Birman

The Birman is an easygoing breed that fits in well with almost any household and family. Medium-sized and sturdily built, these cats are not too delicate for children to handle.

Birman
1/4
step pet
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

Length

15-18 in.

Weight

7-14 lbs

Life Expectancy

12-16 yrs.

AREA OF ORIGIN:
possibly Burma
OTHER NAMES:
Sacred Cat of Burma
COAT:
Medium-long to long, with heavy ruff around the neck
COAT COLOR:
Gold with chocolate, lilac; white paws
HYPOALLERGENIC:
No
Eyes:
Blue

History of the Birman

No clear record of the breed's origin exists. They are most often claimed to have originated as the companions of temple priests in northern Burma in the Mount of Lugh. Many stories exist of how the cats first came to France, including pairs of cats being given as a reward for helping defend a temple, or being smuggled out of Burma and Sweden by a Vanderbilt. Another pair of Birmans were said to have been stolen and later imported to France by Thadde Haddisch.

Read more: wikipedia

Birman
Birman

Characteristics of the Birman

Amiable and social, the Birman is a sweet and gentle cat that gets along with almost everyone, including other cats and dogs,. In fact, Birmans are so social that they hate to be alone.

Playfulness
LowHigh
Affection Level
LowHigh
Friendliness Pets
LowHigh
Friendliness Strangers
LowHigh
Grooming Requirements
LowHigh
Vocality
LowHigh

Birman Care

Birmans are such easy-going cats! They just need the same things that all cats need to stay healthy and happy, like a basic grooming routine and daily exercise.

Grooming

The gorgeous, long coat of the Birman might make you think that this breed requires a lot of grooming. The good news is that the coat is actually quite easy to care for! The good news is that it's a single coat, so there's no undercoat to brush out! The silky fur texture helps it resist matting, so you'll only need to brush it weekly with a soft slicker brush.

Make sure you keep your sweet Birman's nails nice and short, and check inside their ears every week. If you see a little bit of dirt or wax in your pet's ears, don't fret! You can easily clean them with a pet ear cleaner and cotton balls (just make sure to never use a cotton swab). If your Birman's ears look red or very dirty, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Exercise

Birmans just love to follow you all over the house and are always up for a play session! Bring out a few fun toys, such as feather wands, balls that jingle, and toy mice, to engage your Birman in play sessions a few times a day. They'll love it!

There are so many ways to help your cat get some exercise! Things like cat trees, cat-friendly bookshelves, and kitty condos are great for encouraging your cat to climb and perch. It's a great idea to set up a few scratching zones in the house with vertical scratchers (like tall posts or cat trees) and horizontal scratchers (like cardboard or sisal scratchers that lie flat on the ground).

Problems

The wonderful thing about Birman cats is that they're an extremely healthy breed. There's no known breed-specific diseases or other health concerns, which is great news for their owners! We all know that any cat, no matter their age, can become sick, injured, or develop a health problem.

Diet and Nutrition

The lovely Birman cat is generally a healthy eater and has a stocky build, which means they have the potential to become overweight if their owners don't manage their nutrition properly. It's good for your Birman to stay lean, and it can help to prevent some nasty obesity-related health issues like diabetes and arthritis. It's best to avoid free feeding, which is filling the food bowl all day long. Instead, serve your adult Birman cat two measured meals a day. And for young kittens, it's a good idea to feed them multiple times a day. By serving your cat measured meals, you can help to prevent them from overeating. If you're looking for some guidance on the best food for your Birman cat, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian or breeder! They're there to help.

Pros

  • Calm and gentle
  • Docile
  • Sociable

Cons

  • Lots of grooming required
  • Gets overweight easily
  • Sheds moderately

Did You Know?

Birmans have an easygoing nature that makes them wonderful pets for families and singles alike.

This breed doesn’t like being alone.

Birman cats are relatively low-maintenance.