What do you get when you combine the fluffy characteristics of a Persian with the striking markings of a Siamese cat? As a team of cat-breeding scientists proved in the early 20th century, you end up with a beautiful Himalayan cat. And with pet insurance for Himalayan cats from PIA, you enjoy the added benefit of the peace of mind that comes with knowing your feline friend will always be well taken care of.
Back in the 1930s, a pair of Harvard scientists decided to cross Persian and Siamese cats. The kittens this cross created possessed the luxurious coat and facial features of a Persian, combined with the unmistakable markings of the Siamese cat. This is how the first litter of Himalayans were born.
It should also be noted that a similar breeding experiment took place in the UK a few years later. This occurred independently – presumably without either team knowing that the other team had achieved similar results.
And it’s safe to say that this cross was successful, as the Himalayan is truly a beautiful animal to behold. However, it should be noted that most cat fancier associations do not consider the Himalayan as a distinct breed from the Persian. Instead, it’s strictly a colour variation.
20-25 cm
3 – 4.5 kg
Placid, shy, affectionate and easy-going
10-18 years
Polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, progressive retinal atrophy
USA
Low, flowing double coat that requires considerable grooming
Colourpoint: chocolate, blue, lilac, flame, seal or cream
The Himalayan’s high-maintenance coat, general shyness and aversion to jumping and climbing make it especially well-suited to the indoors.
As mentioned above, the Himalayan is all about bringing together the most desirable traits from two breeds into a single cat. When it comes to body and build, the Himalayan is very Persian, indeed. It boasts a round body with short legs, squashed facial features and an illustrious coat of long fur.
The markings, on the other hand, are unmistakably Siamese. This is the colourpoint pattern, which features a lighter coloured coat with darker accents on the mask, feet, ears and tail. With Himalayans, most of the fur is a light cream colour, but the points can come in a variety of shades.
If you’ve ever met a Persian cat, then you can expect much the same from the Himalayan in terms of personality. This is a sweet and loving breed that’s always ready for a bit of cuddling. A fair amount of playtime is also on the agenda for this good-natured cat.
If you would like to learn more about how to arrange pet insurance for Himalayan cats, have a look at the various coverage options advertised here on our website. And if you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact PIA today.
1 - Terms & Conditions Apply. 2 Month Offer Terms & Conditions can be viewed by clicking here
2 - Depending on your level of cover. Policy T&Cs, limits, exclusions, waiting periods and excess may apply.
3 - You may be eligible for a higher limit; if so, this will be specified in your certificate of insurance.
4 – Applies per Policy Period and is deducted from the benefit payable to you, depending on the cover option chosen. Please note the $600 excess option is not available with a 70% benefit percentage.
5 – T&Cs Apply. MyPetPass® is a rewards programme provided by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923 (PetSure). Available to holders of active policies. myPetPass® perks are provided by PetSure and third-party suppliers and also subject to these third-party suppliers’ terms and conditions. myPetPass® perks may be amended or withdrawn any time without notice. PetSure does not guarantee that any particular third-party providers will continue to participate in myPetPass® through the offer or provision of perks, or that the myPetPass® rewards programme or any myPetPass® perks or features of myPetPass® will continue to be available. Full Terms & Conditions available at mypetpass.com.au/terms.
6 – After all documentation received.
7 - A separate limit applies to the non-insurance Routine Care item. Routine Care limits apply to specific routine care items. Click here for more info.
8 - There is a 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament claims. This waiting period may be waived at our discretion. For details on the waiver process, refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement.
9 - Terms & Conditions Apply. 3 Month Offer Terms & Conditions can be viewed by clicking here
10 - Live Vet Support is a service provided by PetSure that gives you 24/7 access to general veterinary telehealth advice for your insured pet(s) via online video or chat, via the Customer Portals owned and operated by PetSure. Access to Live Vet Support consultations subject to the Customer Portal terms of use.
11 - Available at participating vets, find your nearest GapOnly® Vet at gaponly.com.au. The gap is the difference between the vet’s invoice and the eligible claim benefit under your pet insurance policy. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183. GapOnly® is available on eligible claims at participating vets with a pet insurance policy from a GapOnly® pet insurance partner.
12 - A 5% discount off your second pet insured, 10% discount off your third pet insured, 15% discount off your fourth and subsequent pets insured. For full terms and conditions of this discount, click here
13 - Policy T&Cs, Booster Care limit, applicable benefit percentage, waiting periods and exclusions apply. Annual excess may apply.
14 - Policy T&Cs, limits, exclusions and waiting periods apply. Annual excess may apply.
15 - Depending on the level of cover chosen
Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted, distributed and arranged by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted, distributed and arranged by PetSure’s AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. the PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.
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