Why the Himalayan Breed is the World's Cutest Cat

It wasn't until 1996 when I was cat sitting for a family friend that this adorable species of cat became part of my everyday conscience. At first it was just some exotic cat to me, and I repressed all feelings of how cute this particular cat was until it was too late. After several episodes of pet sitting, one of the Himalayan's I was pet sitting became my friend. At the time, I didn't want a new friend and it was just a job, but when the owner offered that I keep the cutest cat of the bunch I deferred my reason and voted to accept this walking teddy bear.

His name for purposes of limiting his fan mail will be Mew, and he was 2 years old when he was given to me and my family for adoption. Since then the little guy who was the runt of his litter has been to Massachusetts with me, and is now living at my Mother's house in his retirement. All the while Mew has proven an exceptionally good natured, friendly, huggable and beyond cute cat. It hasn't all been a fairytale with the Himalayan as his breed have particularly short noses often causing respiratory problems. In this cat's case he has had frequent bouts of sneeze attacks with the associated fluids, and very occasionally he has decided he likes beds to pee in. Why this has been the case I do not know but it was very infrequent, but just enough to be a little frustrating.

Himalayan cats are half Persian and half Siamese. Mew is very similar in nature and disposition to a rag doll cat as his body is very limp when held and he is rarely averse to being picked up. The breed is often longhaired and come in various colors. All Himalayan's have blue eyes; some have orange highlights and are white like mew, while others can be gray and black in color. One of Mew's brothers and one sister had short white hair, which they acquired from his Mother the Siamese cat and Mew got his Father's long hair. His father, being Persian had a stubbier nose and looked very mean but when he meowed it turned all that appearance into a facade kind of like a large biker with a singing voice.

Although Mew was a perfect breeding cat we opted to have him spayed for three reasons; cats live longer if they're spayed young, we weren't interested in breeding him and the cat population can always benefit from a spayed male cat. Mew is an indoor cat, yet the few times he has been outside were for short fresh air excursions or to the Vet for shots. I'm not sure he would be a real survivor in the wild like some cats seem to be, but maybe those hidden cat instincts lay buried deep inside his cuteness. He just doesn't seem like one of the gang when it comes to mouse hunting, bird stalking and cat fighting late at night.

Mew's health has been good his whole life, his teeth and breath could use a little work and his coat after dry shampoo and thorough brushing is beautiful like a snowy field of cotton with accents of sun tinted glare. Maybe that's a little too poetic but you get the point. There was one incident when Mew was five in which the short-term residence he was staying at had fleas and Mew had to get a blood transfusion. It was a very upsetting episode, especially when he passed out, but many at the Vet's office loved him and gave him excellent medical attention. I have since held a grudge against fleas and encourage all pet owners to use a flea preventative both on the cat and in the home. Nevertheless, this was the only medical issue Mew has had and other than shots every now and then he's Medically issue free so far.

Even though Himalayan's are in my mind the cutest cats in the World, they are still cats and need proper care and attention. Nail clipping, brushing, shots, litter etc. are all standard care for these cats and it wouldn't do their intrinsic charm justice to not take care of them. Breeders of these cats can be found in many cities and will charge a premium for them due to their hybrid status and demand. Sometimes, if you're lucky you can come across them in shelters and rescue centers. If anyone is interested in a Himalayan cat I would recommend them as sophisticated, in door, higher maintenance cats whose personalities are generally friendly. Mew is probably more friendly than most Himalayan's so when shopping for one be sure to consider the temperament and personality of the cat to see if you're compatible.

Mew is now 13 years old and is enjoying a very comfortable life in an apartment that he matches!