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.