Birman cat question?
1. I would really love to purchase a Birman cat however, where would you recommend I begin looking for a reputable Birman cat breeder? 2. What things should I look for in a breeder, how can I tell that is just not another person attempting to make a "fast-buck"? 3. Any help would be appreciated. . .Also, if you have a Birman cat please share your experience. Thanks in advance!
Birman cats-Do you have one? Male vs Female?
I have been breeding Birmans for 15 years. Some females can be less cuddly, as far as being lap cats, but I have never known one to be aloof. At a minimum they will happily sit beside you on the couch and purr while you pet them. However, I must say I have never encountered a neutered male Birman who did NOT love to be cuddled. The boys really are sweeties. But all Birmans, male and female, are sweet, loving, affectionate cats, and you can't go wrong with either sex. It is important to visit the home of the breeder and pick out a kitten whose temperament you think is closest to what you want. Good luck getting a Birman!
Birman cat vs. Siamese cats?
Hi Ariba, The Birman has a long silky coat which is not prone to matting, which is a good thing, as it makes grooming easier, but it still is a longhair cat. The Siamese, on the other hand has short hair which is tight to the body and generally "grooming" it with your hand is sufficient except, of course during the shedding season when more combing and brushing is needed. Both cats have fantastic dispositions. Both are very intelligent and affectionate cats, but the Birman is not quite as "in your face" type of kitty as much as the Siamese is. The Birman can amuse themselves when their people are busy, far more readily than the Siamese, who wants to be with their people all the time, and to be in the middle of all activities. For a really good article about the Birman, visit: http://www.petside.com/breeds/birman.php The Siamese on the other hand is a clown. They are into everything and onto everything, especially when they are young cats. They enjoy cuddling and often will sleep with their people under the covers, even on hot evenings. They love heights, and often will jump on their favorie person's shoulder from the ground and want to be taken for a "ride". You can read all about the Siamese by visiting: http://www.petside.com/breeds/siamese.ph... It may take a little while for your two cats to welcome a "stranger" into your house, so I suggest a kitten. You can read about the best way to introduce a new kitten to your resident cats by visiting: http://www.catchannel.com/experts/pam_jo... Either one of these two cats that you are considering will make marvelous pets and they are devoted, playful and affectionate. Hope this helps, and good luck with your new kitten. Troublesniffer Owned by cat for over 40 years Member: Cat Writer's Association Edit: Ohai's reminder to not buy a kitten from a pet store is very wise. Find a reputable breeder in your area, or visit the purebred cat rescue adoption site to find a kitten that needs a home. http://purebredcats.org/
Does Birman Kitten Size Matter? Runt?
I breed Birmans, and there are a lot of reasons one kitten might be smaller than another, some of them health related, others of them not. I can tell you that the size they are when they are young is not necessarily the size they will be when they are grown! I am currently showing a boy who was smaller than his sister until he was six months old, and then he grew like a weed and is already ten pounds. But the most important thing in picking a kitten is to go with your gut. You are going to be spending a lot of money on a little soul who will join your family, one hopes, for a good 15 years or more. You need to pick a kitten about whom you have no reservations. I'm sure the little boy you saw was simply too busy playing to stop and cuddle, but if you and he did not "click," he is not the right kitten for you. I wouldn't get too hung up on gender - altered male and female Birmans are pretty similar. But if you are set on a male, wait until one comes along that is the perfect kitten for you. Also, you should make sure you get a kitten from a breeder who has a written contract with health guarantee, because despite everyone's best efforts, there is no 100% way to make sure ANY kitten will be totally healthy, so a health guarantee at least protects you if something goes wrong.
Difference between Himalayan, Birman and Ragdoll?
Actually there's ONLY the breed standard "squashed face" of the Himalayan. "Doll face" is just what backyard breeders call their horrible bred non-breed standard and most often PKD+ kittens. The Himalayan is the pointed version of the Persian that was created years and years ago by crossing the Siamese with the Persian. More about the Himalayan http://www.tica.org/public/breeds/hi/int... The Birman is similar to the Ragdoll but always has white paws which are called "gloves". The Birman was created with cats that came from Burma (Myanmar). The Ragdoll was created solely by domestics in the US. Ragdolls are also a LOT bigger with males getting as large as 20 pounds. Birman males, only about 12 pounds. You can compare the two breeds here. http://www.tica.org/public/breeds/bi/int... http://www.tica.org/public/breeds/rd/int...
I have a Birman mother and a black Maine Coon father and I got a gray male baby. Why?
It is possible that the solid black maine coon is not the father, but unlikely. The maine coon, I did not see his father, but the mother was solid black, long hair, and large. That is exactly as he is. I have read that the male kittens take two color genes from the female, and therefore, wonder if this kitten will change like his Mom the birman seal point has.
How come Birman cats have white paws/toes?
I can give you 2 versions:Scientific version: There’s a gene named “white spotting or piebald spotting”. This gene creates the familiar white blaze across the face, or dappled paws. A hypothetical Sb allele ("gloving gene") may cause the white mittens in Birmans and Snowshoes.Folklore version: There were many white cats living in the temples of Burma (Myanmar). The Kittah priests loved these white cats and it was believed that the cats carried the souls of Priests that had passed away. Trim-Kyan-Kse is the Goddess of Transmutation and one of the priests, Mun-Ha worshipped her every night. Mun-Ha would bring along Sinh (one of the white cats), to worship. When the temple was raided, Mun-Ha was attacked and, as he was dying, Sinh rested a paw on Mun-Ha.The legend tells that, as Sinh rested his paw on Mun-Ha, his coat color changed from white to a golden color, his eye color changed from yellow to a shade of sapphire blue, and his legs and head became a dark brown color. Sinh's paws did not change and remained a bright white, which was a sign of his master's purity of spirit. When Sinh refused to eat for seven days after Mun-Ha's passing, Sinh died as well, and carried Mun-Ha's spirit into eternity.
Is it safe to let a birman cat stay outdoor after being kept inside the house for about a year?
Since your kitty has been raised indoors, he has not been exposed greatly to the risks and dangers he could encounter outside. Cats who are allowed to roam outdoors may get hurt by cars, dogs, wildlife, bad people, diseases, poisoning, being stolen, being caught by animal control, etc. You would be wise to continue to keep your kitty inside, and if you do let him out, only do so for short periods of time, like you described, and dont let him out of your sight. If he is as important to you as you say, then you should do the best for him, and not let him go outside for long periods of time. Indoor cats live much, much longer and healthier lives. They do not miss out on any crucial life experience by being kept indoors. Make sure your kitty has plenty of windows to look out, some cat grass or catnip to chew on, and plenty of interaction and play time with you, and he should be fine. There is a special type of cat fence that you can use around your yard. This type of fence only works if you have an existing fence around your yard already. It fits on the top of the existing fence and around any trees, and prevents kitty from being able to get out of the yard. I've provided a link below to one website about this, so you can see what I mean, in case you've never heard of this. There's also some links about keeping cats indoors. Good luck, I hope this helps =^.^=
What name can I keep for my Indian kittens?
Thanks for A2A :).Congratulations for the kitten/s becoming part of your family!.Here are few names, I am adding which may sound cute for the babies:BilloNonuLadooMouApuPoluGunnuHuppuGattuChuk(this one is not Hindi)Hope this helps.Thank you.