You have chosen a Birman cat as your companion, and what a great decision! Birman cats have the look and personality that makes loving them easy. Soon, you will be treating your Birman like your little baby or human family.
Birmans are so affectionate that the distinctions will be blurred. Once you have been with a Birman, you want to be with them for as long as possible.
How long do Birman cats live? Different cat breeds have different life expectancies, and you will be glad to know that Birmans are a breed with one of the longest lifespans.
Once you have chosen a Birman, expect a long investment of your time and attention. Of course, in return, you will have a magnificent looking and affectionate companion.
How long Do Birman Cats Live? Common Birman Cat Health Issues
Birman cats are healthy cats, and they have no major health conditions.
However, they are prone to diseases that plague other cats, and some things need to be watched out for.
These include obesity, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and kidney disease.
Obesity
Birmans are large cats and tend to have a hefty weight. Obesity affects how long do Birman cats live? They are predisposed to feline obesity, which can cause tons of health concerns.
As with humans, cats need to maintain a healthy weight, and you need to watch your Birman’s weight to make sure they are within the normal range.
You should limit their food intake and make time to play with them, so they get the necessary exercise.
If you don’t have time for them, at least give them stimulating toys so they can entertain and be active by themselves.
You should also schedule regular vet visits to prevent obesity and other health issues. Owners have a responsibility to keep their Birmans within a healthy weight.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
How long do Birman cats live is also affected by heart conditions. Birman cats are predisposed to a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
This condition is common as with other cats. It causes the walls of the heart muscle to thicken and can cause the heart to increase in size.
This condition is genetically inherited, and breeders can check their lines for this condition. HCM is something to always be aware of, even if your kitty has a clean bill of health.
This disease ranges in severity and can be treated with supplements, herbs, and other natural remedies.
Kidney Disease
Some Birmans descended from Persians who are also prone to kidney disease. Because of their relationship with Persians, Birmans may be more susceptible.
This affects how long do Birman cats live. When shopping or adopting a Birman, or any other, make sure to get a clean bill of health from a vet and verify your cat’s hereditary lines.
Birman Exercise Requirements
Birmans don’t have specific exercise requirements, but they will benefit from some extra physical activity.
Regular exercise will help Birmans live longer and affect how long do Birman cats live. They will appreciate playmates like their owners, cat-friendly dogs, or other cats.
If you are looking to get a Birman cat, prepare by getting an assortment of toys. Items such as climbing towers and puzzles will provide hours of fun.
Birmans are extremely smart and enjoy challenging themselves for a treat. You will be excited to know that Birmans are trainable cats. A Birman can be clicker trained and taught how to walk on a leash.
How long do Birman Cats live-Cat Care Tips to make your Birman Live Longer
Go to the Vet
How long do Birman cats live? Birmans live up to 15 years and going to regular vet visits can help them in tip-top shape.
Birmans should undergo the latest wellness exams and routine lab tests so veterinarians can find and treat any life-threatening health conditions early on.
This is especially important for cats like Birmans who are excellent at hiding when they are sick or in pain, Olson says.
Bringing your cat to the vet on a regular basis also ensures they are up to date on all vaccines, prescription flea, and tick for cats, and heartworm medications.
Sometimes you may have to look for the right kind of vet an don’t be afraid to shop around for someone you and your cat will adore.
Having a good relationship with your vet is crucial. It will make it easier for the doctor and staff to help your cat. They will know your cat’s medical history and temperament.
From a phone diagnosis alone, they will know whether a strange new behavior necessitates immediate medical care.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
Being cooped indoors may sound boring, but it is one of the best ways to keep your cat live longer and happier. Cats who are kept indoors have fewer traumas.
They are less likely to be hit by a car or be exposed to toxins. Cats kept indoors are also less likely to encounter disease-carrying pests and parasites.
Once a cat leaves home you won’t have the ability to protect them. How long do Birman cats live? They can live 15 years especially if they are kept indoors.
For this reason, it is crucial to make sure your house is a safe space for your cat. Check the kind of plants you have in your home since some varieties can be toxic to your cats.
Lilies look pretty and harmless but are highly toxic to cats. It is best to check a toxic plant list like ASPCA. Wheatgrass is great for cats craving greens. Pet grass gives cats a safe alternative to potentially dangerous house plants.
During summer, you should be careful with cats and open windows. Keep window screens shut and make sure they are secure enough so cats won’t fall through them or jump below.
Feed Them Appropriately
Cats need nutritious food to live their best life. They need a high-moisture, cat-appropriate diet. It is important that cats are fed with wet and dry cat food.
Kibble alone won’t suffice. Cats are carnivores, so don’t force them on a vegetarian diet. Kitties need lots of meat. How long do Birman cats live? Feed Birmans a tasty and nutritious diet and they will live to be 15 years.
In case you have a multi-cat home, feed cats separately, and monitor each cat’s consumption. If they avoid food, it can be a sign of dental pain or a medical condition.
