and happiest near their people. A few simple things make indoor life even better.

Why indoors

Long coats stay clean and mat-free indoors, and your cat is safe from traffic, predators and disease.

Play every day

Two short sessions a day with a wand toy, ball or crinkle toy keeps them active and at a healthy weight. Kittens play more; adults are happy with less.

Places to perch and nap

A window perch with a view of birds
A sturdy, low cat tree
Soft beds in quiet corners
A sunny spot

Scratching

Offer a sturdy scratching post and reward your kitten for using it. Place it near where they sleep.

Home safety

Tuck away cords and blind strings
Keep small objects, hair ties and string off the floor
Check houseplants — lilies are especially dangerous to cats
Keep window screens secure

A daily routine

Meals at regular times, a few minutes of brushing, play, and plenty of lap time. See our grooming guide and first week checklist.

Common questions

Can Himalayan cats go outside?

We recommend keeping Himalayans and Persians indoors. The coat stays clean and mat-free, and they are safe from traffic, predators and disease.

Do indoor Persian cats get bored?

A little play every day, a window perch and a scratching post keep most Persians and Himalayans content. They are calm cats by nature.

How much exercise does a Himalayan need?

A couple of short play sessions a day, with a wand toy or ball, is usually plenty.