The Birman cat is gaining in popularity by the day and is in trend & high demand. They not only look cute but also come with a unique skittish personality. However, is the temperament of the Birman cat as sweet as its physical appearance, or is there any other side to this famous blue-eyed Kitty?
This article will discuss the types of aggression you are likely to notice in Birman cats. But let’s first know the answer to the question: Are Birman Cats Aggressive?
Are Birman Cats Aggressive?
No, the Birman cat is not known for being aggressive for the sake of being mean. They are somewhat shy and skittish and always seek the owner’s attention.
If Birman cats want affection or attention, they will make it known. Other than this, they are friendly and social. There can be many reasons why Birman cats are not an aggressive breed. Let’s find out.
Why Aren’t Birman Cats Usually Aggressive?
Birman cats are rarely attention-seeking cats. They usually thrive on owner attention and company. From a very young age, your Birman is likely to get up close to you as a means to keep warm. It is common to notice a Birman cat wrapping around your lap.
However, Birman cats are not very friendly to strangers. Even though they are kid-friendly, they require proper socialization and early training to be raised into a well-mannered cats. Therefore I recommend that you be attentive to the training and socialization process when they are young / kittens.
Apart from this, their intelligence level makes them trainable. They can be shy, skittish, and sensitive cats without proper training.
Even though Birman cats are not usually aggressive, they are a timid and particularly challenging breed. If not raised properly, they can show different types of aggression once in a while. Therefore, Let’s find out the different types of aggression in Birman cats.
7 Types Of Aggression In Birman Cats
Territorial Aggression
Sometimes a Birman cat can also be territorial. Therefore, territorial aggression may become familiar if she considers your home its territory. In most cases, introducing a new cat causes territorial issues. Hence if you ever witness your Birman cat swishing at a new kitten while chasing or even attacking it quite fiercely, it is best to keep them in a separate room for a while.
It is always advised to avoid introducing a new cat straight into your existing cat’s territory. Hence, the introduction of two cats should start and follow as follows:
- First, I highly advise you to keep them in a separate room and not even let them see each other.
- Please ensure your cat has a separate litter box, bed, water bowl, toys, food, and space.
- Once a few days pass, it is advised to feed them in a separate room on either side of a door so they can sense each other. It is best to get your cat a positive experience of eating first.
- Later, if both seem to be calmly eating either side of the door, you can carefully swap them into Each Other area. It will get your cat’s scents off each other for about 30-60 minutes and then swipe back. Repeating this method for a few days will gradually introduce.
- If you have a pet carrier or leashes, you can put them on your cats and let them see each other from a distance in the same room. Avoid allowing them to interact while gradually closing the gap between them daily for a few days.
- If you notice both of your cats being settled to each other, you can continue to feed them in the same room without any leash or pet carrier.
- If this goes well, play with them separately and give attention to both cats to reinforce good feelings.
This is one of the best ways that always works when introducing a new cat to the existing one but be prepared for it to take weeks.
Also Read: Are Birman Cats Vocal? (9 Common Sounds)
Play Aggression
It is common to notice aggression in Birman kittens or young kittens raised without littermates. When a cat plays with their Sibling, they often learn not to bite on scratch too hard. However, if they are grown without littermates or siblings, they may show signs of play aggression which include:
- Enlarged Pupils.
- Flattened Ear To The Head.
- Thrashing Tail.
Your cat is likely to often pounce on another person or household pet. Therefore, if you notice any play aggression, make sure to prevent those from happening through distraction techniques. One of the best methods to Limit play aggression is introducing a toy to play with instead.
However, when raising a cat, you must beware of sudden attacks from concealed locations. If these occur, you need to prevent your cat from entering these locations or spots. It’s a good idea to hold a play session with an aggressive Birman cat to discourage their behavior.
Walking away will prevent your cat’s aggressive behavior in any play session. Avoid petting a cat who has just shown aggression or has just attacked, as it may seem this is a reward, and repeat after that.
Redirected Aggression
You may also get hunted by your cat’s redirected aggression towards you because something angered it or it cant reach has excited it. If your cat sees a squirrel, a bird, or an unknown Kitty around the window while looking out, it may show aggression.
Make a distance; do not intervene if you notice your cat watching something and chattering or swishing its tail. It is best to carefully close the curtain or let your cat do whatever she is doing if there is no escape to the yard.
Fear-induced Aggression
It is not uncommon to see a cat being aggressive because of fear. If your cat has encountered anything unfamiliar, it can cause fear-induced aggression.
In Birman cats, the fear-induced attack can be triggered by an unusual noise and other household pets or a stranger entering the room out of a sudden. The most common signs of fear-induced aggression in Birman cats include
- Crouching Low
- Tail Tucked Between Legs
- Hissing
- Ear Flattened Against The Head
- Hackling Up
- Showing Teeth
It is essential to keep and expose your Birman cat to a controlled and safe environment. It would help if you first tried to remove the cause of the fear as much as possible and help your cat become accustomed to that stimulus.
