What do you get when you mix two of the most-beloved purebred cat breeds? A fantastic sub-breed with a following of their own!
The Siamese Persian combines the traits of their parent breeds to give you a cat with long hair and striking color points. Let’s take a look a what makes this crossbreed a favorite among cat enthusiasts.
As one of the most-popular Persian cats according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), chances are you have met a Siamese Persian cat without even knowing. This designer cat was developed to have the pointed coloring of the Siamese and the body of the Persian. After years of cross-breeding, the Siamese Persian is now approved as a color variation of the Persian cat.
What else signifies a Siamese Persian cat? Along with the creamy-white coat and color points, you’ll notice the electric-blue eyes of the Siamese and the long, silky fur of the Persian. This unique look, combined with their lovable personality, makes this a winning mixed breed.
Breed History
The Siamese Persian mix encapsulates characteristics from two of the most well-recognized cat breeds: the Siamese and Persian. Also called Himalayan, Himalayan Siamese, or simply Himmies, the Siamese Persian was bred in the 1930s as an attempt to combine the physical features of the Persian with the coat and colors of the Siamese.
Let’s take a closer look at the two breeds that created this fantastic mixed-breed cat.
Siamese Cats
The Siamese cat originates from Siam, or what is now Thailand. Recognized by the CFA in 1906, the Siamese was one of the original pedigreed cat breeds. Known for their sleek bodies, wedge-shaped heads, and piercing blue eyes, the Siamese has become one of the most-cherished cat breeds.
Siamese is a medium-sized cat with a short, soft coat that is divided into four color groups: seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac. Siamese have color points, meaning there is a defined contrast between the body color vs. the face (mask), ears, legs, feet, and tail. This distinctive point pattern results from a genetic mutation that causes melanin production in only select areas.
This breed is athletic, intelligent, and curious. They are highly social and love to “chat” with their family, especially if they think they’re being ignored. The Siamese cat and cross breeds make a great family pet and is safe around children and other pets.
Persian Cats
The Persian can be traced to Persia and Iran. This medium-sized cat breed is loved for their trademark round body, flat face, and fluffy, long coat. Just like the Siamese breed, the Persian was recognized by the CFA in 1906 as one of the founding breeds.
This breed is easily distinguished by their flat face with round eyes and cheeks and a short, stubby nose. This kitty has a beautiful, long coat with a dense undercoat that gives this breed their trademark fluff-ball look. The Persian coat comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Persian eyes may be copper, green, blue, blue-green, hazel, and odd-eyed.
Persians are gentle, relaxed cats that love to spend their days basking in a sunny window. While these cats are friendly, they require a gentle touch and should be handled with care. Persians enjoy the company of other cats and are ok with children and dogs, so long as their treated gently.
Temperament
The Siamese Persian has traits of both parent breeds. This cat is loving and gentle like the Persian and energetic and chatty like the Siamese. While this mixed breed can be shy around strangers, they are social and extremely vocal with family. Expect your kitty to follow you from room to room, chatting all the way.
Himmies are docile and relaxed but love a good playtime. This cat won’t be climbing your curtains and is instead a gentle player. After a little activity, they’ll be ready to stretch out on the couch for the rest of the day.
This mixed breed will get lonely if left alone too often. To avoid behavioral issues, give this kitty the attention it deserves. Overall, the Himalayan is a well-mannered and sweet feline that makes an ideal house cat.
Size & Appearance
In terms of build, this hybrid kitty takes after the Persian breed. The Himalayan is medium-sized cat weighing between seven to 14 pounds. These cats have long, full coats that give the illusion of weighing more than they ready do.
The Siamese Persian has a round face and body. They can reach up to 19 inches in length, from nose to end of the tail. Like the Persian, the Himalayan has a squished face and a short, sturdy body. The head is large with small ears that are set wide apart.
