
Birman cats are famous for being companion cats. They are mild-mannered, sociable, and friendly. These cats also have a long and silky coat and color points that make them stand out from common domestic cats.
Do Birman cats shed?
Yes, Birman cats do shed, but they only shed minimally compared to other long-haired cat breeds. These cats do not have a wavy and curly undercoat, so their fur does not get tangled or matted like that of other cats. They only need to be groomed about once a week, but during springtime, you may have to brush their silky fur at least twice a week.
Are Birman cats hypoallergenic?
No, Birman cats are not hypoallergenic; no cat truly is. All cats produce the Fel d 1 protein, which is the allergen that causes allergic reactions. This allergen is found in a cat’s saliva, skin, and urine.
What breeds of cat shed the least?
- Devon Rex – This breed, also called pixie cats, has scanty guard hair (topcoat) and has curly fur caused by a genetic mutation.
- Cornish Rex – These cats do not have layers of fur since they only have down hair or an undercoat. They have thin, flat, and curly fur due to mutated genes.
- Russian Blue – These cats only shed around twice a year for about two weeks. They produce fewer allergens which makes them ideal pets for people with cat allergies.
- Siamese – This breed has short fur which makes it easy to groom.
- Oriental Shorthair – This breed comes in a variety of fur colors and like the Siamese, it has short fur that is easy to groom.
- Sphynx – These cats are hairless, but they need to be bathed regularly to avoid body oils building up on the skin.
- Siberian – This breed has a triple layers of coats- guard hair, awn hair, and a downy undercoat.
- Bengal – These cats have soft, short, and ticked fur that tends to glitter in the light.
- Bombay – This breed has a short and glossy coat. When the fur is in proper and healthy condition, the black luster looks like patent leather.
Interesting Facts about Birman Cats
- They look like the Himalayan cat breed.
- This breed was nearly wiped out during World War II.
- They have a mythical origin.
- They tend to have compulsive behavior like sucking, chewing, and swallowing things that are not edible, like plastic and wool. This behavior is also observed among Siamese cats.
- They are also called the “sacred cat of Burma.” The breed name Birman was derived from Birmanie, the French form of Burma.
Physical Features
- Physical traits: heavily-boned; stocky; large size; semi-longhaired; has darker coloring to the face, legs, ears and tails; deep, blue eyes; pure white feet; short legs; broad and rounded head; medium-sized ears; Roman nose; coat colors include blue, chocolate, seal, red, cinnamon, lilac, cream, and fawn
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Height: 8 to 10 inches
- Lifespan: nine to 13 years
- Personality: loving, affectionate, sociable, friendly, smart, curious, people-oriented, not too noisy
Why do cats shed?
Cats shed for any of the following reasons:
- Changing of seasons
- Your cat’s health
- Cat’s diet
Ways to reduce cat shedding
- Bathe your cat at least once a month.
- Keep your cat hydrated.
- Change your cat’s diet.
- Brush and groom your cat regularly.
What kind of fur do most cats have?
These are the kinds of fur that most cats have:
Undercoat
This coat is composed of short, soft, and downy hair. It keeps cats warm. This type of short hair is closest to the skin. It consists of wavy and curly hair and it is usually what causes tangles and mats.
Intermediate coat
This coat is shorter than the outer coat but longer than the undercoat. It is also called awn hairs and its purpose is insulation and protection of the soft undercoat. These bulky hairs regulate temperature and help in shedding water. It is the combination of undercoat and outer coat that gives the fur a voluminous look.
Topcoat
The topcoat is also called guard hairs. Its purpose is to protect your cat’s skin. It has straight shafts and is coarser and longer than the undercoat. Its functions are to reduce cuts or scratches, protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, and repel water.
Conclusion
Birman cats have sweet personalities and distinctive colorpoint looks. They also shed just like other cats, although only minimally. They do not have undercoats and do not mat so they only need to be groomed and brushed once or twice a week.
Image: istockphoto.com / laimdota