The Birman Cat, also known as the Berman Cat or the Burmese Sacred Cat, is a medium-sized cat with the scientific name Birman. Although they are now found worldwide, it is believed that they used to only live in Burma and were raised by monks in temples.
After being introduced to Europe, the Birman Cat was recognized as a fixed breed in France and the UK, and later gained recognition in the United States. Birman Cats have a body shape similar to Persian cats and Himalayan cats, as well as spots like Siamese cats. They have strong bones, a wide and round head, and a straight profile; their cheeks and ears are V-shaped. Their bodies are covered in long silver-white fur, with the color gradually deepening on the face, ears, legs, and tail, while their paws are white, resembling wearing white gloves, hence the nickname "four paws on snow".
The Birman Cat is said to originate from Burma. According to legend, the color of the Birman Cat is derived from the following story: in the LaoTsum temple.
The temple's guardian deity is a white long-haired cat with golden eyes, while the esteemed goddess Tsun-Kyan-Kse has deep blue eyes. The temple's custodian, accompanied by a cat named Sinh, died in an attack. At the time of the custodian's death, beloved cat Sinh stepped on his body and faced the esteemed goddess. At that moment, a miracle occurred, causing the white cat's fur to be covered in a layer of gold, its eyes to turn blue, and its face, paws, and tail to turn the color of soil, but the four paws stepping on the owner's body remained white. Seven days later, Sinh passed away and took the custodian's soul to the heavenly realm.
In recorded modern history, a pair of Birman Cats was first brought from Burma to France in 1919. During the journey, the male cat died, leaving only the female cat and her unborn kittens. From then on, the Birman Cat began to spread in Europe and was officially recognized in France in 1925. However, during World War II, only two Birman Cats remained in Europe. In order to save this endangered breed, breeders had to use crossbreeding methods to reestablish the breed. Since then, at least five generations of purebred lineage are required for the registration of a Birman Cat.
The Birman Cat was recognized by the United Kingdom in 1966, and by the CFA in 1967.
Suggested for cat lovers.
1. Soft Stool or Diarrhea
Soft stool or diarrhea is a common condition in cats. Normal stool should be brownish, well-formed, and moderately moist.
Causes: Getting cold and catching a cold, changing food, poor food quality, stress reactions, parasites, etc.
Symptoms: Soft, sticky, shapeless, watery stool.
Solution: If it is caused by parasites, it is recommended to deworm the cat. If it is a stress reaction due to a new environment, it is not a big deal, it is recommended to observe for a few more days. If it is a dietary reason, do not change the cat food frequently, reduce the burden on the intestines and stomach, and also pay attention to controlling the amount of food, feed the cat small meals frequently, and feed them at a fixed time and amount. Also, pay attention to clean and fresh drinking water, do not feed your cat mineral water, as it can easily cause urinary stones.
2. Depression
Cats are sensitive animals, and depression is a common condition.
Causes: Lack of companionship, the death of a companion, abuse, being kept in isolation for a long time, etc.
Symptoms: Loss of appetite, lying down all day, hiding, sensitivity and irritability, timidity.
Solution: Cat depression is a mental problem, so it is recommended for the cat owner to spend more time with the cat. Provide interaction with treats or toys on a regular basis, and try to reduce the cat's stress as much as possible.
Hygiene: Due to the abundance of fur on cats, they are prone to carrying various types of bacteria and fleas. For the health of both cats and owners, cats should be regularly bathed and groomed;
Diet: Different cats have different food preferences. Owners should not randomly choose cat food from the market for convenience. Carefully select cat food based on the cat's breed, growth situation, and physical condition. Prepare dedicated utensils for cats;
Health: Like humans, cats can also get sick. When a cat is sick, it must be taken to a specialized animal hospital for treatment. Regular physical examinations and vaccinations should also be given to cats. Only when a cat is healthy can it have the energy to play with its owner;
Safety: There is a saying, "Curiosity killed the cat." Cats are curious creatures who are always interested in various things. Their nature also leads them to be particularly fond of entering closed spaces. Therefore, owners must close doors, windows, and lids to prevent cats from getting into potential hazards;
Residence: Cats love lying down and lazing around the most. Therefore, as an owner, you should prepare a small cushion for sleeping for it. However, these cushions will accumulate a lot of bacteria after cats use them for a long time, so you must pay attention to cleaning and disinfecting them at all times;
Cat litter: The problem of pets relieving themselves anywhere has bothered many pet owners. But cats are actually very clean animals, so as long as the owner provides them with cat litter, cats will go to the litter box to relieve themselves on their own;
Cats cannot tolerate being mistreated by their owners. When the owner forces them to do something, they become irritated. Therefore, owners should regularly trim their cats' claws to prevent scratching and infection while playing with them.
1. We need to groom the Birman Cat's fur every day, especially during the shedding season, it needs to be groomed at least twice a day.
2. Thoroughly care for the cat's fur once a week, using fur cleaners.
3. If you care for it using the methods mentioned above, then the frequency for bathing can be reduced to twice a month in summer and once a month in winter. Occasionally, you can use some conditioner for its fur. Note: The bathwater should be warm; the cleaner should be specifically for pet cats; after bathing, make sure to dry its fur as soon as possible.