The Birman cat breed is known for being gentle, friendly, and loyal. This beautiful cat is a great addition to any home. Keep reading to learn more about the Birman breed.
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| Birman Cat Breed Overview | |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Sacred Cat of Burma |
| Height | 8 - 10 inches |
| Weight | 6 - 14 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 - 16 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Friendly, Playful |
| Suitable For | Households with or without kids, households with other pets, seniors, first-time cat owners |
History Of The Birman
It’s unknown how this cat breed came to be. There are many stories behind it, but no one knows which story is the truth.
We know that the Birman came to the United States in 1959. In 1967, it was recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).
The DNA of Birman in the USA can be traced to Australia, England, France, and Germany. So, it’s no secret that this breed has been to places.
What Does The Birman Look Like?
Birman cats are typically 15 to 18 inches long and can grow to be about eight to ten inches tall. Also, they may weigh anywhere between six and 14 pounds. Males will be slightly bigger than females.
It’s easy to spot a Birman cat. According to the CFA’s breed standard of Birman cats, they are medium-sized.
This cat is stocky with a round head And medium-length ears. Its eyes are round with a sweet expression and always blue in color. They have large, round paws and a medium-sized tail that’s well-proportioned with the rest of the body.
Finally, the Birman’s coat is their most notable feature. The coat is medium to long and silky. It’s rough around the neck and curly around the belly.
What Coat Colors Does The Birman Have?
Birman cats are color-point, which means they’re born white and will develop a coat color as they grow.
This cat breed can have a multitude of colors. For instance, they may have the following:
- Seal
- Blue
- Lilac
- Chocolate
- Cream
- Red
- Tortie
- Solid pattern
- Lynx pattern
The Birman will always have white paws regardless of their coat pattern or color.
Birman Pet Care
Birman cat care is relatively easy once you know its needs. Knowing how to care for your feline friend is important to their health and well-being. So, let’s discuss how to properly care for this kitty.
Grooming
For a medium-to-long silky coat, you’d think there would be a lot of grooming to maintain. Believe it or not, no. This coat is relatively easy to keep up with.
Birman cats have no undercoat, so there’s one layer of fur to maintain. Due to its silky texture, it’s not prone to matting, so you can get away with brushing it once weekly with a slicker brush.
Most importantly, your cat will keep themselves clean by grooming themselves. However, if you notice them not cleaning themselves often or excessively grooming themselves, they might be trying to tell you something is wrong.
In addition, ensure to trim their claws regularly, so they don’t overgrow. You’ll always want to brush their teeth regularly and keep their ears clean.
Diet
Birmans love to eat. They’re prone to obesity, so free feeding shouldn’t be allowed. Free feeding is when they have all-day access to their kibble.
Cats should have separate meals and an eating routine. The food you provide for them should also be appropriate for their breed size, age, weight, metabolism, and energy levels.
You can provide them with dry cat food, wet canned food, or homemade cat food. Discuss your options with your kitty’s veterinarian to choose the right option for your feline companion.
Exercise
This cat breed has moderate energy levels but loves to play. You’ll want to make sure you provide plenty of toys for them.
For example, Birman cats love to engage with cat wands and bat around crinkle balls. Having a cat tree is also ideal for them to climb and scratch. Other scratching posts are useful to have around the house, too.
They can keep themselves entertained. However, they’ll enjoy having another cat around to play with. Also, set aside some time to play with your cat every day so the two of you can bond.
Training
Birman cats are smart but aren’t the most intelligent breed. They may or may not be receptive to training, but you can litter box train them.
However, if you want to try to teach them to sit, that may prove difficult. Cats are trainable, but they’re not like dogs. Even if they learn the commands, they’re too independent and will only listen when they want to.
Health
Birman cats are relatively healthy. However, they’re not impervious to health issues. Some health conditions they may get can be:
- Congenital Hypotrichosis
- Thymic Aplasia
- Corneal Dermoid
- Spongiform Degeneration
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
With proper care, diet, and exercise, the Birman cat has an average lifespan of about 12 to 16 years.
