Birman Cat Breed Information

Birman Physical Description

The Birman is a striking cat in appearance. The eyes are a distinctive sapphire blue, and the coat is white or cream with darker ‘points’, all set off by snowy white paws. The Birman has a long coat, though it is not as long as a Persian Longhair's, and this breed is assigned to the semi-longhaired group of cats. This breed has no undercoat and the coat is non-matting, producing a longhaired coat that is relatively easy to care for and requires little grooming. In build, the Birman appears longer and less stocky or ‘cobby’ than other longhaired cats such as Persians, although it is more heavily built than the Somali, Angora or Javanese. The Birman’s coat is pale in colour with darker 'points' on the face, legs and tail (as in the Siamese). These points develop and deepen during the first year of life. All four paws are white - this is a characteristic of the breed. The Birman is a medium sized cat. Males tend to be larger than the females.

Birman Character

The Birman is a gentle cat who likes to be around people – it will follow you around and get underfoot! They are very affectionate, and require company in return. Birmans want to investigate everything, and are often found getting into mischief! They are soft-voiced and amenable to being handled, which can be a big help when you take your cat to the vet, or enter it in a show.

Birman Grooming

The Birman’s coat is slightly easier to care for than a Persian’s, though this is not to say that they do not need quite a lot of intention, particularly if you wish to show your cat. However, the Birman’s quiet and gentle temper should make this an easier task.

Birman Feeding

Birmans generally require around 70 - 80 kcal per kg of bodyweight per day of food.

Birman Colour

Solid Point Birmans. Seal Point: dark brown points; pale beige body with a slightly golden hue; dark seal brown nose leather. Blue Point: blue-grey points; cool-toned bluish white body; slate-grey nose leather. Chocolate Point: milk chocolate points; ivory body; chocolate nose leather.

Birman Health and Life Expectancy

The Birman is a generally healthy cat with no breed-specific health problems. As with all cats it is a good idea to have an annual health check from about the age of eight, to check for age related problems such as liver and kidney disease.