Birman Kittens

Birman kittens are even-tempered, mild manner felines. The Birman is a beautiful and unique breed that can be quite curious.

The Birman kitten is believed to have come from Burma. It is believed that during the 1900’s a Burmese temple was raided and the two Frenchman helped rescue the temple. Two Birman cats were given as gifts to the French men. The men carried the Birman cats back to France. However, one cat a female survived and became the originator of the breed in Europe. Birmans were revered as sacred in Burma and were believed to hold mystical qualities.

However, by the end of World War II, the number of Birmans dwindled in Europe. A program as established to revamp the breed and increase its numbers.

Physical Appearance

Birman kittens have colorpoints dark on their ears, feet, faces, and tails. They have a stocky average size build. In addition, they have short legs. Birmans are known for their “gloves and laces” meaning that their feet have white fur and there is line of white fur that runs up the back of the leg.

Birmans also have a luminous iridescent coat that shines in the light. They have soft, silky fur that is less dense than the Persian or Himalayan breeds. Birmans have round bluish colored eyes, a full face, and a defined chin. Their tails are full and slightly puffy.

Colors

Birman kittens have white bodies and paws and color points on their ears, tails, feet and faces. Points can come in a variety of colors: blue, seal, chocolate, cream, tabby, and red. Color points occur on areas of the body that are the coolest and receive the least amount of blood flow. As a kitten grows and matures, the points will become darker and develop a more established color pattern.

Temperament

Birmans are calm and quiet felines. They are quite affectionate with their owners as well. They are gentle cats with keen intelligence. They love to “help” out around the house by watching and supervising while you read your paper or watch television.

Birmans need companionship. They can become lonely if left alone for long periods of time. If you work during the day or are rarely home, it may be best to get another feline for your Birman.

Care

Despite having long hair, Birman fur is relatively easy to care for. It is softer and silkier than many other long-haired breeds. It also tends not to mat as easy as other long-haired cats. Fur should be combed or brushed daily.

Brushing may be needed if your Birman kitten is excessively soiled. Be sure to use a gentle kitten shampoo. And be sure to wash all of the soap out of your kitten’s fur as residual soap may leave the fur looking greasy. Try not to get soap in your kitten’s eye it may irritate. Keep your kitten warm after bath and blow dry the fur making sure blow dryer is not too hot.

Development

Birmans take quite a long time to develop. It takes about 3 years for the breed to fully mature. In addition, Birmans are known for being somewhat clumsy and tend to fall easily. Be care to make sure your home is cat and kitten-proof to prevent injuries.

Health Issues

Generally, Birman kittens have excellent health and are a strong breed. They can easily live past 15 years and have minimal health problems. However, they are affected by inherited cardiomyopathy.

• Cardiomyopathy

  Cardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease that affects many feline breeds. There are many types of heart disease that affects felines. However, Birmans are particularly prone to the form called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. With ARVC, the heart’s right ventricle is weakened and begins to pump blood at an erratic pace.

  Cats with disorder may have difficulty breathing or may become severely tired with little exertion. The disorder is treated with medications to stabilize the heart’s rate and rhythm.

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