Cat breed · Longhair
Birman
Gentle, sociable, quiet
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–7 kg (7–15 lb)
- Height
- 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Origin
- Burma (developed in France)
The coat
Long · Colour points
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Birmans right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Copes well in a flat
- Content with modest exercise
Be ready for
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Birmans weigh 3–7 kg (7–15 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Birman
The “sacred cat of Burma” has blue eyes, a colour-pointed coat and four pure white “gloves” on its paws. Birmans are gentle, people-oriented cats that enjoy company and usually get along well with children and other pets.
Their semi-long coat has no thick undercoat, so it mats less than a Persian’s and needs only regular combing. Birmans are generally healthy, though heart disease and kidney problems occur in the breed. They are quiet and calm, but they do like their people around, and may be unhappy as a lone cat in a busy household.
Health to know about
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Kidney disease
- Congenital hypotrichosis (rare)
- Obesity
Care in short
- Comb two or three times a week
- Interactive play to prevent weight gain
- Company — they dislike being alone
- Twice-yearly checks for senior cats
Kit for a Birman
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Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for saving the sofa
Sisal scratching post, 80 cm
4.6Tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling.
- Sisal rope cats prefer
- Wide weighted base
Best for indoor cats
Multi-level cat tree
4.4Climbing, perching and hiding in one piece of furniture.
- Several perches
- Replaceable posts
Similar breeds
| Trait | Birman | Scottish FoldCompare |  RagdollCompare |
Exotic ShorthairCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3–7 kg (7–15 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 4.5–9 kg (10–20 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) |
| Energy | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs | 3/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a Birman get?
Adults usually weigh 3–7 kg (7–15 lb) and stand 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall.
How long do Birmans live?
Typically 12–16 years.
Are Birmans good with children?
Generally very good (4 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Birmans shed?
A moderate amount, more in spring and autumn.
What health problems are Birmans prone to?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; Kidney disease; Congenital hypotrichosis (rare); Obesity.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts