Birman cats are adorable medium-sized cats with a stocky, solid, robust build. These cats have lovely sapphire blue eyes and a striking look. Most people, however, confuse the Birman and the Siamese or Himalayan cats because they closely resemble each other.

Nonetheless, Burmans have several distinct features. Unlike Siamese or Himalayan cats, which have diverse looks, the Birman has a traditional oriental appearance and a bulkier body.

Here is why you should consider adopting a Birman as your indoor cat.

Birman Cat Personality

Birmans are gentle, affectionate, quiet, loyal, and loving cat breeds. 

They make great indoor companions because of their affectionate and “people-oriented” nature. A Birman cat makes an ideal pet for your children and gets along well with other pets.

Birman cats are also intelligent and curious. They are clingy and love attention from their owners. Birmans will occasionally get jealous when you deprive them of enough attention. Luckily, they do not become aggressive in such instances.

Birmans have a common behavioral trait like other indoor cats. These particular cat breeds like marking their territory. They often rub their heads and bodies against the sofa, carpet, chairs, doors, or even your legs.

In general, Birmans are friendly, remarkably calm, and quiet pets at home. They are a good choice for new cat owners and easy to care for.

Birman Cat Breed Overview 

• Origin: Burma but officially recognized as a breed in France
• Height: 8-10 inches  
• Weight: 7-12 lbs (3-5.5kg). Males can weigh up to 14lbs 
• Length: 15-18 inches 
• Coat & Color: The coat is white or cream with dark extremities. However, you will find Beige, Bluepoint, Blue tabby point, Blue-cream point, Blue-cream tabby point, Chocolate point, Chocolate tabby point, Chocolate, Chocolate-tortie point, Chocolate-tortie tabby point, Cinnamon, Cream point, Cream tabby point, Cream, Fawn, Frost, Lilac point, Lilac tabby point, Lilac-cream point, Lilac-cream tabby point, Redpoint, Red tabby point, Seal point, Seal tabby point, Seal-tortie point, Seal-tortie tabby point, and Tan.
• Eye color: Blue 
• Patterns: Colorpoint, Tabby point, and Mitted 
• Life span: 12-16 years 
• Another name: Sacred cat of Burma 

Physical Appearance 

Birmans a large and furry cat breeds with unusual markings (that look like color points). They have white feet and deep blue eyes. They seem a bit sturdy at a glance, with heavy bone structure.  

Other detailed physical attributes include. 

• Tail: Medium tail that’s proportional to its body size. Also, it is covered with long fur.
• Legs and paws: The legs are medium length and support the body well. The rear legs are longer than the front legs. They have five toes in the front and four behind. The paws are firm, strong, and round. Also, the paws of a Birman cat breed are white no matter the body color. The white paws differentiate this particular cat breed from the other cat breeds.
• Head: The head is fluffy and round with a flat forehead. The face is slightly darker than other areas like the forehead, cheeks, and nose brim. The cheeks are also round and have a distinct bone structure. Birmans have Roman noses and strong jaws. 
• Eyes: The eyes are blue and extremely cute. Also, they are round, and the corners are slightly tilted. Birman eyes are wide apart and complement the cat’s overall appearance. 
• Ears: Ears are wide at the base and form a round shape in general. However at the tip, it comes to some sharp tip.
• Coat: Birmans do not have an undercoat. The coat is, however, silky and soft to the touch. The length varies from medium to long, and the fur does not mat. Also, the fur can be curly around the stomach and fluffy around the neck.
• Body: Birman cats have a steady boning structure. The body size ranges from medium to large cats. They have a well-elongated body structure. 

Birman Cat Characteristics

Attribute	Level
Attention needs	High
Shedding	Low
Activity	Low
Adaptability	High
Affectionate	High
Vocality	Low
Playfulness	Low
Grooming & Maintenance	High
Friendliness to other pets and kids	High
Intelligence	Medium-High
Independence	Low-Medium
Docility	High

Where Do Birman Cats Come From? 

Also known as the ‘Sacred cat of Burma,’ this cat breed originated from the Buddhist temple Lao-Tsun in Burma. Better known as Myanmar today.

The modern Birman cat was a companion of Kittah priests. It is believed that the cat was rewarded with blue eyes and gold fur from a blue-eyed goddess known as Tsun-Kyan-Kse because of its devotion and loyalty to the priest owner. The goddess left the cat’s paws white as a sign of purity.
When the priest died, the spirit descended on his cat buddy.

