Other Name
The popular Himalayan, nicknamed the Himmy, is a colorpoint version of the Persian, although at least one cat registry considers him a stand-alone breed. He was created by crossing the Siamese and the Persian and then breeding the offspring until the desired characteristics were achieved. Except for the point coloration and blue eyes, the Himalayan is quite similar to the Persian. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as a "Colorpoint Persian." It derives its name from the Himalayan rabbit, which possesses the same colorpoint. The most recognizable Himalayan, at least recently, has been "Mr. Jinx," the toilet-flushing cat in the comedy film Meet the Parents.
A kitten named Newton’s Debutante was the first Himalayan, back in 1931. He was the result of a breeding program by Virginia Cobb and Clyde Keeler, who wanted to produce a Persian cat with the colorpoints of the Siamese. They were followed in the 1950s by Canadian breeder Ben Borrett, whose goal was to create a longhaired cat with colorpoints. First known as a Colourpoint Longhair, the new cat was recognized in 1955 by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. American cat registries recognized the breed in 1957, calling it a Himalayan.
