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Birman Cat Breed Introduction
Birman cat is a domestic cat breed that is derived from France, Sweden, and Burma. It is also known as Sacred Birman and Sacred Cat of Burma. These cats have deep blue eyes, and silky coats, and are also long-haired. Their bodies are light-colored with darker points on their tail, face, legs, and ears. Birmans have white paws that are often referred to as ‘gloves’. They are friendly and affectionate cats that mostly choose a favorite between their owners and form a close bond.
They are social cat breeds who often need company and do not react well to being left alone for long hours. It is advisable to get two Birmans for those who travel frequently so that the cats can keep each other company as well as cuddle. Birmans are smart and playful cats that love being involved in play sessions with their owners. It is important to provide several scratching zones for your cat, both horizontal and vertical to prevent them from scratching surfaces and damaging things.
Origin
The Birman got its name from Birmanie, which is the French form of Burma. The cat breed was first acknowledged in France in 1925. These cat breeds are frequently believed to have derived in northern Burma as the companions of temple priests in the Mount of Lugh. Moreover, there are several stories regarding how the Birmans first came to France. Some of these stories include pairs of cats being given as a recompense for helping defend a temple or being taken illegally by a Vanderbilt out of Sweden and Burma.
There was another pair of these cats which were believed to have been stolen and then shipped to France by Thadde Haddisch. The first discovered historical Birmans existed since Mme Leotardi in Nice, France. During World War II, these Birmans were almost eliminated as a breed. After World War II came to an end, there were only two surviving Birmans in Europe. only two cats alive in Europe. These pairs were named Xenia de Kaabaa and Orloff and their owner was Baudoin-Crevoisier. The foundation of this cat breed in France after the war were descendants of this pair.
The two pairs were heavily outbred with long-hair breeds like Siamese and Persian to restore the Birman breed. Pure Sacred Litters were being produced afresh by the early 1950s. The rebuild breed was acknowledged in 1965 in Britain and 1966 by the CFA. The first cats of this breed were Seal Point before the introduction of Blue Point in 1959 by using blue Persian lines. English breeders later added new colors like red, chocolate, and tabby/lynx points. Birmans have also been used in the formation of new cat breeds like the Ragdoll.
Birman Lifespan
A Birman can live between 10 to 16 years.
Grooming
These cats do not have an undercoat and its silky fur helps to prevent matting. Brush your Birman’s coat at least once a week using a suitable comb and slicker brush. Cut your cat’s claws once every two to three weeks using pliers-like clippers, special scissors, or human nail clippers. Ensure that the blades are always sharp. Keeping your cat’s claws short prevents them from damaging things like the sofa and curtains and also protects you from being scratched.
Clean your cat’s ears once every week using a suitable pet ear cleaner and cotton balls to remove any dirt and wax. Cotton swabs are not recommended when cleaning your cat’s ears. Also, check their ears once a week to ensure they do not have any infections, pests, parasites, or debris. Start brushing your cat’s teeth as when they are still kittens. Brush their teeth using a suitable cat toothpaste and finger toothbrush, cotton swab, or gauze wrapped around a finger.
Cats do self-clean themselves, however, it is recommended to bathe your cat once every 4 – 6 weeks depending on their environment, activities, and how frequently they groom themselves. Use a recommended cat or kitten shampoo depending on the age of your cat. You can use a suitable cat conditioner if necessary and rinse them properly after a bath. Dry your cat using a towel or two when needed and brush them once more to remove any knots and matted fur.
Birman Shedding
The Birmans are low shedders although they have long hair. However, they shed a bit heavier in Autumn and Spring, during their twice-a-year shedding season.
Coat
They are medium to long-haired cats that possess silky soft and luxurious coats that lacks an undercoat. Their coats come in various colors like blue point, lilac point, seal point, or tortie point.