Give your cat a portion and don’t allow free-feeding since this will lead to weight gain and makes it less likely that you will notice problems right away.
Your Cat’s Weight
An overweight cat may look cute, but doctors agree that it is unhealthy. A few extra pounds can lead to a number of medical conditions, which include liver problems, diabetes, and arthritis.
The extra weight also puts stress on a cat’s joints and organs. How long do Birman cats live? Give your Birman interesting physical activities and they will live up to 15 years.
Feed your cat following the recommended portions by your veterinarian. Make sure that exercise and playtime is part of your cat’s daily routine. Make it a habit to weigh your cat once a month and report any dramatic gains or losses to your vet.
Encourage Mental Stimulation
Play and exercise are crucial to having a happy and healthy cat. Plus, it makes them svelte and stress-free. Although indoor cats live longer, they should be able to perform typical cat behaviors done in the wild such as hunting, pouncing, and interacting.
Interactive play helps cats stay in touch with their natural instincts. Cats are wild predators by nature, so give them toys that behave like prey. Make sure to give them something tangible to ‘kill’ and ‘eat’ at the end of the chase.” Cat toy mice are a good choice, as well as cat toy balls.
Cats also love to climb and scratch to keep their paws trim. Cat trees are great physical stimulation as it gives them plenty of horizontal and vertical play space.
A cat scratching post can help them release stress while protecting your couch. It is also beneficial for your cat to have space where they can have a view of nature. Give them a comfy cat window perch or a patio.
Daily Grooming
Grooming makes your Birman’s coat luxurious and shiny. This also gives you the chance to get familiar with your cat’s body.
Any changes in shape, texture, or tenderness, require the attention of a vet.
If you notice any new lumps, bumps, or sore spots, they could be a sign of any number of painful and potentially serious medical conditions.
Clean the Litter Box Every Day
It may seem like a chore, but it is crucial to get the cat litter box cleaned daily. This will keep your house smelling fresher and help you scan for changes in bowel or urine habits. If there is diarrhea or blood in the litter box, call a vet immediately.
Get your cats to drink water regularly
Cats need access to fresh and clean water at all times. It is crucial for their health. There is a tweak you can do to encourage cats to drink more. Switch to wide, flat food and water dishes can prevent whisker fatigue, a stressful condition for cats.
A cat water fountain is also a good solution, and there are many available on the market. You have to change the filter often, though, to keep everything hygienic.
Don’t Skip Dental Care
Bad teeth in cats can cause a lot of problems. Dental problems can be anything from painful lesions to abscesses to infections. Failure to cure dental diseases can lead to kidney and heart problems.
Cleanings, X-rays, and even extractions may be required to keep your cat’s mouth and body in good health.
Don’t Ignore Symptoms
Prevention is better than cure for humans as with cats. It is better to be hypervigilant about any of your cat’s behavior than to assume a symptom will just go away on its own, the doctors say.
One thing to look out for is excessive vomiting, which could be a sign of bowel issues, kidney problems, or pancreatitis, to name a few.
Coughing, sneezing, and breathing issues are other things to look out for, which could be a sign of asthma or cardiac disease.
Peeing outside the litter box could indicate urinary tract problems or painful bladder issues that could lead to blockage and even death.
Get Cats Micro-chipped
There may be a time when the urge to explore outside may be too overwhelming for your cat that they escape the indoors.
You may leave a door or window accidentally open, and the curiosity of your cat may just take control. Get all your pets, microchipped to save yourself the heartache.
Make sure you also keep the registration and your contact information up-to-date. This ensures anyone who finds an escaped pet knows how to get a hold of you, which could be a lifesaver should your pet end up at the pound.
In case your cat gets lost, a microchip will make it easier for your cat to be traced back to you.
3 Top Things to Know About Your Birman
Minimal grooming
Birmans have long flowing coats with a full topcoat. They have no undercoat, however, so these cats require minimal grooming.
Their fur does not matt or tangle. The silky coat is also reported to only give off little shedding, and a thorough brush approximately twice a week is all that is needed to keep these cats looking amazing all the time. This cat is also hypoallergenic despite being a fairly hairy cat
Solitude
Cats love solitude, but you can count on your Birman to be the opposite. These cats prefer to be with their humans or other animals in the home.
They will often follow you around. The Birman is a highly social breed that prefers interaction and is not recommended for a home environment where they would be frequently left alone for hours on end.
Birmans want constant interaction and will make you feel special with their strong desire to be affectionate.
Soft spoken
Birmans are nice to look at but also nice to hear. The Birman is very soft-spoken. If and when they do meow, the sound is soft and sweet and resembles a soft bell ring.
These cats aren’t known for being noisy. They have an angelic voice, so you wouldn’t even know they were there with their gentle disposition.
Final Thoughts
Birman cats make great companions for people who want a loyal and affectionate cat. It is a sad fact, though, that most pets will only have a limited life span, and most pet owners will outlive their pets.
How long do Birman cats live? Birmans have a fairly long lifespan, and giving them extra care will help them live life to the fullest and in good health.
