Many people who are looking to have a cat as part of their family would really like an animal that would cuddle up to them and be a loyal companion. Some cat breeds are going to fit well into the description but others may be a bit more independent. As far as the Birman is concerned, it is a loyal animal that loves being close to their human companions and will even have a conversation with you, using their soft voice to communicate. Add that to the beauty of this cat and you really have something that is quite enjoyable.
It is not completely known how the Birman came into existence but it is thought that they may be a cross between several different breeds including Angoras, Persians and Siamese. It is known that they have been around for a while and they enjoy the privilege of being the sacred cat of Burma. Because of their blue eyes and beautiful appearance, they often win over the humans that are in their care quite quickly. It is thought that the breed first got its start in Southeast Asia and eventually was taken to France by Europeans. They were imported into the United States in the middle of the 20th century and gained recognition in 1967.
Many people love the Birman because they look quite like a Siamese cat but they don’t have that strong voice of the Siamese. They tend to be rather mellow and they love being around people, so be sure that you have a lap available for them to enjoy from time to time. Regardless of where you happen to go in the house, they will follow. You might also appreciate the fact that they are quite smart and it is possible to train this animal to do many different tasks. They will often talk to you, especially when they are looking for a lap to sit on or a meal to eat.
There may be a number of health issues associated with this breed and they tend to be a genetic problem. One of those issues is that they may be born without any hair due to an immune deficiency or they could experience a degenerative disease associated with the central nervous system. Shaking and trembling in kittens and kidney dysfunction are also problems that could occur with the Birman.
Unlike many cats that have a low and thick coat, the Birman does not necessarily need to be brushed frequently. They would benefit from a weekly brushing but typically, their silky coat does not tend to tangle very easily. Brushing them can help to reduce shedding. They may also benefit from a regular brushing of the teeth and trimming of the nails.
The Birman has a wonderful personality that makes them a great cat for any family. They tend to love the humans in the home and will readily follow you around as a loyal and loving companion.