Description
Size: 8-12lbs.
The Birman cat has long, silky fur and is a medium-sized breed. With a light-colored torso and deeper “points” of color on the face, ears, legs, and tail, the Birman is described as being color-pointed. The points are available in a wide range of colors, such as seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, and red. All Birman cats, regardless of color, must have blue eyes and four white paws. The Birman’s large skull makes the face look almost rounded, even though the head is triangular.
Behavior
Activity Level: Moderate
Social needs: Don’t like being alone, enjoy the company of humans and pets
The Birman is a friendly and outgoing cat who gets along with practically everyone, even dogs and other cats. Birmans are so outgoing that they actually detest being alone. It is advised to bring home two Birman kittens so they will always have a mate to snuggle and hang out with, particularly if you stay out for work. Birmans make excellent playmates for kids who treat them tenderly and with respect since they are gentle and tolerant cats. They prefer to follow you. They are energetic and curious.
Origin/History
The history of the Birmans is unclear. Most frequently, it is said that they were first the companions of temple priests on the Mount of Lugh in northern Burma. According to legend, the blue eyes of the Birman were a blue-eyed goddess’ recompense for a temple cat’s loyalty and affection to his priests. The Birman’s coat was likewise transformed golden by the same gods, but the paws were left white to represent purity.
Many of the current Birman cats may be traced to cats that lived in France and England in the early 1900s when the Birman cat breed first arrived. The Birman cat was finally imported to the United States, and in 1967 the Cat Fanciers Association gave the breed official recognition.
Care as a Pet
You might assume from the Birman’s long coat that the breed needs a lot of grooming. Actually, maintaining the coat is quite simple. Because it is a single coat, there is no undercoat to remove, and the silky texture of the coat helps it to resist matting. It only needs to be brushed with a soft slicker brush once every week. Shorten your Birman’s nails and check the inside of his ears once a week. Use cotton balls and a pet ear cleaner to clean the ears if you notice a small bit of dirt or wax there; never use a cotton swab. Make an appointment to see your veterinarian if the ears of your Birman seem red or extremely unclean.
Birmans are usually up for some playtime and enjoy following you around the house. Bring some entertaining toys out, like feather wands, jingly balls, and toy mice, to keep your Birman entertained throughout the day. Cat condos, cat-friendly bookcases, and cat trees are just a few examples of objects to climb and perch on that can assist promote fitness. Create a few scratching areas throughout the home, including both vertical (such as high posts or cat trees) and horizontal (such as cardboard or sisal scratchers that lie flat on the ground) scratchers.
Nutrition and Diet
The Birman cat breed has the potential to gain weight if owners do not properly control nutrition because the breed tends to have a good appetite and a stocky body. Maintaining a lean body condition is better for your Birman cat’s health and can stop the onset of diseases like diabetes and arthritis that are linked to fat. Feed your adult Birman cat two measured meals per day rather than free feeding him throughout the day (small kittens should eat more frequently throughout the day). Overeating can be avoided by serving measured meals. Inquire about the finest food for your Birman cat from your vet or breeder.
Grooming needs
The Birman’s coat is long, yet despite its smooth texture, it doesn’t mat readily. To disperse skin oils and eliminate dead hair, comb it once a week. You may wish to comb more regularly in the spring to eliminate stray hair as Birmans shed their winter coat at that time.
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