About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 38-46 cm

Height range  : 20-25cm

Weight range : 4.5-5.4kg

Coat : Long to semi-long / silky / single / easy-care coat with point coloration and white gloves and laces. The coat is light on the body with darker points and may show a golden mist.

Life expectancy years : 13-15 (depends on health situation)

Colors: seal point|blue point|chocolate point|lilac point|red point|cream point|seal tabby point|blue tabby point|chocolate tabby point|lilac tabby point|tortie point|cream tabby point|all pointed colors.

Activitity Level : Moderate

Origin: Myanmar

Similar Breeds : Ragdoll

 

History

The Birman is associated with Burma in legend and historical accounts say a breeding pair was shipped from Burma to France around 1919 where the foundation female arrived pregnant. The breed was shown in France in the 1920s / recognized in England in 1966 / arrived in the United States in 1959 to 1960s / and was accepted for CFA registration in 1967. After World War II the breed was rebuilt in Europe with outcrossing to Persians and Siamese before pure Birman litters reappeared by the early 1950s.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

gentle, affectionate, sweet, loving, loyal, faithful, quiet, soft-spoken, sociable, people-oriented, patient, even-tempered, tolerant, playful, intelligent, helpful, friendly, companionable

Needs

Needs companionship / gentle play / regular interaction / and a home that keeps the cat in good condition with moderate activity and close human involvement.

Social Needs

Very social and people-oriented. Birmans enjoy attention / do well with families / children / seniors / and other pets / and may not do well alone for long periods so a companion may help.

Grooming 

Birmans are relatively easy to groom because the silky coat has no heavy undercoat and tends not to mat. Weekly combing is usually enough though more frequent grooming may help during seasonal shedding. Nails / ears / and teeth should also be maintained regularly.

Nutrition

A good-quality balanced diet and fresh clean water are appropriate. Portions and treats should be managed in moderation and diet may be adjusted if kidney disease or dental issues develop. Wet food and multiple water sources may help hydration in older cats.

 

Breed Standard

The Birman standard describes a strongly built / elongated / stocky color-pointed cat with long silky hair / four pure white feet / blue almost round eyes / medium Roman nose / medium ears / heavy boning / and symmetrical gloves and laces.

Did you know?

Birmans were nearly lost in Europe after World War II and were rebuilt by breeders. The breed is famous for its Roman nose , blue eyes , white gloves , and Sacred Cat of Burma legend.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Chronic kidney disease, Birman congenital hypomyelination, Feline cataracts, Dental disease

 

Symtoms

1. May show no early signs 2. Heart murmur or gallop rhythm may be found 3. Increased resting breathing rate / open-mouth breathing / lethargy / decreased appetite / sudden hind leg paralysis and pain may occur

1. Early signs may include increased thirst and increased urination 2. Weight loss / poor appetite / vomiting / lethargy / dull coat may appear 3. Pale gums / vision changes / weakness may occur with anemia or hypertension

1. Severe whole-body tremors 2. Wobbly or uncoordinated gait 3. Trouble standing or walking properly

1. Cloudy bluish-gray or white pupil appearance 2. Vision impairment / bumping into objects / trouble in dim light 3. Complications may include glaucoma-related pain

1. Bad breath 2. Red swollen or bleeding gums / visible tartar 3. Drooling / dropping food / pawing at mouth / facial swelling

Onset of symptoms

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. Screening may detect changes from about 1 year
2. Clinical signs often appear in adults from about 2 to 8 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate
2. Risk may be lower when breeders perform regular echocardiographic screening

Chronic kidney disease

1. Usually affects older cats
2. Signs often become noticeable at 7 years or older though earlier diagnosis may occur

Probability Of Onset:

1. High in senior cats
2. Age is the main known risk factor and the content suggests possible breed predisposition

Birman congenital hypomyelination

1. Present at birth or within the first weeks of life

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very low
2. DNA testing may have made this uncommon in tested lines

Feline cataracts

1. Hereditary forms may appear from about 1 year
2. Senile cataracts may appear in senior cats

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low to moderate
2. Risk may be higher than general population because of predisposition

Dental disease

1. Mild gingivitis may begin by about 1 year
2. Many cats show dental disease by age 3

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very high
2. The content suggests most cats may develop some degree without prevention

Reasons

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy       

1. Usually genetic rather than caused by deficiency
2. Taurine lack is mentioned only as a cause of a different similar-looking heart disease

 

Birman congenital hypomyelination:

1. Genetic failure of myelin production rather than a dietary lack

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy       

1. Usually genetic rather than caused by deficiency
2. Taurine lack is mentioned only as a cause of a different similar-looking heart disease

 

Birman congenital hypomyelination:

1. Genetic failure of myelin production rather than a dietary lack

 

Feline cataracts

1. Usually linked to genetics / age / or underlying disease rather than daily deficiency

Chronic kidney disease

1. Hydration may be lacking because dehydration is a major concern
2. Potassium may become low
3. Water-soluble vitamins may be lost in urine

Dental disease

1. Lack of mechanical abrasion from teeth-cleaning action may contribute to plaque buildup

Normally Treament Methods

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

  1. Breeding cats may be screened regularly by echocardiogram
  2. Early cases may only need monitoring
  3. Medications may be used for clot risk or heart failure management
  4. Resting breathing rate monitoring may help detect decline

 

Chronic kidney disease:

  1. Management may focus on therapeutic kidney diets / hydration / blood pressure control / and supportive medications
  2. Wet food / water fountains / and subcutaneous fluids may be helpful
  3. Treatment may aim to slow progression and support quality of life

 

Birman congenital hypomyelination

  1. Prevention through genetic testing may reduce affected kittens
  2. There is no cure and mildly affected kittens may improve by 12 to 18 months while severe cases may have poor outcomes

 

Feline cataracts:

  1. Surgery by a veterinary ophthalmologist may restore vision
  2. If surgery is not pursued then monitoring for inflammation or glaucoma may be needed

 

Dental disease:

  1. Daily tooth brushing may help prevent plaque
  2. Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia may be needed
  3. Extractions may be used for painful advanced disease. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy :

  • Omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA can/might be helpful for heart support.
  • Coenzyme Q10 can/might be helpful for heart muscle energy support.
  • Taurine and L-carnitine can/might be helpful for heart muscle support if a veterinarian advises it
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Chronic kidney disease

  • Potassium gluconate can/might be helpful when potassium is low.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA can/might be helpful for kidney support.
  • Kidney-focused probiotics or prebiotics can/might be helpful for uremic toxin support
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Birman congenital hypomyelination

  • No supplement is indicated in the provided text as helpful
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Feline cataracts

  • Antioxidant supplements with lutein / zeaxanthin / vitamin C / and vitamin E can/might be helpful for general eye support though not reversal
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Dental disease

  • VOHC-accepted dental products can/might be helpful for plaque control.
  • Water additives can/might be helpful for plaque reduction.
  • Dental treats can/might be helpful for abrasive cleaning support.
  • Seaweed extract Ascophyllum nodosum can/might be helpful for tartar control
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