Beauty never comes easy. The Himalayan is a real glamourpuss and like any star requires the daily attention of a devoted stylist. Ask your cat’s breeder for advice on the best way to care for your Himmy’s coat. Expect to comb the long, flowing coat daily with a stainless steel Greyhound comb to prevent or remove mats and tangles. A slicker brush can also be a good tool to have on hand. Don’t slack off or you’ll quickly have a matted mess to deal with, and your Himmy will not be pleased if you have to take him to the groomer for a lion trim. He needs regular baths to stay clean and sweet-smelling. Introduce a kitten to bathing as soon as you bring him home and he will accept it readily. Some Himalayans have a problem with excessive tearing of the eyes. To prevent ugly staining, wash the cat’s face daily, particularly beneath the eyes. The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually weekly. Check the ears every week for redness or a bad smell that could indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle cleanser recommended by your veterinarian. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Start brushing, nail trimming and teeth brushing early so your kitten becomes accepting of this activity.
The most important thing to understand about caring for a Himalayan is the need for daily grooming. That long, beautiful coat doesn’t stay clean and tangle-free on its own. It must be gently but thoroughly combed every day, and regular bathing—at least once a month—is a good idea.Another factor to consider is the litter box issue. Litter may become lodged in a Himalayan’s paws or coat. If the cat and the litter box aren’t kept scrupulously clean, a Himmie is more likely than most to just stop using the box.Excessive tearing can be a problem in this breed, so wipe the corners of the eyes clean daily to prevent under-eye stains from forming. Brush the teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing.It’s a good idea to keep a Himalayan as an indoor-only cat. He’s not a scrapper and would fare poorly against other cats, dogs, coyotes and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors. Himalayans who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.
