This article is from the Summer II 1998 AFRMA Rat & Mouse Tales news-magazine.

By Nichole Royer

From our files
QAre Siamese mice and Himalayan mice the same except for the length of their hair? If not, what is the difference?

AThe difference between Siamese and Himalayan cats involves the length of their hair (among other things). This does not hold true for mice.

In mice, the difference between Siamese and Himalayan is their color. Siamese mice are a warm beige with dark brown points (nose, ears, feet, tail). Himalayan mice are white with light brown points.

Himalayan mice can be created using a Siamese mouse and a Pink-eyed White (albino). All of their offspring should be Himalayans. Essentially a Himalayan is a Siamese with one dose of Pink-eyed White thrown in.

A Siamese mouse with long hair is called a “Long Haired Siamese” and a Himalayan with long hair is a “Long Haired Himalayan.”