Hypoallergenic
The Birmans are not hypoallergenic cats since they are known to produce dander. It is therefore advisable to spend some time with the breed if you are contemplating adopting a cat to ensure that you are not allergic. Their dander can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, itchy eyes, hives, and vomiting or diarrhea.
Training
These cats are easy to train since they are very smart cat breeds. Without adequate stimulation, they may seem lazy and can add weight easily leading to obesity. Birmans also respond excellently to play and encouragement and can learn about any game. With the right cues, these cats will love training and games and will stay sharp, active, and fit. Train your cat in various games using positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, and rewards.
Also, teach them some simple command words like come, sit, heel, down, and lay as well as counter manners. It is important to potty train your cat so that they don’t go around the house pottying everywhere. Select a particular spot preferably outside where they can go to the potty and provide them with a litter box. Provide them with scratching zones around the house that are vertical and horizontal to prevent them from scratching on surfaces and damaging things like carpets, curtains, sofas, and the floor or wallpaper.
Early socialization for your cat is also crucial since it helps them relate well with other pets, children, and strangers. Housebreak your Birman by introducing them to their litter box and encouraging them to spend some time in the litter box to familiarize themselves. Also take them outside frequently, especially after a nap, drinking, or eating since they are more likely to relieve themselves during those times.
Birman Personality
– Social.
– Sweet.
– Gentle.
– Amiable.
– Loving.
– Quiet.
– Friendly.
– Relaxed.
– Loyal.
– Curious.
– Charming.
– Affectionate.
– Kind.
– Clever.
– Docile
– Clingy.
Female Personality
– Charming.
– Loyal.
– Gentle.
– Outgoing.
– Curious.
– Intelligent.
– Affectionate.
– Friendly.
– Calm.
– Quiet.
– Easygoing.
Exercise
The Birmans have a very high level of playfulness, medium energy, and exercise needs. This cat breed will tend to follow you around the house and love regular play sessions. These cats can be engaged in play sessions around the house using balls that jingle, feather wands, and toy mice. The Birmans need various play sessions every day.
These cats also love things they can climb and perch upon like cat-friendly bookshelves, cat trees, and kitty condos that help them exercise. They are in need of scratching zones around the house with vertical scratchers such as cat trees or tall posts to prevent them from scratching on surfaces. They also need horizontal scratchers such as sisal scratchers or cardboard that lie flat on the ground.
Meow
The Birmans are very quiet cat breeds that do not meow a lot. It is important to listen carefully since they only vocalize when needed with soft chirruping meows that are easy to miss.
Birman Cat Size
They weigh between 8 – 12 lbs ( Approx. 4 – 5.4 kg ) and have a height of 7 to 10 in ( Approx. 18 – 25 cm ). Male cats of this breed are noticeably a bit larger than female cats.
Height
Sacred Birmans stand at a height of 7 to 10 in ( Approx. 18 – 25 cm ).
Weight
Males are normally a bit larger than females. The Birmans weigh between 8 – 12 lbs ( Approx. 4 – 5.4 kg ).
Health Issues
Sacred Birmans are generally healthy cats, however, they also have a probability of suffering from certain health conditions which include:
– Heart disease.
– Cystitis.
– Mouth and gum disease.
– Kidney disease.
– Gastrointestinal disorder.
– Diabetes.
– Urinary problems.
– Eye problems.
– Hyperthyroidism.
– Dental Problems.
Allergies
These cats can trigger allergic reactions in allergy sufferers since they produce dander. Some of these allergic reactions include sneezing, coughing, diarrhea, itchy eyes, skin rash, and facial pain. The Birman cats are not safe from allergies either, they may suffer from environmental, food, and flea allergy. Signs of allergy in cats include excessive licking, ear infections, snoring wheezing, itchy eyes, and sensitive swollen paws.
Cat Names
A Birman’s parent can choose to give their cats other names like:
– Asia.
– Blanc.
– Shiro.
– China.
– Luna.
– Pearl.
– Ice Princess.
– Ororo.
– Angel.
– Casper.
