Cat breed · Longhair
Birman
A colourpointed cat with distinctive white gloves and a famously even, unruffled temperament.
Medium13–16 yearsMyanmar / FranceCan suit apartments
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Longhair
- Origin
- Myanmar / France
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 4–7 kg (9–15 lb)
- Height
- 20–25 cm
- Lifespan
- 13–16 years
- Coat
- Semi-long, silky, low undercoat
- Temperament
- GentleQuietCompanionableBalanced
History
Associated with Burmese temple legend and established as a breed in France in the 1920s.
Appearance
Pale body with darker points, deep blue eyes and pure white paws.
Exercise and activity
Gentle daily play; Birmans are quietly sociable rather than athletic.
Care and grooming
Brush twice weekly; the silky coat mats less than a Persian's.
Health considerations
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Congenital hypotrichosis
- Corneal dermoid
- Kidney disease with age
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Birman
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Gentle daily play; Birmans are quietly sociable rather than athletic. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Polycystic kidney disease, Congenital hypotrichosis, Corneal dermoid, Kidney disease with age), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice