Birman
Birman
Birman
Do you know about the Birman cat? It sounds like a breed name that might appear in a manga, but there's no connection. However, there are fascinating legends associated with Birmans in their country of origin, Myanmar, that sound almost like they are straight out of a manga. This page introduces various characteristics of the Birman. Why not delve into its secrets with us?
Birman Basic Infomation
Country of origin: Myanmar
Weight: Males: 3–6.5 kg, Females: 3–5 kg
The history of the Birman is very ancient and not well understood even today. But before we get to know more about the Birman, let us first introduce a mysterious legend that exists.
The story centers around a certain temple where a golden statue of a goddess was enshrined, and a white cat was dearly kept. One day, a robber aiming for the goddess statue broke into the temple. A high priest tried to fend off the robber but tragically died in the attempt.
Though the robber was driven away by other monks, the white cat, mourning the deceased high priest, stared at the golden statue. As it did, its eyes started to shimmer in blue, and its legs and tail turned brown, while the paws that touched the high priest remained white, transforming the cat into a mystical figure.
It is believed that the white paws of the Birman are related to this legend, but there is no concrete evidence, so the true origin remains a mystery.
Returning to the main story, around the 20th century, Britain and China were vying to dominate Myanmar, leading to strife and a rise in crime within the country. Amidst this chaos, an Englishman guarding a temple brought back a pair of male and female cats from Myanmar, which later became the foundation for the Birman breed.
Sadly, the male died during the journey, but the female safely reached France and was pregnant, thus starting a breeding program. Although officially recognized as a breed in France in 1925, the numbers of Birmans fluctuated drastically, reducing to just two after World War I and II.
Post-war efforts to revive the population involved crossbreeding with Siamese and Persian cats, gradually increasing their numbers. By 1967, the Birman was officially registered as a breed in the United States.
Birman Q&A
What is the origin of the name 'Birman'?
The country of origin, Myanmar, was formerly known as Burma, and the English transliteration is 'Birman', which is where the name comes from.
What are the color variations of the Birman?
Colors include black (seal), chocolate, red, blue, lilac, cream, and cinnamon.
Pointed: The head, ears, legs, and tail have color.
Pointed & White: Parts of the body have color with white mixed in.
Parti-color Point: One color overall with another color at the points.
The eye color is only sapphire blue.
Birmans are only long-haired.
What does a Birman look like?
They have a broad and large head with round big eyes. The body type is long and substantial. They possess a muscular body, and their coat feels silky and thick. The fur is slightly curled around the belly, but shorter around the face, varying in length depending on where it grows.
As mentioned earlier, only the toes of the Birman are white. These parts are specifically named: the front paws are called 'socks' or 'mittens, gloves', and the back paws are called 'laces'.
What is the difference between a Birman and a Siamese?
Both Birmans and Siamese cats have point colors. Here, we'll compare the differences between them.
Birmans have a substantial and heavy body type, while Siamese are slim and oriental.
Birmans are fluffy and long-haired, whereas Siamese have a sleek, short coat.
Both breeds have blue eye color, but Birmans are known for their sapphire blue, while Siamese have a standard blue.
Birmans are calm, quiet, and affectionate. Siamese are also affectionate but tend to only show their true selves in front of their owners, displaying a tsundere character.
Birmans, being more laid-back, are more suitable for beginners and can bond well with the entire family.
How much does it cost to purchase a Birman?
Birmans are rarely found in pet shops, so it is common to buy them from breeders or catteries. The cost is usually around 200,000 to 300,000 yen. If you find a favorite kitten, it's good to visit and see it first.
Furthermore, buying from a cattery, which requires higher qualification than general breeders, can be more expensive. Catteries need certification from pedigree issuing organizations such as 'CAF' and 'TICA', hence breeders with these qualifications are more trusted and add value to the price.
There are also other factors that can influence the price:
Being a kitten, having an excellent pedigree, or possessing rare colors or patterns can all increase the cost.
I want to know more about the character and features of the Birman!
Birmans are generally pacifists and do not like conflicts, making them calm by nature. They are also tolerant, which allows them to live with other cats or small children. They are perfect for families that might be growing.
While Birmans generally get along with all family members, they may particularly cling to their favorite person, interrupting work or study to seek attention. It might be challenging to entertain them all the time, but as Birmans are also prone to loneliness, playing with them as much as possible will make them very happy.
Despite their calm nature, Birman kittens can be quite active and playful. While there is individual variation, they tend to settle down as they grow older. Many of them do not mind being held.
What diseases are Birmans prone to?
Birmans are susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cataracts, and hip dysplasia.
This condition thickens the heart muscle, making it difficult for the heart to contract properly. It often develops due to genetics, and no specific prevention method has been discovered.
Symptoms may not be noticeable after onset, and in some cases, thrombosis may occur concurrently, leading to potential fatality. How can you detect this disease early? The conclusion is that regular health check-ups are essential.
While there is no definitive cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, starting treatment early can slow the progression of the disease.
Cataracts cloud the lens inside the eye, which can be congenital or develop later. Due to crossbreeding with Persians, Birmans may be prone to congenital cataracts.
Treatment options include medical and surgical approaches. While medication can slow progression, surgery to remove the clouded lens is necessary for a cure. There is currently no prevention for congenital cataracts, so prompt veterinary consultation is crucial upon diagnosis.
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joints are malformed, leading to symptoms such as bunny hopping, dragging of feet, or swinging hips while walking. Although commonly seen in large dogs, cats can also develop it.
As genetics play a role, no prevention method is currently known, and surgery is necessary for treatment. Considering the significant impact on the cat's body, thorough consultation with a veterinarian is essential before opting for surgery.
What is the lifespan of the Birman?
The lifespan of the Birman is generally stated to be between 10 to 13 years, which is slightly shorter than the average lifespan for cats, which ranges from 12 to 16 years.
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Birman Type of List
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Cornish Rex
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Devon Rex
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Korat
Famous in Japan, the Russian Blue, the slightly plump Chartreux, and now we introduce the 'Korat'. These three types are collectively known as the 'Blue Cat Big Three'. The Korat has a long history of being cherished as a 'cat that brings good luck'. In addition to this, this page compiles many secrets about the Korat. Let's delve into them!
Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail is a cat with beautiful fur, a rabbit-like short tail, and notably short legs. While it has a calm demeanor and a refined appearance, it actually possesses an active side and is skilled at swimming. Let's introduce this cat with surprising traits.
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Well, here’s a sudden question. What breed of cat is known as the “gentle giant” or the “world’s largest cat”? The answer is “Maine Coon”! It is often mistaken for “makein”, but makein is a type of potato. By the way, these two have nothing to do with each other. Maine Coon is one of the breeds that has become popular in Japan recently. Let’s take a look at the secrets of Maine Coon, which are filled with surprises, such as their unexpected personality and characteristics!
Manx
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Minuet
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Ocicat
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Manga, anime, etc… What cat do you think of when you imagine a pet that is kept in a rich family’s house? That’s right, it’s Persian! Persian, which often appears in cat food commercials, has a strong image of being an elegant cat, doesn’t it? Why don’t we explore together the surprising personality of Persian and the reason why it is actually called ‘the king of cats’?
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This page introduces the 'Ragamuffin' cat. As a relatively new cat breed, you might not see it often at home. The first impression is that of a fluffy, soft-looking cat, which is significantly related to the Ragdoll. Would you like to sneak a peek into the secrets of the Ragamuffin and its connection to the Ragdoll?
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With its luxurious fur and slender, graceful body, the Russian Blue cat is a breed that you may have heard of before. It is one of the most popular breeds that you can find in pet shops. At first glance, it seems to have a calm and cool demeanor that can handle anything, but the Russian Blue cat actually has… a surprising personality hidden behind its appearance!
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Selkirk Rex
Also known as the “cat in sheep’s clothing,” the Selkirk Rex is a cat with curly hair like a toy poodle. It has recently gained attention from people who want a cat that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. While there are other cats with curly hair, such as the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex, the Selkirk Rex is the most voluminous of all curly-haired cats. Let’s take a look at the secrets of this somewhat mysterious Selkirk Rex!
Siamese
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Siberian
Siberians are a breed with a voluminous and fluffy coat that is their charm point! Many people may not have heard of Siberians before. It is certainly one of the breeds that is not often seen in pet shops, but I would be happy if this page could help people learn about the cuteness of Siberians!
Singapura
Singapura is a breed of cat that is not often seen in Japan, so it may be known only to those who know it. What is particularly characteristic of this breed is its small size! It is sometimes called a “little fairy” because of its appearance. But there are many secrets hidden in its small body. Would you like to take a look at the story of how Singapura was born?
Somali
Speaking of cats with beautiful fur colors and fluffy tails, it’s the Somali! It is also a popular cat that is known to many people. However, it seems that in the history of Somali’s birth, it was sometimes thought of as a “failure.” At first, the Somali was not very well-regarded, but it became popular after a small incident. Would you like to unravel the secrets of the Somali?
Sphynx
Have you heard of the Sphinx cat? Whether you’ve heard the name before or not, you might be surprised by its striking appearance! You might even hear someone say, “What! Is it really a cat?” The Sphinx cat’s appearance is likely to be a love-it-or-hate-it situation, but it’s a breed that some people can’t resist. So what are the hidden charms of the Sphinx cat? Let’s introduce them right away!
Tonkinese
Do you know about the cat called 'Tonkinese'? Compared to more mainstream breeds, it might be a bit unusual in Japan. It looks somewhat similar to the Siamese, but actually, there lies the secret of the Tonkinese. What exactly is this secret? Let's delve into the world of the Tonkinese right away!
Toyger
「Toyger??」 It is one of the breeds that cat lovers may not be familiar with, so many people may not have heard or seen it. That’s because Toyger is a new breed that was recently born, so it is still a rare cat with low name recognition in Japan! However, its appearance, which looks just like a tiger, is very impressive and unforgettable. Why don’t you explore the secrets of the little-known Toyger?
Turkish Angora
"Turkish Angora” is a breed of cat that is known for its beautiful fur and elegant appearance. Its appearance exudes an atmosphere that seems to belong to a wealthy household. However, it is rare to see them in pet shops, so many people may not have heard of them before. Although the Turkish Angora is not a well-known breed, its history is very ancient and there are many secrets hidden within it. Let’s explore the world of the Turkish Angora right away!
Turkish Van
Many people associate cats with being afraid of water. However, did you know that there are cats that are good at swimming? That’s the Turkish Van! It is rare to see them in Japan, so if you find one at a breeder’s or an acquaintance’s house, you can consider yourself very lucky. The history of the Turkish Van is interesting and full of mysteries. Let’s explore its secrets together!
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Birman References
- まるごとわかる猫種大図鑑 監修：CFA公認審査員 早田由貴子
- 世界中で愛される美しすぎる猫図鑑 監修 今泉忠明
- The Cat Fancier's Association, Inc. https://cfa.org/birman/
- 猫との暮らし大百科 https://www.anicom-sompo.co.jp/nekonoshiori/
- みんなの猫図鑑 https://www.min-nekozukan.com/
- Pet Smile news forネコちゃん http://psnews.jp/cat/
- 子猫のへや https://www.konekono-heya.com/sitemap.html
- ねこちゃんホンポ https://nekochan.jp/
- 公益社団法人 埼玉県獣医師会 https://www.saitama-vma.org/topics/猫の遺伝性疾患について/
Birman Introduction of media used
出典：https://unsplash.com/photos/ld_NqD23LgA
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-687760/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-5177215/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-882049/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-4670776/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-1894968/
出典：https://pixabay.com/images/id-6550154/
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