Birman cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Birman

The Birman is a medium-sized, semi-longhaired cat with pointed colouring and four white paws. The breed is said to come from Burma, where temple cats were supposedly kept by priests, but there is no clear record of that story. What can be traced is France. Breed history says a pair of cats reached France around 1919 and that the pregnant female founded the breed there. The name comes from Birmanie, the French form of Burma.

World War II nearly wiped out the Birman, with only one breeding pair left in Europe. French breeders rebuilt the breed with outcrossing to Persians and Siamese, and pure litters were again being born by the early 1950s. The breed came to the United States in 1959, and the CFA registered it in 1967.

The body is long and stocky, and the head is strong with a gently Roman nose and blue eyes. The coat is silky and medium-long, longest on the ruff and tail, and it has little undercoat, so it seldom mats like a Persian's. The points can be seal, chocolate, red, blue, lilac or cream, with tabby and tortoiseshell variations. The white gloves on the front paws and the longer laces on the back ones are required by the standard.

Temperament and living with one

The Birman is sweet, patient and affectionate. It likes to be near its people, and it follows them without being clingy. Its voice is soft and chirpy. It is intelligent and learns routines quickly.

Birmans get along with children, dogs and other cats. They are playful rather than boisterous, and they do not like being left alone for long stretches, so a second pet can help. Many enjoy lap time and quiet play with wand toys or a ball.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat is easy to keep. Comb once or twice a week, more often in spring, and watch the belly and behind the legs. Trim nails, check teeth and ears, and wipe the eyes only if a vet advises.

Feed a complete diet in measured portions. Birmans are not very active and can gain weight. Offer scratching posts, a cat tree and short play sessions each day.

Health

Birmans are generally healthy, and a UK sample of vet records showed a long average lifespan, though the sample was small. The same sources suggest kidney disease and urate bladder stones may be more common than in cats generally. The breed has a narrow gene pool after its wartime losses, so ask a breeder what health checks the parents have had. Ask your vet about regular kidney and urine checks as the cat ages. Heavy drinking, litter box changes and weight loss are reasons to call a vet promptly.

Is it right for you?

A Birman suits a family that wants a gentle companion with a lovely coat and moderate grooming needs. It needs company more than space. For a larger, floppier cat, look at the Ragdoll. For a similar look with more talk, compare the Balinese.