In 1919 when the temple was raided, Auguste Pavie and Major Gordon Russell were awarded a Birman cat as a token of appreciation. The two men later took the cat to France to live.

This breed found itself in Britain in the 1960s, then later in Europe, the United States, and other nations. In 1967, the cat was recognized as a breed in the USA.

What Are Birman Cats Like?

The Birman cat is a popular choice as an indoor cat breed. The number one rule of living with a Birman cat at home is exercise. Birmans can have weight issues because of their active appetite. Otherwise, this cat breed is an ideal family pet.

A Birman cat will do well in a small studio apartment or larger home. They are adaptable to different settings.

Birmans do well around other pets and older children. Exercise caution around young children who may mishandle the Birman cat or hold them too tight. Birman’s do not tolerate this well.

It is easy living with a Birman cat. Constantly groom, play, and give them enough attention. These particular cat breeds are loyal and can get clingy. They can suffer separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Always leave interactive toys for your pet to play with whenever you leave them alone. Most Birmans are temperately active, and the cat games will keep them busy.

Lastly, Birmans enjoy climbing trees occasionally, so make sure you have cat trees or the ability for your Birman to climb indoors.

Fun Facts About the Birman Cat Breed

• Birman cats are born white but begin to show color points a few weeks later. 
• The name Birman is similar to the Burmese cat. However, they are two different cat breeds. 
• Karl Lagerfield, a famous designer, owned a Birman cat named Choupetee. The cat starred in two advertisements, brand names, and calendars, generating $3 million in royalties. Upon Lagerfield’s death, Choupetee inherited all the wealth.

Popular Birman Cat Names

It is fun to name your Birman cat. Here are some unique name suggestions:

Frequently Asked Questions About Birman Cats

Caring for a Birman Cat

Like all cats, care and grooming are necessary to ensure they are comfortable. The occasional dental hygiene, ear & eye cleaning, coat brushing, nail trimming, and litter box maintenance are advised. 

Fur Brushing 

As the parent, brush your cat’s coat once a week to maintain its soft silk texture and avoid matting. Use a comb to remove any knots. 

Nose Cleaning 

Use cotton buds soaked in warm water to clean the dirt in the cat’s nose. Change the cotton balls and wipe the nose with a damp cloth. 

Nail Trimming 

Overgrown nails can cause infection on the cat’s paws. So, periodically trim your cat’s nails to avoid them from curling under the paw pads. Trim the nails every 3-6 weeks. 

Cleaning Their Eyes

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and gently wipe the corners of each eye. Use gauze pads soaked in saline solution. 

Caring for their Ears

Use cotton balls to wipe off dirt and excess ear wax from their ears. 

Veterinary Checkups 

Regular parasite control vaccinations and health check-ups at the veterinary are necessary for your cat’s wellbeing. 

Common Health Problems of Birman Cats

Birmans are generally healthy cat breeds. However, they are prone to a few health conditions. 

Birman kittens, for example, can suffer kidney failure or trembling cases (after about 10-12 weeks). So, visit the Vet occasionally for check-ups, prescriptions, and vaccinations.  

Here are a few health issues Birman cats face. 

Spongiform Degeneration 

This is a central nervous disease that causes muscle weakness and uncoordinated movements. 

Congenital Hypotrichosis 

This is an immune system deficiency causing hair loss and often results in death if not addressed early enough.     

Kidney Dysfunction 

Also known as kidney failure. Signs and symptoms include a high concentration of Urea in the Urine. 

Enjoy Your Birman Cat or Kitten

The Birman cat is a tolerant and easygoing cat who enjoys life as it comes. A well-socialized kitten likes to enjoy and interact some quality time with guests and older children at home. If you have young children at home, you need to supervise them so that they will not pull the cat’s whiskers, tail, and fur. 

You can teach a Birman a few tricks because of their high intellectual levels. They are also sweet and gentle pets who love to bask on warm surfaces around the house. Whether that be a window sill, their cat bed or sprawled across your lounge is up to your pet!

Remember that Birmans are loyal pet breeds and can survive in most indoor settings. They do not have a problem sharing affection as long as you provide the attention they need. Taking care of your beloved pet requires a proper diet, occasional grooming, and attention.