Birman Cats | Breed Information, Personality, and Care Guide

The Birman cat, or the “Sacred Cat of Burma”, is an eye-popping breed with blue eyes, all round coat, and friendly personality. Birman cats are friendly with their sweet temper and soft character, so they will be perfect for families, for single people, and for elderly people. They hail from Burma and have taken the cat lovers from all over the world by storm. In this guide, you will learn about the Birman cat breed, its history, classification, and how to take care of them, and where to buy them.

History of Birman Cats

This breed has its roots in enshrouded mystery and myth that has made the identification of the actual ancestry of the Birman cat very difficult. One local story has it that these cats were originally temple cats in Burma, free to roam in the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda among the monks. The legend described the slaughter of the cat that guarded the temple and the temple’s valuables and when the temple was attacked, the devotion and courage of the cat saved the lives of the monks.

The Birman cats were originally bred and taken to Europe at the beginning of the twentieth century, and then chosen through careful breeding for their fancy looks and gentle, friendly temperament. It did not take long for the French people and global consumers to accept them as one of the most favorite breeds. It was only accepted in 1920s and since then it has become popular among many people who own cats.

Classification of Birman Cats

The Birman cat is considered to be medium to large sized cat with muscular body type. This breed enjoys a semi long hair coat which is very soft to touch and which hardly needs any grooming. Birmans have the pointed colouring of the Siamese but their points are cream coloured and their point colour is much more intense.

The most notable aspect of the Birman is the breed’s bright, dark blue eyes, which are clear and fully rounded. Their face is rounded with a wide head and large, full lips, and almost owl-like eyes. The breed also has full ruff around the neck which also contribute to its majestic look.

By Purpose

Birmans were originally bred for their looks and their gentle temperaments. Birman was not created to be a working or hunting breed like many other breeds of cats but was bred for being good natured and affectionate. They are sweet tempered cats which makes them great family pets or pets for anyone who wants a friendly yet docile cat.

The Birman is also very friendly and can make good therapy cats, because the cat is sensitive to the owner’s mood and will accept cuddling easily. They do well in homes that they are well pampered with a lot of attention and affection.

By Size

Birman cats are of medium to large build, with the male measuring about 10-15 inches and the females about 8-12 inches. But they are elegant despite their size, they are muscular built and have a long silky coat.

These have a muscular constitution to show for, but the cats are flexible enough to climb and jump from one place to the other. Birmans are friendly, enjoy playing and are active despite their rather passive behavior.

Most Popular Birman Cats

Birman cats are available in all colors and most patterns with the pointed coloration being the most recognizable and popular feature of the breed resembling that of the Siamese cat. The breed comes in a range of colors, including:

Seal Point: Dark brown points with a cream or fawn body.

Blue Point: Slate-blue points with a silvery-blue body.

Chocolate Point: Dark brown points with a warm ivory body.

Lilac Point: Pale greyish points with a bluish-white body.

The Birman cats can have varied eye color too, but the best quality is when the eyes are blue and are very bright. These cats usually have clear lines separating the facial and ear points, the face and legs are always black points while their body is lighter.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Birman

Before purchasing or adopting a Birman cat, consider the following factors to ensure that this breed is the right fit for your home:

Space Requirements: Birmans are not known to be very active and need not much space but they would prefer having free space to move and exercise. Most of them can comfortably live in a medium sized apartment or house.

Affection and Attention: Birmans are very friendly and love being with people. Although, they are not the lone cats and do require some attention and care from the owners of the house.

Health Considerations: Birman cats are not known to have any serious genetic disease, however, instances of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and progressive retinal atrophy are known to exist in this breed. They need to go to the vet at least once every few months and feed them healthy foods.

Grooming Needs: Despite the fact that this breed has a semi-long coat, the Birman cats are easy to groom. They do need to be brushed regularly to avoid tangle and matting, this is especially true during the shedding seasons. Birmans are not as hard to care for as some of the other longhaired breeds.

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For Sale

If you are interested in acquiring a Birman cat, there are a number of websites which recommend breeders with kittens for sale. A reliable site is Petfinder.com where the list of Birman cats that are available for adoption can be found. The second source to turn to is the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) website which will provide you with contact information of reputable breeders. It is always good to make sure that you are buying your cats from a legal and moral breeder that has the health of the cats at heart.

Tips for Responsible Birman Ownership

Provide Plenty of Attention: The Birman cats are friendly and will become very attached to their owner. They are well known to do well in homes where they are often treated to attention and affection.

Mental Stimulation: Birmans are happy-go-lucky cats and they should be exercised mentally. They need to be stimulated to feed, play with toys and puzzles or to be engaged by their owners.

Regular Vet Visits: It is always advisable that you have your Birman cat regularly checked by a veterinarian. The cat’s healthcare should include annual physical examinations, vaccinations and dental check up.

Healthy Diet: For your Birman to be healthy and have a beautiful coat, feed the cat with quality, premium cat food. Overfeeding can cause obesity so should avoid giving them large portions and giving them too many treats.

Fun Facts About Birman Cats

Sacred Origins: Birmans are sometimes referred to as the “Temple Cats of Burma,” because of their mysterious link to Burmese temples and their high esteem among the clergy.

Affectionate Companions: A Birman cat will usually follow their owner from one room of the house to another and they require attention and affection. They are also very fond of being in laps and cradling with their owners.

Adaptable and Quiet: Birmans are less vocal than other breeds and are mainly quiet, but they are sociable cats.

FAQs About Birman Cats

Conclusion

The Birman cat is a very sweet and lovely low coat care cat breed that will fit perfectly in any home. Similar to their unique look, their behaviour, affection towards being in someone’s company and their ability to play makes them one of the most preferred cat breeds by most aficionados globally. In any case you will choose the Birmans cat either buying it or adopting it you are to get a loving and devoted pet that will be a wonderful addition to your house for many years.