Birman at a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 2.7–5.4 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–16 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one cat. Not assessed yet: Time alone.
Is the Birman right for you?
Like every breed, the Birman is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You have children and can supervise them with the cat.
- This would be your first cat and you are ready to learn.
- You have, or would like, another cat.
- You have a calm, cat-friendly dog and can introduce them slowly.
Consider another breed if…
- You cannot offer any safe outdoor space.
How would the Birman fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Birman
The Birman, also called the Sacred Cat of Burma, is a solidly built, semi-longhaired cat with a pale body, darker points on the face, ears, legs and tail, striking blue eyes and four pure white feet. It is best known for its temperament: typically gentle, loving, friendly and laid back, with a strong wish to be around people.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual cat.
- Size
Medium
A mid-sized cat.
- Coat length
Semi-long
A semi-long coat.
- Activity level
Moderate
Moderately active, with bursts of play.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by cat and season.
- Vocal
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet cat.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other cats
Usually sociable
Usually enjoys the company of other cats.
- Good with dogs
Often fine
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time cat owners.
- Time alone
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Indoors and outdoors
Some outdoor space
Benefits from some safe outdoor space, such as a cat-proofed garden.
A legend tells of a white temple cat whose coat turned golden and eyes turned sapphire blue as his priest died, while his paws stayed white where they rested on his master. The breed's real origins are hazy. The GCCF's account says a pair of Birmans was sent to France in 1919 and that only the pregnant female survived the journey. What is certain is that the breed was recognised in France in 1925. The name comes from Birmanie, the French word for Burma. By the end of the Second World War only one pair survived in Europe, and the breed was rebuilt with outcrosses to Persians and Siamese.
Birmans were first imported into the UK in the early 1960s and recognised by the GCCF in 1966. The breed is among the ten most registered breeds with the GCCF.
Birman temperament
Birmans adore being with people and have a lot of love to give. They take an intelligent interest in everything their family does and will often follow you from room to room. Some are happy to supervise, while others like to get involved, sitting on paperwork or stealing pens. They are eager to play but have little hunting instinct.
They are not naturally loud and use a soft, chirp-like mew to get attention. A Birman whose owner always answers may become quite a talker, though still far quieter than a Siamese.
Size and appearance
The Birman is a medium to large, well-muscled cat with a long, substantial body, medium-length strong legs and a bushy tail. It has a broad, rounded head with full cheeks and medium-sized, well-spaced ears. Adults typically weigh about 2.7–5.4 kg, with males often heavier than females.
The semi-long coat is silky and soft and light in colour on the body. Point colours include seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream, along with tortie, tabby and tortie tabby points, with about 20 colours in all. The front paws have white gloves and the back paws white socks that extend up the back of the leg as gauntlets. The eyes are almost round and a deep blue. Kittens are born white, and the points develop as they grow.
How active is the Birman?
Birmans enjoy playing games and are active at home. Plenty of play, especially with interactive toys that dispense food rather than serving every meal from a bowl, helps channel their wish to be involved in everything you do.
Birman grooming
Despite its length, the Birman's silky coat does not mat easily and is much less work than a Persian's. Comb it weekly to remove stray hair and spread skin oils. Birmans moult their winter coat in spring, when more frequent combing helps. Kittens groomed from an early age usually come to enjoy the attention. A greasy coat can be a sign that a cat has stopped grooming itself, which may point to poor health.
Indoors and outdoors
Birmans are suited to a secure garden or outdoor enclosure. They can be kept happy purely indoors in a large house; in a smaller home, consider cat-proofing the garden or building a catio. They are too laid back to cope well outdoors unsupervised, and their looks and friendliness with strangers make them a high theft risk.
They need a fair amount of attention and play, so consider whether you have the time before choosing one.
Living with a Birman
Birmans usually make wonderful, affectionate family pets, especially with children who respect a cat's space and follow simple rules. Their gentle nature also suits older people. Whatever the breed, young children should be supervised around cats and shown how to stroke them gently and let them walk away.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Other cats
Usually enjoys the company of other cats.
Dogs
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
Indoors and outdoors
Benefits from some safe outdoor space.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time cat owners.
Other cats and pets
Birmans are fairly gregarious and usually share their homes happily with other cats and dogs, provided they are well socialised and introduced sensibly.
Birman health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own cat’s health.
The Birman is described as a generally healthy breed, but some inherited conditions are recognised, and responsible breeders screen and test to avoid breeding from affected cats.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
The most common heart disease in cats, in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick and cannot beat effectively. It is progressive and can lead to heart failure and sudden death. The GCCF describes it as the most severe threat to the breed, thought to be inherited in Birmans as an autosomal dominant trait, and breeders use screening to avoid breeding from affected cats.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
An inherited condition in which cysts form in the kidneys, affecting how they work and possibly leading to kidney failure. Birmans carry a very low risk, and a DNA test is available.
Hypotrichosis
A condition in which areas of fur do not grow, which can lead to skin infections.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Birman home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Kittens should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a kitten was raised.
How much does a Birman cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Birman home, and looking after one well. Kitten prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, litter, scratching posts and toys, and a cattery or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the cat’s life, typically 12–16 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Birman
If you have decided the Birman suits your life, take the same care choosing where your cat comes from. Meet the kitten in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Birman
Birmans do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the cat. An adult cat arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the cat’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a cat once, well.
Birmans looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Birman adverts at the moment.
Find Birman adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
American Shorthair
Easygoing, affectionate, playful, intelligent, independent, calm, loyal and curious.
View breed guide
Birman FAQs
Is the Birman good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Can the Birman be an indoor cat?
Benefits from some safe outdoor space. Indoor cats need daily play, places to climb and scratch, and a window to watch from.
How active is the Birman?
Moderately active, with bursts of play. Short play sessions every day help any cat stay fit and settled.
Does the Birman shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Birman need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Birman a talkative cat?
Tends to be quiet. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Does the Birman get on with other cats?
Usually enjoys the company of other cats. Introduce cats slowly, with separate food, water, litter trays and resting places.
Is the Birman good with dogs?
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
How long does the Birman live?
Typically 12–16 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Birman get?
Adults typically weigh 2.7–5.4 kg.