If it’s a loud noise, in particular, that cause it, close all the curtains, windows, and doors to help your cat settle. Avoid making any sudden moves also.
Other than this, if a new house household cat seems to be the problem, you will need to be patient as it will take time to resolve. A gradual introduction is a better way while keep them separate for a while.
Inter-cat Aggression
If you have two male cats living in the same room, you might notice inter-cat aggression as they mature. But if you neuter both your male cat, it will help with inter-cat attacks. Occasionally, you might see your female cat exhibiting interactive aggression too.
If this is carried out, you will need to separate cats and gradually introduce them using the method described above.
Maternal Aggression
It is common to Notice a Birman Cat with newborn kitties exhibiting maternal aggression when their owner or stranger approaches.
If your cat gave birth, ensure she is safe and her kittens are kept in a confined, quiet, & safe area to themselves. Ensure you limit visitors and kids entering as much as possible until maternal aggression passes.
Pain-induced Aggression
If your cat is sick or injured, she may display pain-induced aggression, especially if you try to handle them or touch it. Avoid picking up an injured cat as she may hiss as a warning, but if you persist, it could even attack or Lash out.
If you notice pain-induced aggression due to an injury or sickness, get your cat to your nearest veterinarian for a quick health check-up. Avoid hurting the cat more as you put it in its pet carrier.
7 Signs Of Birman’s Aggression
Like all cats, a Birman cat will also give you plenty of warning signs through vocalizations and body language before attacking. Sounds and Signs of Birman cat’s aggression include.
- Enlarged Or Dilated Pupils.
- Throaty Growling
- Tail Thrashing Wildly
- Staring Without Blinking.
- Back Arched
- Tail And Hair Raised
- Flattened Ear Against The Head
12 Reasons Why Are Birman Cats Aggressive?
There can be many reasons why your Birman cat is showing aggression, but here I am mentioning the 12 most common ones:
- Fear
- Chronic Stress
- Anxiety
- Frustration
- Past Trauma
- Training and Behaviour Problems
- Socialization Problems
- Jealousy
- Lack Of Attention
- A New Household Cat
- Sudden Movement Or Noise
- Sickness Or Injury
Once you have identified why your Birman cat is aggressive, you can easily take the necessary steps to treat it. I advise you to get to the bottom of the issue as soon as possible to keep your cat happy while having a better relationship. Therefore, below I have discussed how to deal with aggressive Birman cats.
How To Deal With Aggressive Birman?
If your cat continuously shows aggressive behavior, below are some tips to help you manage your feline aggression.
Keep Your Cat In A Calm Environment.
It is essential to rule out strange smells, a sudden noise, or new people entering your Birman cat’s play area and personal space. You should also eliminate any significant change in the room where your cat lives.
For example, avoid introducing any new element, furniture, or pet to your cat’s existing environment suddenly. Whether it is a new cat, part, or table, it is important to introduce it gradually so your cat has time to adjust.
Therefore keeping them in a safe space helps deal with an aggressive Birman cat. You can also use calming sprays for cats that can work for you as it mimics familiar pheromones.
Consult With Your Veterinarian.
Before making any changes or dealing with your aggressive cat, paying your vet a visit is always best. Whether you have a cat or a dog, a wellness visit should be the first step in managing its aggression. It will also help you rule out any medical issues, especially if your cat is cognitive.
Not only will your veterinarian give you a clean bill of your cat’s health, but it will also help you pinpoint the actual cause of aggression with treatment options.
Stop Aggression Right Away.
Sometimes, it is best to distract your cat if it is aggressive. If you notice a Birman cat exhibiting aggressive behavior, you should stop it by interacting with a gentle noise like whistling before your cat’s aggression escalates.
You can also use visual distractions like throwing an interactive toy in front of your aggressive cat. One thing is for sure; you should never touch an aggressive cat or handle them to avoid frightening your pet, which may lead to an attack.
Also Read: Are Birman Cats Friendly?(5 Signs Of Friendliness)
Conclusion.
After knowing that a Birman cat is relatively calm and not overly aggressive, this breed is a good option for your family. But before you adopt one, I would like to inform you that these cats need exercise to keep their energy level low.
Sometimes a Birman cat also shows aggression as a result of pent-up energy. Besides this, they are very skittish, shy, and fearful cats, so rule out all possibilities that may trigger your cat’s aggression.
I have tried my best to give you all the information regarding the questions: Are Birman Cats Aggressive? If you like this article, then please share it. Your share will help any people dealing with their aggressive Birman cat safely. Do check our other articles on Birman cat, till then take care and goodbye.
