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Cat lovers are often confused if the Birman and Burmese Cats are the same breeds. We can confirm that the Burmese and Birman are completely different cat breeds. In this article, we will discuss the differences between these two magnificent cat breeds.
Table of Contents
Birman Cat Breed Overview:
The Burmese is a friendly, gregarious cat who enjoys being around people. They can usually initiate snuggling in a lap or carrying on a conversation in a husky, rumbling, or gentle voice when they aren’t displaying their athletic prowess by leaping to the highest point in the room.
Burmese cats are willing playmates for children, even allowing themselves to be dressed up and wheeled around in a doll buggy. When you’re at home, the Burmese thrives on attention, and they will follow you around the house. Burmese cats hate being left alone for lengthy periods of time.
Be wary of the Burmeses’ golden eyes’ mesmerising power! Oh my, it’s too late. They will be running the show in your house in no time!
Burmese Cat Breed Overview
The Burmese cat is a friendly, gregarious cat who enjoys being around people. They can usually initiate snuggling in a lap or carrying on a conversation in a husky, rumbling, or gentle voice when they aren’t displaying their athletic prowess by leaping to the highest point in the room.
Burmese cats are willing playmates for children, even allowing themselves to be dressed up and wheeled around in a doll buggy. When you’re at home, the Burmese thrives on attention, and they will follow you around the house. Burmese cats hate being left alone for lengthy periods of time.
Be wary of the Burmeses’ golden eyes’ mesmerising power! Oh my, it’s too late. They will be running the show in your house in no time!
History: Birmans Vs Burmese
History of Birmans
In 1919, the Sacred Cat of Burma, as she is known, first emerged in France. The breed name Sacre de Birmanie by a French cat registry has since been reduced to Birman. Birmans came to America in the 1960s, and the Cat Fanciers Association officially recognised the breed in 1967.
History of Burmese
Legend has it that cats of this kind were revered and worshipped in temples and monasteries in Myanmar (previously known as Burma). In the late 1800s, they were discovered in England, but they were not as popular as Siamese.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognises two types of the breed: Burmese and European Burmese. The Governing Council approved the Burmese of the Cat Fancy in 1952, which establishes criteria for cats in the United Kingdom. In 1979, the International Cat Association, a pioneer in maintaining genetic registries for cats, accepted the breed.
According to the Cat Fancy’s Governing Council, the breed died out in England and Europe throughout time. However, it was resurrected in 1930 with the use of the first natural Burmese.
Birman Vs Burmese Temperament and Personality
Birmans Temperament and Personality
The Birman is a gentle, friendly cat who enjoys being around humans and can live in various settings. Birman cats enjoy playing chase with other animals, taking turns as the chaser and the chased. Birmans get along well with children, dogs, and other cats. In fact, unlike other felines, they dislike being the “only pet,” so you should consider getting your Birman a buddy — she won’t mind if it’s another Birman, a different breed of cat, or even a dog.
Birman cats don’t demand your attention, but they’ll let you know if they need a head scratch or some petting. They’ll then go about their business until you’re ready to appreciate them once more. You may also keep your Birman occupied with interactive toys that need her to think and move for treats or kibble to appear.
Burmese Temperament and Personality
The Burmese cat is a cuddler who enjoys sitting in someone’s lap. Burmese cats are outspoken and enjoy discussing the happenings of the day with their peers.
Burmese cats are gregarious cats who enjoy being with their family or other pets. So if nobody is home during the day, it’s a good idea to find the Burmese a companion to feel lonely.
Burmese is incredibly clever. Burmese cat parents should encourage their cats to use their brains by teaching them tricks and giving the puzzle toys that reward them with kibble or treats when she masters them.
If getting a Burmese kitten from a breeder, you should always look for a breeder who raises the litter in her house and cares for them from the start. Attend at least one, preferably both, of the parents to check that they have pleasant personalities.
Grooming Requirements Birman Vs Burmese
Birmans Grooming
The Birman has a single coat, which means there is no undercoat, and the cat is less likely to mat. Birman owners should comb their coat with a stainless steel comb once a week to maintain it healthy. You should also cut her nails regularly, around every two weeks.