Coat & Colors
The coat of the Siamese Persian is made up of long, straight hairs with a thick undercoat. Himalayans have the following point colors: chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, red, cream-tortie, blue-cream, chocolate-tortie, lilac-cream, blue lynx, seal lynx, cream lynx, red lynx, tortie lynx, blue-cream lynx, lilac lynx, chocolate lynx, chocolate-tortie lynx, and lilac-cream lynx.
They have color pointing like the Siamese cat, so the color is restricted to the face and extremities, with the body a shade of white to fawn. A Himalayan will have blue eyes like the Siamese.
Grooming
We know that cats are fantastic self-groomers, but all indoor cats require a little help in the grooming department. The Siamese Persian needs more brushing than the average cat, thanks to their luscious coat. Brush your Himmy daily to promote a clean, tangle-free coat. This cat’s fur is prone to matting and may need a monthly bath for skin and hair health.
Regularly trim your cat’s nails and brush their teeth. You can also check your cat’s ears while grooming to ensure they’re clear of excess wax and debris.
Living Requirements
Himalayans are vocal like the Siamese but quiet and gentle like the Persians. This cat needs a low-stress, indoor environment where they can enjoy playing with their favorite toys and lounging about. The Siamese Persian is an excellent candidate for an apartment cat since their play is usually contained to a small area.
Provide your Himmy with at least one litterbox and clean it daily, if not twice daily. Your cat should also have access to water around the clock. Cats tend not to drink enough water and can become dehydrated quickly.
Exercise
Both the Siamese and Persian require daily exercise, and this designer breed is no different. With working-cat parent breeds, the Siamese Persian needs regular playtime to be happy and healthy. Mental stimulation will prevent this cat from causing mischief around the home.
Keep your Himalayan entertained toys scattered around the house. This is a playful breed that can entertain themselves for hours if needed.
Training
This kitty’s intelligence and desire to please make training a breeze—or as easy-breezy as training a cat can be. These cats tend to be sensitive, so use positive reinforcement when training for optimum results.
Train your cat to do basic tasks like using the litterbox and fun activities like playing fetch. Socialize your Himalayan cat at a young age to prevent skittishness around strangers and other pets.
Health & Lifespan
The Siamese Persian breed suffers from certain hereditary disorders and is prone to certain health conditions:
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Addison’s Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Asthma
- Urinary tract infections
- Ophthalmic problems
- Mandibular deficiencyy
- Gastrointestinal problems (hairballs)
Make a habit of bringing your cat to the vet for yearly checkups. Consider purchasing pet insurance for your Himalayan cat at a young age so that future health costs will be covered. With a well-balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and regular health maintenance, you can prolong the lifespan of your Siamese Persian, which averages 12 to 15 years.
Nutrition
Providing your cat with a high-quality, well-balanced diet that is specific to their age, weight, and activity level. Your veterinarian can help you find food for your cat’s stage of life and set up a feeding schedule. Siamese Persians are susceptible to hairballs, so you may need to find a formula that specializes in reducing and preventing hairballs.
Be careful not to overfeed your Himalayan. While playful, this kitty’s activity level is relatively low and will require fewer calories than super-rambunctious cats. If you think your cat is gaining weight, consult your veterinarian to set up a diet plan.
Breeder & Kitten Costs
While age, gender, and location of the breeder can affect cat cost, you can expect a show-quality Himalayan to cost $1,000 to $2,500.
Rescues & Shelters
Because of this cat’s popularity, it’s possible to find this mix at your local shelter or rescue. You can also utilize pet adoption websites like Petfinder that allow breed-specific searches.
As Family Pets
Considered a “gentle giant,” the Siamese Persian makes a great family pet. This kitty is suitable for families with young children and plays well with other cats and pets. The Himalayan has lots of love to give and would prefer a home environment where there is room to roam but also plenty of people to cuddle.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a talkative and social kitty with striking looks, the Siamese Persian may be just the cat for you. This mix is a great addition to a family with time to give this feline all the attention it desires.
