Pet Dogs and Cats

By snowmom on Jan 23, 2010

We have a Blue-point Birman called Ruby. We took her on when she was 2 from a woman who had owned her for a few months but she was now starting up breeding British Shorthairs and didn't have room for her.

The poor girl has been shuffled around a lot and has some issues because of that.

Birmans in general are beautiful cats. They are very affectionate and love to be with you. Most breeders will insist that you keep them as indoor cats because they have no road sense at all.

Our Birman is very ditsy and pretty clumsy so there's no way I'd ever let her be an outdoors cat.

They need minimal grooming. Once a week is fine. But of course more won't hurt. Because they have a silky coat they don't tend to mat at all.

They are generally pretty quiet. However when our Birman can't find us and she wants to be with us she does the funniest cat call I've ever heard. It sounds exactly like she's saying "OH NO! OH NO!"

Birmans are famous for their love bites.. When they get very happy with you they'll bite you on the nose/cheek/chin/hand. It doesn't hurt at all.

Birmans are fairly cheap. I've found they average at about $350-$400 from a reputable breeder. More obviously if you want a show cat.

They are wonderful cats, we also own a Persian who has a more outgoing/whacky personality but his grooming needs are out of this world (tend to have to groom him twice a day) so it's nice to have a medium-length haired cat that requires minimal grooming!

Another thing about their coats is they are amazingly soft, I've never felt a cat with a softer coat. It's amazing!

They are generally pretty laid back cats and would fit in well with most households. I'd suggest you talk to some breeders in your area, organize to come visit them to see the cats and ask some questions about the breed. Or you could go to a cat show.

They are a pretty popular breed so you shouldn't have trouble tracking down a breeder or visiting a cat show that'll exhibit them.

For more info on them try:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/1955/
http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/articles/birman.html

By Petra on Jan 23, 2010

Ah, the temple Cat…

Birmans are sweet, affectionate characters who like interacting and being around people. They are particularly comfortable and friendly around young children and other domestic pets and are very people orientated cats. They are also very inquisitive and want to be involved in what you're doing but they can also get themselves into mischief! They are quite intelligent cats and tend to bond strongly with their owner or family.

This breed of cat tends to have quite a quiet meow and wont speak up unless something is wrong like their dinner isn't on the floor! They are however rather talkative cats (males in particular) and will let you know when they want your attention. Birman cats are happy in the house but also love a garden to play and climb. They will however be happiest wherever you are and will follow you around to see what you're up to!

If you like your furniture remember lots of scratching posts and toys too!

By Wordpress on Jan 23, 2010

<3 sounds just like gini!!!

By WPMixer on Jan 23, 2010

so…much…FLUFF!!!

By andrecan2002 on Jan 23, 2010

Vaccinations:

Although Birmans are not outdoor cats, they require vaccinations by a qualified veterinarian. Once a year we give our adult cats a booster shot of Felocell CVR, for Rhinotracheitis- Calici- Panleukopenia.

We are a Feline Leukemia negative cattery (all have been tested neg.) Personally I don't believe in over immunizing our cats but giving a modified live virus vaccine to your cat is a personal choice between you and your vet.

Rabies shots are required by state law but we recommend not to do so until the cat is at least 6 months old.

I also recommend that if you get a cat, while you may have cats already in your household (presuming they are healthy), NOT to let your friend's/relatives cats get together as if they were children in a play group. Every home has it environmental conditions (resident bacteria that is harmless to your group) but don't jeopardize your cat's health by bringing in danger from other's home.

Neutering:
Birmans don't mature until they are almost 3 years old! Part of a cat's personality is directly related to their sexual designation. We want the personality well established before we alter that sexuality. If there is no sexual behavior that is causing you inconvenience, hold off on neutering/spaying. We recommend that at 10-12 months.

Disciplining:
Use a newspaper to gently swat your Birman off the kitchen counter or tries to sneak out the door. NEVER HIT A CAT! Never hit anything. When my kittens start using my face as a chew toy when I am sleeping (they teeth like babies before they get placed in new homes), I gently blow in their faces. I guess morning breath really works, they never come back!

By ?Dnice on Jan 24, 2010

Hi there… average lifespan for an indoor cat (including pedigrees) is approximately 15-17 years depending on diet and regular veterinary care. Outdoor cats live a much shorter lifespan due to outdoor dangers.

Outdoor vs. Indoor: http://www.cathelp-online.com/health/indooronly.php

By Disease Information Health Tips on Jan 24, 2010

Wow, I didn’t realize just how beautiful he was until he got up out of the sink! This blue point is striking! Birmans are listed as large cats. Sadly, so much inbreeding is making them smaller, but this big boy looks beautiful, nice full coat. I have always wanted a birman, or two.

By WPBlog Shop on Jan 24, 2010

lol whats he doing in a sink?

By Health Tips and Advice on Jan 24, 2010

Dior sounds just like my birman cat! (She is 1 year old blue tabby point)

By Free Blog on Jan 25, 2010

You disturbed his peace

By kitty_kat_doll_1983 on Jan 25, 2010

Both are furry little guys. The advantage both Birmans and Ragdolls have over furry cats like Persians is that their fur is softer, silkier, less cottony, and more rabbit-like that makes them easier to groom and less prone to tangles. I have heard this said more about the Ragdoll though.

Ragdolls are also the largest breed of domestic cats, and some males get really huge and heavy. (Yes, larger than a Maine Coon!). But they are both loving cats and both are beautiful. There is no significant difference in their fur volume, but they are both easier to groom than most long haired cats. Good luck in your search, and know that I'd envy you if you get either breed.

By Scrapbooking on Jan 27, 2010

Aww thats cute he said no