Calm-natured, friendly and low-maintenance, Birmans thrive in busy family homes and with first-time owners. They love to shadow their humans around the house and don’t like being left alone for too long.
Personality and temperament
Gentle and calm, Birmans are the ultimate, low-maintenance family cat. They’re people-focused, friendly and patient with kids and very loyal to their favourite humans. Birmans love to be included in every activity, weaving precariously in-between your legs and staring at you intensely with their striking glacially blue eyes. Their soft meows will let you know when they want attention and pats, and they’ll always be up for playtime. Endlessly curious, Birmans do best kept inside and will thrive with companion pets as they can get lonely when left for too long.
Size and appearance
These beauties are medium-to-large sized cats with lusciously long coats. Males tend to tip the scales at around 6.5kg, with females weighing in slightly less. Their silky fur sheds lightly throughout the year, with more in spring and autumn, but as they don’t have a double coat they shed less than other long-haired breeds (that’s good news for your black clothes). Their white ‘gloved’ front paws and lacing effect on their back paws (which travels up their leg to a point) is unique to this breed. With broad faces, feathery tails, long silky fur and arresting blue eyes, Birmans are objectively a stunning looking feline – and they know it.
History
The history of this gentle breed is shrouded in mystery. Some say Birman roamed the ancient temples of Burma, keeping the priests company and guarding the sacred shrines. They were even said to temporarily carry the souls of priests after death. Then, in the 1900s, two cats were brought to France where they became the foundation of the breed in Europe. Their name comes from ‘Birmanie’, the French name for Burma. The other less Hollywood-esque tale is that the breed was created by mixing a Siamese with a Persian. Whichever it was, we almost lost Birmans to the annuals of history during the Second World War, but luckily breeders in the US revived them in the 1960s and 70s.
The first two Birmans arrived in Australia in 1967, named illustriously ‘Grand Champion Stacpoly Kharma’ and ‘Praha Shigatse’. In New Zealand, Birman breeders developed a related cat called the Templecat, a short-haired cousin created in the early 2000s. Templecats share the Birman’s blue eyes, pointed colouring and trademark white feet, but were bred locally for a lower-maintenance coat and a more easygoing companion style.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Known for being hardy cats, Birman can be prone to some inherited and lifestyle conditions, including:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a genetic heart condition)
- Polycystic kidney disease (where cysts develop in the kidneys)
- Dental disease
- Obesity (if under-exercised)
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Birman healthy.
Food and exercise
Like most cats, Birmans need quality, high-protein food, where the main ingredient is protein. As they age they can be prone to putting on a few extra kilos (aren’t we all?), so offer meals twice a day to avoid free-feeding. A mix of wet and dry food will help with hydration.
This is a moderately-active breed that loves interactive play with their humans. Spending 10 to 15 minutes twice a day playing with them will keep them physically and mentally fit. Birmans also love to conquer climbing trees and explore the secret corners of your home; however, they naturally gravitate to where the action is.
Grooming and maintenance
Birmans have soft fur that rarely mats. Regular brushing helps keep shedding under control and prevents their coat from becoming tangled.
How to groom your Birman
- Coat type: Medium-long, silky, single coat
- Fur: Brush two to three times a week to remove loose hair
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: check weekly for dirt or wax build-up
- Eyes: wipe gently with a soft cloth if needed
Training and space requirements
Smart and eager to please, Birmans can be fun to train – evening managing basic commands like sit and come. Short training sessions, using positive reinforcement work best and will double for play sessions.
When it comes to apartment and small-space living, Birmans are refreshingly low-key. They can thrive in almost any home as long as there is plenty of vertical space to explore, mental stimulation and, of course, human company.
Best suited for…
Birmans are adaptable little things so they’re great for first-time owners, families and seniors. Their gentle, sociable nature makes them easy-going housemates who just want to be with their chosen humans. However, as they don’t do well left alone for long stretches of time, they suit homes with constant companionship and other pets.
