Persian vs Himalayan
Persian or Himalayan? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Persian | Himalayan | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Persia (Iran), refined in UK | US and UK, 1930s–50s |
| Size | Medium · 7–12 lb | Medium · 7–12 lb |
| Lifespan | 12–17 years | 12–15 years |
| Coat | Long, thick, mats easily | Long, thick, pointed |
| Temperament | Quiet, placid, gentle | Gentle, quiet, sweet |
| Best fit | Calm homes, daily groomers | Calm homes, daily groomers |
| Energy | ●●●●● Prefers lounging | ●●●●● Prefers lounging |
| Affection | ●●●●● Gentle and devoted | ●●●●● Gentle and devoted |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Daily combing, eye cleaning | ●●●●● Daily combing, eye care |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Easy temper, heavy care | ●●●●● Easy temper, heavy care |
| Observed price | $900 median (33 prices) | $565 median (15 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: about the same (1 of 5 each).
- Affection: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (3 of 5 each).
The Persian
One of the oldest pedigree breeds, bred over generations for a long, full coat and a round, flat face. The result is a quiet, gentle house cat that needs daily grooming and a buyer who asks hard health questions.
Daily combing is not optional, and the flat face can bring breathing trouble, tear staining and dental crowding. Polycystic kidney disease is common in the breed without testing.
The Himalayan
A Persian with Siamese-style points and blue eyes, created by crossing the two breeds in the 1930s–50s. It has the Persian’s quiet, gentle nature, full coat and flat face, and the same demand for daily grooming.
Daily combing, eye cleaning and hygiene trims are routine. The flat face brings breathing and tear issues, and kidney disease is common in untested lines.
Questions
Is a Persian or a Himalayan better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 3 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Persian: Easy temper, heavy care. Himalayan: Easy temper, heavy care.
What is the main difference between a Persian and a Himalayan?
Daily combing is not optional, and the flat face can bring breathing trouble, tear staining and dental crowding. Polycystic kidney disease is common in the breed without testing. By contrast, daily combing, eye cleaning and hygiene trims are routine. The flat face brings breathing and tear issues, and kidney disease is common in untested lines.
Which costs more, a Persian or a Himalayan?
On the prices we observed, the Persian median is $900 (33 prices) and the Himalayan median is $565 (15 prices).