Grooming the Birman’s fur twice a week is typically enough to keep it mat-free. Because Birman is prone to gaining weight, owners should exercise them daily.
The Birman is a healthy cat with a beautiful personality. Purchasing a kitten from a respected breeder can assure that you are getting a cat that is as close to Birman’s standard as possible.
Burmese Grooming
The Burmese’s satiny coat sheds little and is easy to groom with weekly brushing. To make the coat shine, use a rubber curry brush to remove stray hair and distribute skin oils. Then, using a soft chamois, give it a final polish (not the same one you use on your car, please).
The only other grooming the Burmese require is weekly nail clipping and ear washing if the ears appear to be filthy, using a gentle cleanser that your veterinarian has prescribed.
For good general health and fresh breath, brush their teeth with a vet-approved pet toothpaste regularly. Brushing, nail clipping, and teeth brushing should begin early in your kitten’s life so that they learn accustomed to them.
What Breed Is Healthier? The Birman vs Th Burmese
Birman Health
Birmans are generally a healthy cat breed and can live for 15 years or more. However, it would help if you always got a kitten from a reputable breeder that offers a health guarantee. Although a contract does not promise that your kitten will never become ill, it does show that the breeder is confident in her work.
Typical Health Issues of Birman
There are no significant health issues with the Birman breed. However, the Birman, like all cats, should be examined by a veterinarian regularly. In addition, maintain regular dental care to avoid oral disorders such as gingivitis and dental disease, and keep an eye on your Birman’s weight to prevent obesity.
The Birman cat is naturally stocky and can rapidly gain weight. Diet impacts Birman’s teeth and urinary tract, just like it does on all cats. Consult your veterinarian about the finest food for your cat, as each cat is unique.
Burmese Health
Some Burmese cats have cranial abnormalities, glaucoma, or feline hyperaesthesia syndrome, which causes them to be more sensitive to touch and painful stimuli. Calcium oxalate stones in the urinary system may also be a problem for them. Buying from a breeder who provides a written health guarantee is always a good idea.
Typical Health Issues of Burmese
The Burmese cat is typically healthy. However, they can have hypokalemia, an inherited illness that causes skeletal, muscular weakness. A simple DNA test can be used to check for familial episodic hypokalemic polymyopathy (the full name of the disorder). However, it’s episodic, and it might affect the entire animal or only the neck and limb muscles. As a result, affected cats have difficulty walking and holding their heads in the correct position.
In addition to hypokalemia, they are susceptible to the following conditions:
- Deformities of the skull
- Glaucoma, a condition characterised by excessive intraocular pressure that can result in blindness.
- Feline hyperesthesia syndrome, a condition in which a cat’s sensitivity to touch or painful stimuli is heightened.
- Oxalate crystals in the urine system create kidney stones.
Responsible breeders evaluate their lines for these diseases and give a health guarantee with each kitten they sell. Buying from a breeder who provides a written health guarantee is always a good idea.
Remember that after you’ve adopted a kitten, you have the authority to protect her from one of the most common health issues: obesity. One of the simplest methods to safeguard a Burmese’s general health is to keep her at a healthy weight. Make the most of your preventive skills to help your cat live a longer, healthier life.
Nutrition and Diet Requirements Birman Vs Burmese
Nutrition and Diet of Birman
The Birman cat is naturally stocky and can rapidly gain weight. Diet impacts Birman’s teeth and urinary tract, just like it does on all cats. Consult your veterinarian about the finest food for your cat, as each cat is unique.
Nutrition and Diet of Burmese
These cats require a lot of protein and nutrients to maintain their active lifestyle. To ensure that all of your cat’s needs are satisfied, it’s always a good idea to review diet options with your veterinarian. Dry food of high quality is beneficial to dental health and can be supplemented with wet food. To avoid your cat becoming a picky eater, the National Alliance of Burmese Breeders recommends switching types of cat food now and again so that your feline companion does not develop accustomed to just one style.
