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View 8 More +All Himalayans are incredibly beautiful, but the Flame Point Himalayan is special. They have the classic plush hair of the traditional Himalayan with a light, vibrant color on the paws, tail, ears, and mask. They have the same gentle, calm demeanors that make the Himalayan so sought after.
Breed Overview
Height:
10 – 12 inches
Weight:
7 – 12 pounds
Lifespan:
9 – 15 years
Colors:
Cream, fawn, orange, rust
Suitable for:
Calm households, relaxed atmospheres
Temperament:
Docile, sweet, dainty, gentle
If the Flame Point Himalayan’s penetrating blue eyes and soft, light coats have your attention, let’s explore all the characteristics of this fabulous feline. After all, their personalities are just as impressive as their appearance.
Flame Point Himalayan Characteristics
Himalayan Kittens
Himalayan cats are a popular cat breed, and those with Flame Point patterns aren’t too rare to find, so you’ll likely have several options when it comes to finding a kitten. If you decide to buy from a breeder, take the necessary time to research your options. Flame Point Himalayans can be prone to genetic health issues, and reputable breeders will screen the kittens for these conditions.
Choosing a breeder nearby lets you visit the kittens and their parents in person, which will help you asses the living conditions they’re in and the temperament of the kitten’s parents. If you’re considering adopting your kitten, check with Himalayan-specific rescues or shelters, although Flame Point Himalayan kittens may be less common than adults.
Once you have your Flame Point Himalayan kitten, it’s important to set up a routine for your cat so they can adapt easily to meal times, playtime, litter box spots, and their sleeping area. Keep in mind that these kittens have long coats that require regular grooming, so make this an important part of their routine as well. As long as you provide your kitten with the right food, regular vet appointments, daily playtime sessions, enough grooming, and socialization, your Flame Point Himalayan kitten will grow into a happy and healthy cat.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Flame Point Himalayan Cat
Flame Point Himalayan cats are incredibly docile and laid-back. Although they’re intelligent, they aren’t particularly keen on learning tricks or being the center of attention. They prefer to be left alone.
You might find that your Flame Point Himalayan accepts your affection but doesn’t always seek it out. They may also shy away from any loud noises or chaos happening around your home. They aren’t as tolerant of change, and they may only take to certain people.
While they can be a little bit picky about certain things, they tend to be agreeable and non-combative. You can probably pick them up without resistance and pet them. They are usually not aggressive, overbearing, or intense.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
If you buy a Himalayan as a kitten, they can acclimate to noisy households, but they prefer quiet environments. This quiet, gentle cat likes a comfortable, peaceful home with a calm owner. Because of their disposition, they do much better with older children.
In no way does this mean they can’t play with children, but they’re less tolerant of the overzealous behavior of a toddler. With the proper introductions, they can acclimate well to a home with young kids. It’s always appropriate to teach the child and cat how to interact with one another in a mutually respectful manner.
They are incredibly affectionate cats who attach themselves to their families quickly and wholeheartedly. They may quietly hide under a bed if the kids are a little too crazy.
Because of their love for a chaos-free life, they make excellent companions for older people who share the same sentiment. They will be your special cat and best buddy. They are not outdoor cats. If you can’t have your Himalayan inside, you should choose another breed.
They are delicate and will not fare well out on their own. Also, since they are brachycephalic, they should never be out in hot temperatures. However, smaller environments, like apartments, suit them just fine. So, you need not worry that your home is too small. Between their lack of spastic activity and love for peace, they won’t be jumping off your walls or climbing your curtains.
Does This Cat Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶🐱
Himalayans won’t take kindly to your overzealous dog or dominating cat. They much prefer equal-temperament partnerships. These cats can get along great and integrate well into multi-pet households; they just need calm animals as roommates.
Even though Himalayans are incredibly relaxed cats, it’s not a good idea to leave them around anything smaller than them. If your cat thinks your hamster looks like a delicious snack, they might take advantage if they can get close to them. Keep any smaller animals separated from your cat to keep them safe and sound.