– Blofeld.
– Snoopy.
– Arturo.
– Ice Man.
Kittens
A Birman dam can litter between 3 to 8 kittens at a go.
Food
A Birman will do well with a low-carb, high-protein diet. Your cat’s amount of food is determined by their size, age, activity levels, and metabolism. These cat breeds do not have particular dietary requirements. All cats are compel carnivores hence it is important to feed your cat a meat-based diet. Kittens of these breeds should feed on kitten food for their first year of life to help in their development and growth.
The Birmans normally have a stocky build and a healthy appetite, hence are prone to being overweight. As a cat owner of this breed, it is recommended to properly manage the amount of food your cat eats and nutrition for your cat. Watching out for your cat’s weight and what they feed will help to protect them from health problems linked to obesity like arthritis and diabetes. Feed your Birmans twice a day with half a cup or 3/4 cup of dry foods that have 300 to 450 calories every day. Kittens should be fed several times a day for better growth.
Colors
Sacred Birman cats come in several colors that include:
– Cream tabby point.
– Seal point.
– Blue-cream tabby point.
– Red tabby point.
– Lilac point.
– Red Point.
– Seal-tortie tabby point.
– Blue-cream point.
– Chocolate Point.
– Lilac-cream tabby point.
White
There are no pure white Sacred Birmans, however, those that have a white color on their bodies have points like chocolate, seal, blue, tortie, and red on their tails, faces, ears, and legs with white paws.
Types
There are various types of Sacred Birmans cats which include:
– Silver Tabby Birmans.
– Smoke Birmans.
– Cream Point Birmans.
– Chocolate Point Birmans.
– Red Point Birmans.
– Tortoiseshell Birmans.
– Lilac Point Birmans.
– Seal Point Birmans.
– Tabby Birmans.
– Blue Point Birmans.
Birman Cat Cost
A Birman’s price ranges between $700-$1,200 depending on the breeder. Other costs include $70 for grooming, $40 for feeding per month, vaccination $150, etc.
Birman Vs Ragdoll
– The Birmans possess medium-sized eyes that are rounded while Ragdolls possess large oval eyes.
– Ragdolls’ furs are soft and plushy while Birmans’ furs are silky with close to no undercoat.
– Birmans possess medium-length tails while Ragdolls have long tails.
– Ragdolls are slow to mature and are quite large while Birmans are medium-sized cats.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Birman Cats Hypoallergenic
These cat breeds are not hypoallergenic and, therefore, they are not recommended to allergy sufferers because they produce dander that triggers allergic reactions.
How Much Does A Birman Weight
Sacred Birmans should weigh between 8 – 12 lbs ( Approx. 4 – 5.4 kg ).
How Much Do Birman Cats Cost
Sacred Birmans’ cats cost between $700-$1,200 depending on the breeder.
What Is A Birman Cat
Sacred Birmans are purebred cats and have medium-to-long-haired coats that are silky soft and luxurious. These cats are friendly and social cats that require a lot of affection and attention. They possess deep blue eyes and white paws with light-colored bodies and points in their face, legs, tails, and ears.
How Big Do Birman Cats Get
A Birman weighs between 8 – 12 lbs ( Approx. 4 – 5.4 kg ) with a height of 7 to 10 in ( Approx. 18 – 25 cm ) tall. However, male cats of this breed are a bit larger than the female cats of this breed.
Are Birman Cats Friendly
These are extremely friendly and affectionate cats and tend to mostly pick a favorite from their owners with whom they form a close bond. The Birmans do not like being left alone for longer hours and often need someone or something to bond with.
How Long Do Birman Cats Live
The Birmans can live between 10 to 16 years.
Birman Quick Facts
- They are not hypoallergenic cats and produce dander which causes allergic reactions in people like sneezing, itchy eyes, and coughing.
- Male Birmans are normally a bit larger than the female cats of this breed.
- Birmans are generally quiet cats and are devoted to their owners.