You’ll want to bring them to the vet once yearly to ensure their up to date with their vaccinations. Bring your Birman kitten to the vet more often to keep track of their growth and development.
Temperament Of The Birman
No matter your household, the Birman will be a great addition to your family. They’re affectionate, friendly, and loyal to their family members.
For instance, they’re comfortable with kids of all ages, senior couples, young couples, and having other pets in the house.
In fact, this kitty will prefer to have an animal companion. Another cat will be ideal, but they’ll do okay with a dog companion. You can have small animals around, such as guinea pigs or birds, because Birmans have a low prey drive.
Also, they’re not shy with strangers. They’ll socialize with new people.
Birman cats are extremely playful. They’ll enjoy having a couple of play sessions with you throughout the day. They can entertain themselves but prefer to have a buddy to hang out with.
If you can’t be around, this is where having another pet in the house is ideal. Birman cats don’t like to be home alone for long. They can get separation anxiety and worry.
Luckily, you can have this kitty in a house or an apartment. Even though they can be energetic, they’re quiet and aren’t vocal most of the time.
Finally, despite their playfulness, they do love to cuddle. So, you can be sure you’ll have a kitten on your lap at the end of the day. They’ll enjoy cuddling with you on the couch or in bed at night.
Are There Any Differences Between Males And Females?
Both genders are great to have. There aren’t too many differences between males and females. Physically, males are generally bigger than females. Regarding their personality, females are typically more independent, while males are needier.
However, keep in mind that every cat is different. They have unique personalities, so your cat may not necessarily fit the general temperament.
Who Should Own The Birman?
Anyone should own the Birman cat. They’re excellent with children, other animals, and adults of all ages. Due to their quiet voice and calm demeanor, they’ll be ideal for seniors as well.
Where Can You Get A Birman?
If you’re thinking about adding a Birman feline friend to your family, you can adopt one anywhere you find cats. Your local animal shelter or breed rescue organization will be an excellent place to start.
These places have cats that have been abandoned or surrendered by their previous owners. So, they’ve been looking for a loving, forever home for a long time.
You’ll be able to find Birman kittens, adults, and seniors at these places.
The Birman Rescue Center is an excellent place to start.
Alternatively, you can adopt this breed from a cattery or a cat breeder. Remember that an ethical breeder will do the following:
- Ensure the kittens are up to date with their shots and vaccines
- Won’t allow them to leave their mother until at least eight weeks of age
- Meet with you in person to get to know you
- Answer any questions you have about the breed, themselves, the breeding process, or the adoption process
- Provide you with health documents and family tree history upon adoption
In addition, the cats will be part of the breeder’s family and won’t have kennels. They’ll health screen the parents before breeding to ensure it’s healthy and safe. Then, they’ll get the litter health screened to ensure they’re healthy.
You can find a good breeder through the CFA cattery list.
Question Corner: FAQs About The Birman
Are you in love with this cat breed yet? If you have more questions about Birman, you can read through the frequently asked questions below.
What’s The Average Cost Of The Birman?
The average Birman price for sale is between $700 and $1,000. However, the cost will be less if you go through an animal shelter or rescue.
What’s The Average Litter Size Of Birman?
Since this breed is medium, the average litter is about six kittens.
Should Birman Cats Be Indoor Or Outdoor Cats?
These cats should always be indoors. They need companionship from you and other pets in the house. Also, outdoor cats are prone to picking up diseases or getting lost or hurt.
Are Birman Cats Hypoallergenic?
No, this cat breed is not considered to be hypoallergenic. Their long fur does shed moderately.
Is The Birman Right For You?
There’s a lot to love about this cat breed. No matter your living situation, the Birman is an excellent choice. Consider getting a Birman if you’re a first-time cat owner or a novice cat lover.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.