Things to Know When Owning a Flame Point Himalayan:
Food & Diet Requirements 
Feeding your Flame Point Himalayan a nutritious diet high in protein is of utmost importance. They need the correct amino acids, proteins, and caloric content to feed their growing muscles and developing bodies. In the wild, cats only eat meat.
You can find nutritious selections in dry kibble, wet food, or raw diet. You can even get crafty and try to create recipes on your own. There are plenty of recipes online, but you need to ensure they are getting all the appropriate nutrients. Your vet can provide cat food recommendations, and if you try homemade food, show the recipe to your vet to ensure it’s nutritionally balanced.
Exercise 🐈
Your Flame Point Himalayan won’t need much exercise, nor will they want to do much. They would much rather be relaxing near a window than running around your home. Realistically, they need roughly 15 to 20 minutes of daily exercise.
It shouldn’t be hard to accommodate. Even though they are pretty lazy, you can encourage them to play with strings, toys, or even your hand.
Training 🧶
Initially, when you litter-train your Flame Point Himalayan, you must keep them in a small space to get better acquainted with their litter box. Many kittens come previously litter trained because, after a first few introductions to the litter box, cats usually have it down pat.
However, if your cat is having a problem, limit their space and make sure to leave any waste in the litter box initially for them to smell it and remember that that is where they use the bathroom.
While your Himalayan can be trained to do tricks, they probably won’t want to. Even though they are smart, they prefer cuddling to performing.
Grooming ✂️
If you examine their thick hair and think grooming is probably a time-consuming task, you’re absolutely right. These beautiful cats have a double coat, which means they have a dense, short undercoat with a longer overcoat.
Not only do Himalayans have long flowing hair, but it is also incredibly thick. They shed quite a bit, especially when the seasons change. As the old coat goes and the new one comes in, they’re shed more often. An excellent way to maintain their fur is to brush them daily.
They don’t need to be bathed often unless they get dirty, but after each bath, follow up with a deep brushing session to get their double coat looking its best.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Your Flame Point Himalayan might have a few genetic health issues, but if you buy from a reputable breeder, you can cut out a lot of the risk. It’s nice to know what you might need to look for. With the help of your veterinarian, you can pinpoint any problems as they come.
- Ringworm—This fungal infection affects Himalayan cats more frequently than other breeds. The good news is that it’s easily detectable and treatable with an antifungal medication.
- Breathing issues—Because these cats are brachycephalic, they can have a series of breathing issues that can range from mild to severe.
- Polycystic kidney disease—This disease is inherited genetically, causing cysts to form in the kidneys. Kidney failure can also occur, depending greatly on the disease’s severity and how rapidly it progresses.
Male vs Female
Spraying is a territorial behavior, and it can occur in male and female cats. However, it is more common in males after they reach the age of sexual maturity, which is roughly 6 months.
To prevent this from happening, early neutering can eliminate the urge but might not solve the issue altogether. Females tend to be a bit more reserved than males, and they are more selective about who they pick as their favorite person. However, both genders are highly agreeable and sweet. Whether you pick a girl or boy, you’ll love them all the same.
3 Little-Known Facts About Flame Point Himalayan Cats
1. The Cat Sassy on Homeward Bound Was a Himalayan
Voiced by Sally Field, Sassy was the famous Himalayan in the 90s children’s movie Homeward Bound.
2. The World’s Smallest Cat Was a Himalayan Named Tinker Toy
Tinker Toy, a Himalayan from Illinois, is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the smallest cat in history. He stood only 2.5 inches off the ground.
3. All Himalayans are Brachycephalic Cats
Brachycephalic animals have short snouts, giving them a smooshy-face look that makes them adorable. However, it can also cause health problems, and Himalayans shouldn’t be left outside in hot temperatures or allowed to exercise for long periods.
Final Thoughts
Flame Point Himalayans are gorgeous felines worthy of your consideration when you’re kitty shopping. You can expect to have a very even-tempered and affectionate cat as long as you respect the fact that they enjoy their fair share of peace and quiet. From their agreeable personalities to their unique look, Himalayan cats will turn heads and steal hearts.
Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock
