Birman cat owner's guide

Birman origins

Originating in France, the Birman is a breed with a fascinating history. According to legend, the breed comes from Burma (now Myanmar), where it was considered a sacred temple cat.

The first Birman cats came to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. The breed was officially recognised in France in 1925.

Birman cats – temperament

The Birman cat is known for its gentle, calm, friendly and loving temperament. The breed is usually seen to be quiet, because although they like to talk, they talk quietly.

They are very social and thrive best in the company of people and other animals. Their calm nature makes them excellent pets, and they are often very affectionate and loyal to their owners. Birman cats are also known to be playful and curious, making them wonderful family cats.

Training and engagement – Birman cats

Cat behaviourist consultant Anna Jönsson Bergstedt gives tips on how to train your Birman cat – and keep them active:

• Adapt playtime to suit their needs
  It’s good to adapt toys to your cat’s individual preferences, but things that move quickly such as spring flippers tend to be good for engaging cats.
  Give your Birman cat the opportuning to sneak about and plan a hunt when you play with them. And make sure they also have opportunities to run after and catch their toy – as this is an important part of the game.
• Use food to keep them active
  All cats have to eat, regardless of their breed. ‘Scatter feeding’ is a great way to keep them active – you can spread food or treats out around the home, and hide them for the cat to find. You can also use activity bowls or food puzzles. However, you may need to do this in place of a regular food bowl, otherwise your Birman cat won’t see the need to exert itself.
• Plan time for play
  Though Birmans are known for their calm nature, they still enjoy a good play session – even the calmest cats need time for fun! Set aside regular playtime and keep things interesting by offering a variety of toys. Rotating toys can also help maintain your cat’s interest without constantly needing to buy new ones. This way, playtime stays fresh and engaging for your Birman.
• Other ways to stimulate your cat
  Many cats like to explore and be part of the activities in your home. Encourage them to participate when you’re doing things around the home, and give them outdoor items to play with. For example, you could give your Birman cat pine cones and blades of grass, or let them explore empty cardboard boxes.
  Give them lookout points too so they can keep an eye on their territory, both inside and outside.

Birman cats – appearance and size

Birmans are easily recognised by their distinctive white “socks” on all four paws and their striking, bright blue eyes. They are medium-sized cats with a strong, muscular build.

They have a slightly heart-shaped head with medium-sized ears. And their silky fur is medium length and can come in several different colours and patterns.

• The Birman is a Himalayan tabby cat. 
  Their Himalayan characteristic means that the fur on their face, ears, tail and legs has a darker colour than the rest of the body. The Birman's different mask colours are called solid (solid), tabby (striped), and tortoise (irregularly coloured with two colours).
• Birman cats' fur.
  Birman cats have a silky, medium-length coat, which is easy to groom as it has a little undercoat. The fur is shorter on the head and legs, but longer on the body and tail. Regular brushing helps keep the coat in good condition and reduces the risk of tangles and hairballs.
• Birman cat colours
  Birman's can have several different colours and patterns. The colours of the breed are divided into brown, blue, chocolate, purple, red, cream, cinnamon and fawn.

Caring for Birman cats

Birman cats require relatively little fur care. However, regular brushing helps keep their coat in good condition and reduces the risk of tangles and hairballs. A cat accustomed to being brushed often enjoys this cosy moment with its owner.

Regularly check your cat's eyes, ears, claws, and mouth to spot any potential health issues early.

If you buy a Birman kitten

Birman kittens are very active and curious. They grow quickly and often reach their full size at around one year of age.

When buying a Birman kitten, make sure it is vet checked, vaccinated and wormed. You should also receive instructions on future vaccinations and deworming, as well as care advice.

Learn more about caring for your kitten, including how to settle them into their new home.

Birman cat breed FAQs

Last reviewed by Amanda Andersson in June 2024.