Birman cat personality & welfare

Birman cat insurance

Is the Birman the right cat breed for you?

Our guide to living with a Birman cat

The Birman, sometimes referred to as the ‘Sacred Cat of Burma’ is an elegant and affectionate cat breed known for its blue eyes and characteristic white paws.

Birman cat quick facts

Size: Approx. 30-35cm
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Weight: 3.5-5kg (adult male 4.5-5kg, adult female 3.5-4kg)
Colours: The ‘mask’ colour can be brown, blue, chocolate, purple, red, cream, cinnamon and fawn - and they can have tabby or tortoiseshell markings.
Characteristics: Loving, social and calm

White Birman cat with brown face and blue eyes getting stroked by owner.

Where does the Birman cat come from?

Originating in France, the Birman is a breed with a fascinating history. According to legend, the breed comes from Burma (now Myanmar), where it was considered a sacred temple cat.

The first Birman cats came to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. The breed was officially recognised in France in 1925.

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What is a Birman cat's temperament?

The Birman cat is known for its gentle, calm, friendly and loving temperament. The breed is usually seen to be quiet, because although they like to talk, they talk quietly.

Social

Birman cats are are very social and thrive best in the company of people and other animals.

Loving & calm

Their calm nature makes them excellent pets, and they are often very affectionate and loyal to their owners.

Interactive

Birman cats are also known to be playful and curious, making them wonderful family cats.

Birman training and exercise

Cat behaviourist consultant Anna Jönsson Bergstedt gives tips on how to train your Birman cat – and keep them active:

1
Adapt playtime to suit their needs
It’s good to adapt toys to your cat’s individual preferences, but things that move quickly such as spring flippers tend to be good for engaging cats.

Give your Birman cat the opportunity to sneak about and plan a hunt when you play with them. And make sure they also have opportunities to run after and catch their toy – as this is an important part of the game.
2
Use food to keep them active
All cats have to eat, regardless of their breed. ‘Scatter feeding’ is a great way to keep them active – you can spread food or treats out around the home, and hide them for the cat to find. You can also use activity bowls or food puzzles. However, you may need to do this in place of a regular food bowl, otherwise your Birman cat won’t see the need to exert itself.
3
Plan time for play
Though Birmans are known for their calm nature, they still enjoy a good play session – even the calmest cats need time for fun! Set aside regular playtime and keep things interesting by offering a variety of toys.

Rotating toys can also help maintain your cat’s interest without constantly needing to buy new ones. This way, playtime stays fresh and engaging for your Birman.
4
Other ways to stimulate your cat
Many cats like to explore and be part of the activities in your home. Encourage them to participate when you’re doing things around the home, and give them outdoor items to play with. For example, you could give your Birman cat pine cones and blades of grass, or let them explore empty cardboard boxes.

Give them lookout points too so they can keep an eye on their territory, both inside and outside.

Read more blogs by Anna Jönsson Bergstedt:

Birman size & appearance

White and brown Birman cat with blue eyes.

Birmans are easily recognised by their distinctive white “socks” on all four paws and their striking, bright blue eyes. They are medium-sized cats with a strong, muscular build.

They have a slightly heart-shaped head with medium-sized ears. And their silky fur is medium length and can come in several different colours and patterns.

Buying a Birman kitten

Birman kittens are very active and curious. They grow quickly and often reach their full size at around one year of age.

When buying a Birman kitten, make sure it is vet checked, vaccinated and wormed. You should also receive instructions on future vaccinations and deworming, as well as care advice.

Learn more about caring for your kitten, including how to settle them into their new home.

Birman cat insurance with Agria

With Agria, it's lifetime, every time

At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.

So, whatever happens throughout your Birman's life, we’ll always be there for you and your cat!

Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.

Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year

So your cat can get the care they need.

We pay 98% of claims*

And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your cat.

No increase in your premiums when you claim

So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.

Free vet video calls, 24/7

Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.

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Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.

*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.

Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.