Birman Cat Guide
About the Birman cat breed
Weight: Males 4 - 6.5 kg, females 3 - 4.5 kg
Wither height: 25 - 30 cm
Energy level: Calm
Life span: Around 15 years
Social need: Great
Colours:Colours: The colours can vary between frost white, blue, chocolate brown, seal grey, red, creme, cinnamon brown, lilac and light yellow brown. The breed has a point pattern which means a light colour on the body while the nose, ears, legs and tail are significantly darker.Health problems: Generally healthy but can suffer from the genetic diseasegenetic conditions
PPersonality of the Birman
The Birman, or Sacred Birman as it's also known, is a calm, uncomplicated, and people-friendly cat breed. They tend to form a strong bond with their favourite person and can become a little jealous if they don't receive enough attention. Despite their generally placid nature, Birmans don't like being left alone and truly appreciate it when you spend quality time interacting and playing with them.
Appearance and grooming of a Birman
The Sacred Birman is a tall cat that can grow quite large. The Birman has a distinct point pattern, meaning their ears, face, tail, and legs are a darker colour compared to their body. The most recognisable features of a Birman are their blue eyes and four white paws. The breed's fur is soft, silky, and medium-length. It lacks an undercoat, meaning the fur doesn't tend to mat and is relatively easy to care for. However, the Birman's coat should still be brushed at least twice a week to keep it well-maintained. Pay particular attention to the ruff, which has longer hair.
Health issues in Birmans
Birmans don't have a strong predisposition to health problems. However, a notable exception is the genetic condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition can cause affected cats to tremble severely and experience spasmodic seizures due to a disruption in cellular communication. Hypomyelination can often be detected as early as the third week, but it can stabilise as the cat grows. Birmans can also be prone to eye problems, so it's important to keep their eyes clean.
Dental health
Did you know that you need to brush your cat's teeth? Brushing your cat's teeth daily is the best way to prevent them from developing periodontitis. You can learn more about this in the Lassie app. The dental disease FORL is common in cats and is often associated with periodontitis. Brushing your cat's teeth can be a challenge, but with tasty treats and plenty of patience, your cat will eventually get used to it! Find out how to brush your cat's teeth in our app course.
Poisoning
Many common household items can be poisonous to cats, some of which you might not expect. For example, certain plants can be toxic; learn more about which plants are poisonous to your cat and test your knowledge in the app. Other examples of poisonous substances for cats include chocolate and rodent poison. It's crucial to store anything dangerous to cats where they cannot access it!
