Birman

Like with many other cat breeds, the detailed history and origin of the Birman remain unsolved. There are many theories about their origin, and most agree that these cats first came to life in northern Burma on the Mount of Lugh. They were companions to priests and were unknown to the western countries until the early 20th century.

These cats were first introduced to France in 1925 when they were either given to the French as a gift or were smuggled out of Burma by someone with the last name of Vanderbilt. The exact history is unknown, but we know that the first traces of Birmans were connected to Mme Leotardi in Nice, France.

If you are interested in getting a Birman, there are a few things you should know about them. No matter what kind of pet you’re getting, you should prepare for them the best you can. The best way to do it is to learn their characteristics so you know what you can expect. Here are the most important characteristics you can expect from a Birman.

Coat

One of the things all cat owners need to know is the exact coat type of their cat. Birmans have no undercoat, which makes caring for them a bit easier. Their coat is thick, but tangles and mats are rare. Their coat is long and silky, making it ideal for cuddling.

Coat color

The Birman is an internationally recognized cat breed, which means the coat colors are defined. These cats should have pointed coats, except for white “gloves” on all paws. The accepted coat colors are seal, red, chocolate, lilac (a softer silver-grey), blue, or cream.

Size

Another vital thing future Birman owners should know is the cat’s size. You might not want to get a huge cat if you have limited space or you simply prefer smaller cats. You might want to know that these cats are considered medium to large. They usually weigh 6 - 12 lbs and reach a length of 15 - 18 inches.

Temperament

The most crucial thing future Birman owners need to know is the cat’s temperament. This is one of the most significant advantages of pureblooded breeds - you know what you can expect of your cat. The good news is that the Birman is a docile, affectionate, human-loving cat that loves being included in all family activities.

This is a cat that will follow you around your home. They love curling next to their favorite person and sleeping next to you. Birmans are friendly and if they’re introduced properly, they will learn to get along with dogs. However, it is still a cat, which means you shouldn’t trust them around birds, bunnies, or other small animals they could see as prey.

Health

No matter which cat breed you have at home, they all have specific health issues they can be prone to. That doesn’t mean the cat will necessarily develop these issues, but owners and vets should be aware of them. Some of the health conditions Birmans are prone to are;

• Corneal dermoid - Hair or skin present in the cat’s cornea.
• Congenital hypotrichosis - The cat is born without hair (extremely rare condition).
• Shaking and trembling - This happens to kittens when they’re 10 days old. The cause is unknown, and the recovery is spontaneous.
• Spongiform degeneration - Progressive degenerative disease that affects the cat’s ability to walk on hind legs.

World Cat Finder Team