Birman and Burmese are two popular cat breeds that are often mistaken one for the other. But these kitties are actually very distinct breeds! Do you know the differences between a Burmese kitty and a Birman? Don’t worry, Cat in a Flat is here to explain all the main similarities and differences between these amazing types of felines!

Are there differences between Birman and Burmese?

Are there differences between Birman and Burmese cats? While these two types of felines can often get mixed up, there are a few key differences between the Birman and Burmese cat breeds. The most obvious difference lies in the way these kitties look: 

Birman

• Stockier, medium-sized cats. Weight ranges from 10-15 pounds.
• Blue eyes.
• Birmans are ‘colour point’ cats. This means that, similar to the Siamese breed, they have a pale coat all over the body with darker coloured points at the face, ears, legs, and tail. 
• One of the major differences between a Birman cat and a Burmese cat is coat length. Birmans have longer coats, which means more maintenance! Knowing how to properly groom a long-haired felineis a must if you own a Birman. 

Burmese

• These felines are slightly smaller than the Birman and can weigh between 6 – 12 pounds. 
• Yellow eyes.
• Burmese cats can come in a variety of coat patterns including solid colours or with calico-like markings. Brown, blue, red and cream are all common coat colours. 
• Because of their shorter coats, Burmese are generally considered a lower maintenance feline when it comes to grooming. Other than your essential care and occasional claw trimming, they require less maintenance than their Birman cousins! 

Birman vs. Burmese

Personalities

While there are some differences between Birmans and Burmese cats, one of the areas where they’re similar are their personalities! Both types of felines are affectionate and friendly and enjoy being around people. These furry friends will follow their favourite humans around (even to the bathroom) and enjoy receiving lots of cuddles and attention.

Both breeds do well in highly social environments. They are great choices for households with babies, children, or other cat-friendly pets. As long as you properly introduce your feline, they will thrive in a busy home. 

While the Burmese breed is slightly more tolerant than the Birman to being left alone, both breeds love lots of attention and interaction. Hence, you should avoid leaving them on their own. Neither are independent cats, so you should consider getting a sibling or friend for your Burmese or Birman to keep them company whenever you’re away. It’s also recommended that you hire a house sitter if you plan on leaving for longer periods of time. And if you work outside the home, booking a trustworthy cat sitter to pop in during the day to spend time with your furry friend will help stave off loneliness too! 

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Health

Both Birmans and Burmese are generally healthy breeds—as long as they come from an ethical and reputable breeder. But like with any cat, there are few health issues to be aware of when bringing either type of kitty into your life.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common type of feline heart disease. Some symptoms include difficulty breathing, lethargy (sleeping more than usual), or changes in appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, take Mr Whiskers to the vet immediately. 
• Any kitty can be at risk of feline diabetes—especially if they’re overweight. So it’s important to feed your fur friend a balanced diet and make sure they stay hydrated. It’s worth noting that Burmese cats may be at higher risk of diabetes. Although it’s not clear if this is a genetic issue, it’s important to take note of this if you are considering adopting or purchasing a Burmese cat.

Diet

Regardless of whether you have Birman, Burmese, or other type of feline, a balanced diet of good-quality food is a must. How much you feed Mr Whiskers will depend on their age, activity levels, and lifestyle. There are few differences in diet for Burmese and Birman: 

How to feed a Burmese cat

Luckily, Burmese felines aren’t prone to obesity. As long as you manage Mr Whiskers’ diet, your kitty should be able to live a happy, healthy life. It’s recommended you feed your adult Burmese two meals a day. If possible, aim to feed them wet food in the morning, and dry food in the evening. Try to avoid free-feeding, sharing human food, or allowing your kitty to graze as Burmese cats are not good at self-regulating food intake. 

How to feed a Birman cat

There isn’t a huge difference between how you feed a Birman cat. However, since this breed is stockier and has a longer coat, it can be difficult recognise when your fur friend is overweight. Like the Burmese, stick to feeding your kitty a combination of high-quality wet and dry food twice a day. Keep treats to a minimum and make sure to play with them daily so they get enough exercise! 

Are Burmese cats low maintenance?

Are Burmese cats low maintenance? Burmese are considered low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They also prefer staying indoors which makes them perfect for apartment living. However, personality-wise they are not a low maintenance breed. These are a very vocal felines that won’t hesitate to let you know when they’re upset. If Mr Whiskers feels they are not getting all the attention they need, they will make it known! So, if you can’t commit to spending a lot of time with your fur friend, the Burmese may not be right for you.

Do Birman cats need a lot of maintenance?

Do Birman cats need a lot of maintenance? As mentioned above, Birmans have longer coats which means they will require a more stringent grooming schedule. You should make sure to brush your fur friend’s coat a few times a week. Although this is also an indoor breed, Birmans love climbing. You’ll need to accommodate by providing plenty of cat trees and climbing options around the home—bonus points if they’re near windows where you Birman can look outside! 

One of the differences between Birman and Burmese is that Birmans are less vocal. However, like the Burmese, your Birman kitty needs a lot of attention. Before bringing this type of feline into your life you should seriously consider whether your lifestyle allows you to be able to spend a lot of time around your furry friend daily. 

Not sure if the Birman or Burmese cat breeds are right for you? Check out our blog posts about low-activity breeds for chill people and the best cats for apartment living. And remember, if you can, always aim to adopt instead of buy. There are so many kitties in shelters just waiting for the opportunity to become a special someone’s purrfect furry friend!