Choosing a Breeder Birman Vs Burmese
How to Choose a Birman Breeder?
Do your homework before bringing your Birman home if you want her to be happy and healthy.
A reputable breeder will follow a code of conduct that restricts sales to pet stores and wholesalers and spells out the breeder’s obligations to both their cats and their customers. Choose a breeder who has completed the appropriate health certificates to screen out hereditary health concerns as much as possible, as well as one who nurtures kittens at home. Isolated kittens might develop timid and skittish, making it difficult for them to socialise later in life.
Be patient once you’ve found the right breeder. Even for pet-quality kittens, Birmans are in high demand, and most breeders have waiting lists. If you already have your heart fixed on a kitten with a specific point colour or pattern, you may have to wait six months or more to find one. Many breeders will not place kittens in new homes until they are between 12 and 16 weeks.
Consider whether an adult Birman would be a better fit for your lifestyle before purchasing a kitten. Kittens are a great deal of fun, but they can also be a lot of work and cause damage. If you’re looking for an older cat, inquire with breeders about obtaining a retired show or breeding cat looking for a new home.
How to Choose a Burmese Breeder
Do your homework before bringing your Burmese home to ensure that she is happy and healthy so that you can enjoy your time with her.
Spend at least as much time researching your cat as you would a new automobile or high-priced item.
A reputable breeder will follow a code of conduct that restricts sales to pet stores and wholesalers and spells out the breeder’s obligations to both their cats and their customers. Choose a breeder who has completed the necessary health certificates to screen out hereditary health issues as much as possible, as well as one who raises kittens in her house. Isolated kittens might develop timid and skittish, making it difficult for them to socialise later in life.
Consider whether an adult Burmese would be a better fit for your lifestyle before purchasing a kitten. Kittens are a lot of fun, but they’re also a lot of work, and they can be destructive until they reach adulthood. If you prefer an adult cat over a kitten, inquire with breeders about obtaining a retired show or breeding cat or if they are aware of an adult cat in need of a new home.
Adopting a Cat
Adopting Birman from a Shelter or Birman Rescue
A breeder isn’t the only place to look for an adult cat. Unfortunately, adult Birmans (pedigreed and mixed) are less lucky than kittens, nearly never discovered in shelters. Cat Fanciers Association, Fanciers Breeder Referral List, National Birman Fanciers, and other reputable rescue organisations are lovely locations to start your search.
Once you’ve identified a good Birman match, get your kitten or adult to a veterinarian as soon as possible so that abnormalities can be detected early and a preventative programme may be established to avoid future health concerns.
Adopting a Burmese from a Shelter or Burmese Rescue
Although the Burmese are not your typical shelter cat, a pedigreed cat may end up in a shelter or a foster home after losing her home due to an owner’s death, divorce, or a change in economic circumstances.
How To Rescue A Birman or Burmese From A Shelter Or Rescue:
Here are some guidelines to assist you in selecting and adopt the perfect Birman or Burmese from a shelter or rescue group.
Use the web
Adopt-a-Pet.com and Petfinder.com are two websites that can help you find a Burmese in your region quickly. The site allows you to be very particular (for example, housetraining status) or very generic in your queries (all the Burmese available on Petfinder across the country). AnimalShelter.org can assist you in locating animal rescue organisations in your region. You can also check through the “pets looking for homes” sections of various publications.
Another fantastic technique to find a cat is to use social media. Post on your Facebook profile that you’re seeking a specific breed so that your entire Facebook network can help you find it.
Speak with Local Experts
Begin by discussing your wish for a Burmese with local pet professionals. Cat sitters, veterinarians, and groomers all fall under this category. When someone needs to make the difficult decision to give up a cat, she will frequently seek advice from her own trusted network.
Contact Breed Rescue
Networking can assist you in locating a cat that will make an excellent addition to your home. The majority of those who adore Burmese people adore all Burmese people. Breed clubs have rescue organisations dedicated to caring for homeless cats for this reason.
