Long-haired breeds
Birman: personality, life span and weight
The Birman is a semi-long-haired breed with points and four white paws that look like gloves. Its nickname is the Sacred Cat of Burma.
- Sweet-natured
- Calm
- Sociable
Birman at a glance
- Adult weight
- 3–5.5 kg
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Shedding
- moderate
- Activity
- moderate
- Origin
- Said to come from Myanmar (formerly Burma) and developed as a breed in France
- Coat
- Silky semi-long coat with points and white "gloves" on all four paws
Birman personality
Sweet-natured and sociable. It is less talkative than a Siamese and more active than a Persian, which is why it is described as well balanced. It gets on with everyone in the family.
Coat care and daily care
It has almost no undercoat, so it rarely mats for a long-haired cat. Brushing twice a week is enough. It loves company, so do not leave it alone for too long.
Health problems Birman keepers should know
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)Regular heart checks are recommended.
- Kidney diseaseIn older cats, monitor with regular blood and urine tests.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real Birman photos from cat keepers
Photo tip Wait for the cat to sit with its front paws together so the white gloves show. A dark floor makes the white paws stand out.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryBirman questions and answers
- How long do Birman cats live?
- An indoor Birman typically lives about 12–16 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult Birman weigh?
- A fully grown Birman usually weighs 3–5.5 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do Birman cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is moderate. Silky semi-long coat with points and white "gloves" on all four paws. It has almost no undercoat, so it rarely mats for a long-haired cat. Brushing twice a week is enough. It loves company, so do not leave it alone for too long.
- What is the Birman personality like?
- Sweet-natured and sociable. It is less talkative than a Siamese and more active than a Persian, which is why it is described as well balanced. It gets on with everyone in the family.