Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Himalayan cat was developed in the mid-20th century as a result of deliberate crossbreeding between Persian and Siamese cats. The goal was to combine the long, thick coat and massive body of the Persian with the distinctive pointed coloration of the Siamese. The first breeding experiments took place in the United States and the United Kingdom during the 1930s–1940s, and by the 1950s the breed type had stabilized. The name “Himalayan” was inspired by the coat resemblance to Himalayan rabbits. Later, the breed was officially recognized by international cat associations and became established as a distinct long-haired breed. Today, the Himalayan cat is prized for its blend of aristocratic appearance, gentle temperament, and exotic color pattern.
General Appearance
The Himalayan is a medium-to-large cat with a massive, compact body, sturdy bone structure, and well-developed musculature. The body is low-set, with a broad chest and a short, strong neck. The head is large and round, with a short muzzle and a powerful chin. Eyes are large, round, and bright blue—the hallmark of the breed. Ears are small, wide-set, and rounded at the tips. Legs are short and strong, with large, rounded paws. The tail is medium in length, fluffy, and proportional to the body. The coat is long, dense, and silky, with a rich undercoat. The most distinctive feature is the pointed coloration. The overall impression is one of balance, harmony, and aristocratic elegance.
Important Proportions
According to ICCF, the Himalayan must maintain a balance between a massive body and harmonious proportions. The body length should correspond to leg height, creating a compact, low-slung silhouette. The head must be round and broad, with balanced width and length and a strong chin. The muzzle should be short but not overly flat. Eyes are large, round, and always blue. Ears are small and widely spaced, proportional to the head. Legs are short, thick, and powerful, with rounded paws. The tail is medium-length, fluffy, and proportional to the body. The coat should be evenly long, thick, and soft, with a full undercoat.
Behavior and Temperament
The Himalayan cat is affectionate, calm, and even-tempered. It is loving, gentle, and loyal to its owner, enjoying attention and companionship. The breed is not demanding and prefers a peaceful environment. It gets along well with children and other pets, showing tolerance and friendliness. Its voice is soft and melodic, used sparingly. Although not overly active, it displays playfulness and intelligence. Himalayans are deeply attached to their homes and appreciate comfort and routine. They are intelligent, emotionally stable, and quick to adapt to family life.
Head
The head should be large, broad, and round, giving an impression of substance. The skull is wide with smooth contours and a high, rounded forehead. Cheeks are full and well-developed, enhancing the round shape. The nose is short and broad with a pronounced stop but must not interfere with breathing. The muzzle is short and rounded, not pointed. The chin is strong, firm, and aligned with the nose and lips. The head should give an impression of power and nobility, reflecting its Persian ancestry combined with the Siamese color pattern.
Facial Features
The face gives the Himalayan its characteristic expression. Cheeks are broad and full, creating a soft, rounded appearance. Whisker pads are prominent, emphasizing the fullness of the muzzle. The nose is short and broad, with a distinct stop located between the eyes but not excessively high. The chin is strong and balanced, supporting the round facial outline. The overall expression must be harmonious, symmetrical, and refined. An excessively flat face, weak chin, or distorted profile are serious faults.
Eyes
The eyes are large, round, and wide-set, giving the cat an open, expressive look. The gaze should be gentle, intelligent, and slightly dreamy. The color must be a clear, vivid blue, ranging from bright azure to deep sapphire, always pure and luminous. Any other eye color is unacceptable. The eyes must be symmetrical and level. Small, dull, or misaligned eyes are considered severe faults. The ideal Himalayan eye expression is known as the “sapphire gaze.”
Ears
Ears are small to medium, wide at the base, and softly rounded at the tips. They should be set low and far apart, maintaining the round contour of the head. The inner surface is well-furnished with hair, and small tufts are acceptable. The ears must not dominate or disrupt the balance of the head. Large, upright, or sharply pointed ears detract from the breed type. Correct ear placement enhances the impression of fullness and elegance.
Neck
The neck is short, thick, and strong, harmoniously connecting the large head and solid body. It must be well-muscled, providing strength and balance. In males, the neck is broader and more powerful; in females, it is more refined but still proportional. Necks that are too long, too thin, or overly short are undesirable. A properly structured neck contributes to the breed’s compact and noble appearance.
Body
The body is compact, massive, and low to the ground, with a broad chest and strong bone structure. The back is short and level, the loins firm, and the abdomen round but not sagging. The proportions must convey strength, stability, and harmony. An elongated, narrow, or excessively heavy body is undesirable. The Himalayan’s build should express power combined with elegance and refinement.
Tail
The tail is medium in length, proportional to the body, broad at the base, and tapering gently to a rounded tip. It must be fluffy, densely covered with long hair, and blend smoothly with the body’s outline. The tail should move freely and naturally, without kinks or irregularities. The correct tail completes the silhouette and enhances balance and elegance.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are short, strong, and straight, with substantial bone structure. The stance should be parallel and provide stability for the compact body. Paws are large, round, and firm, with thick pads and neat toes. Thin or bowed legs and weak bone are faults. The forelegs must emphasize the breed’s sturdy and balanced type.
Hind Limbs
The hind legs are strong, short, and slightly longer than the front ones, giving a gentle rise toward the back. Thighs are broad and muscular, hocks strong and firm. Paws are large and round. Incorrect angulation or weak joints are serious faults. The hindquarters should underline the breed’s power and stability.
Gait and Movement
The Himalayan’s movement should be steady, confident, and harmonious. The stride is short, rhythmic, and coordinated, reflecting the cat’s compact build. The tail assists with balance. Movements must be smooth and free from stiffness or imbalance. Proper gait demonstrates sound structure and physical strength.
Coat
The coat is long, thick, and silky, with a well-developed undercoat that adds volume. It should cover the entire body evenly, forming a dense ruff around the neck, a full tail plume, and breeches on the hind legs. The texture must be soft yet resilient. A sparse undercoat, excessive matting, or lack of volume are faults. The ideal coat is full, flowing, and easy to groom.
Acceptable Colors
ICCF recognizes all standard point colors for the Himalayan: seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point. Red, cream, tortie, and tabby points are also accepted. The body color must be light and even, contrasting distinctly with the darker points on the face, ears, legs, and tail. Uneven shading or lack of contrast are undesirable. The coat color must complement the deep sapphire-blue eyes.
Size
The Himalayan is a medium-to-large breed. Males are heavier and more powerful, weighing 5–7 kg or more. Females are lighter, 3.5–5 kg. The body is compact and low-set, with a broad chest and sturdy legs. Proportions must remain balanced. Cats that are too small or excessively heavy lose the proper type.
Faults
Faults include a long or narrow body, weak bone, lack of mass, elongated muzzle, weak chin, or incorrect nose length. Ears that are too large or upright, eyes that are dull, small, or not blue, and sparse or uneven coats are also faults. Poor color contrast or patchiness in point markings are considered defects. Movement showing weakness or asymmetry is undesirable.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include tail deformities, cross-eye, incorrect bite, missing teeth, skeletal deformities, and any eye color other than blue. Absence of the characteristic pointed coloration, spotted patterns, or unkempt color transitions also disqualify. Cats lacking a long, full coat with undercoat, or those showing aggression, fearfulness, or signs of hybridization are excluded. Hereditary defects affecting health are grounds for disqualification.
Important Notes
ICCF emphasizes that the Himalayan cat combines the Persian type with Siamese coloration. Key features include a compact body, round head, deep blue eyes, and long, thick fur. For show and breeding, cats must have official ICCF documentation: pedigree, microchip verification, and veterinary passport. Breeders must maintain coat quality and color purity while avoiding excessive facial flattening. Judges consider both physical traits and temperament, as the Himalayan is valued for its gentle, affectionate nature.
Conclusion
According to ICCF standards, the Himalayan cat represents a refined blend of Persian massiveness and Siamese color elegance. It features a compact body, large round head, vivid blue eyes, and luxurious coat. The essential traits are harmony of form, clarity of point coloration, and aristocratic bearing. Defects in structure, color, or eye tone are unacceptable. Participation in ICCF breeding and exhibitions requires verified pedigree, microchip, and veterinary certification. The ICCF ensures preservation of breed purity and type consistency. The Himalayan cat symbolizes harmony between Eastern color and Persian form, holding a distinguished place among long-haired breeds.
