Himalayan vs Persian Cats
Himalayan and Persian cats are very closely related cat breeds with almost identical features, yet there are important differences exhibited between the two. Therefore, it would be interesting to know the characteristics separately and understand the dissimilarities between Himalayan and Persian cats. Their usual facial expressions, coat colourations, eyes, and temperaments of the two breeds would be important to consider in understanding the difference between them.
Himalayan Cat
Himalayan cat is a very popular cat breed with a longhaired coat. They have large, blue, and round eyes, which make the expressions in their face as if they are frightened or angry. Additionally, the short nose has its nostrils located between the eyes, which aids in amplifying the expression even when they are not angry. There are two main types of them known as Traditional or Doll Face and Peke or Ultra. The two types vary from each other in the degree of squishiness, where Pekes have more squashed faces than Doll Faces.
Himalayan cats have been developed through crossbreeding the Persian and Siamese cats. The body of Himalayan cat has short legs, and the body is long and round. Their body is covered with long hairs, especially the tails, and those should be brushed daily to keep it without locks and curls. Additionally, it would be best if their faces can be wiped in a daily basis to keep it free of dirt.
Himalayan cats are available in many colourations such as white, cream, blue, lilac, chocolate, flame red, or black. In addition, the face, ears, tail, and mask are usually white or cream in colour. They can be described as perfect indoor companions due to their sweet temperament. The high intelligence and sociability of Himalayan cats make them such good companions.
Persian Cat
Persian cat is an old cat breed, originated in Ancient Persia, now widespread all around the world. They have a distinguished appearance with a curious-looking face that has large round eyes with a slightly long nose on the exaggeratedly shortened muzzle. The nostrils of Persian cats are located well below the eyes, and that gives them a curious facial expression. Their round face and short muzzle are considered as some of the main identification characteristics. However, the traditional breed of Persian cats has a pronounced muzzle. The head of Persian cats is wide, and the ears are set far from each other. The coat is composed of extremely long hairs, and it is available in any colouration. However, the most popular colourations in Persian cats are Seal Point, Blue Point, Flame Point, Tortie Point, blue, and tabby. Colour of their eyes could be varying according to the pedigree. Regular grooming is essential to maintain a mat free coat of fur since it could be messed up easily due to the long hairs. Their temperament is very quiet and sweet as many of the owners claim.
What is the difference between Himalayan and Persian Cats?
• Persian cat is much older than the Himalayan cat.
• Himalayans are available in long hair coats only, whereas Persian cats are available in both long and short hair varieties.
• Diversity is more pronounced in Persian cats than in Himalayan cats.
• Muzzle is shorter in Persian cats than in Himalayan cats.
• Nostrils are located between the two eyes in Himalayan, but those are found well below the eyes in Persian cats.
• Persian cats are available in more colourations than Himalayan cats. In fact, the colourations are defined well enough for the Himalayan cats but not for the Persian cats.
• Eye colours are varying in Persian cats, but those are blue in most of the Himalayan cats.