 |
|
 |
|
The face of the Birman is a conventional cat face, not compromised by extremes. The expression should be sweet with characteristic blue eyes set wide on a broad head. They come in a variety of colours with the traditional Seal and Blue points still being favourites. However, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, tortie and even tabby points are available. Mention of the fine features of the Birman cannot be complete without discussion of the 'gloves and gauntlets'. These are the very distinctive white feet of the Birman that make our breed one of the most difficult for the show bench. For the pet owner, suffice to say that a Birman should ideally have even gloves on all four feet with the gauntlets being the spearhead of white up the back hocks. This feature is much easier discussed than achieved! Birmans possess wonderful characters and because they are loving, gentle cats, will fit into virtually any home. They can become very devoted to their owners and often walk with you or between your feet! They are not overly vocal cats, but still manage to make their feelings known by the flick of a tail or the deep stare of their sapphire blue eyes. They thrive on your companionship and appreciate the company of another cat if they are to be left alone for long periods while their owners are at work. |
|
It is not necessary to allow your cat to roam outside, and in fact, in Australia, can be irresponsible. The native wildlife has not evolved with predators such as cats and dogs, so it is safest for all concerned if your cat is to be a house cat. This has to be a decision from the start as it really is a matter of "what they don't know, they won't miss". There are excellent products on the market now for pet owners to build an area in their yard that is cat proof, so they can't escape, if this is something you feel more comfortable with. (see our links page) This is also the safest way to keep your precious pet. After all, many cats allowed to free roam live short lives from an unfortunate meeting with a car! If you are concerned boredom may be a problem since the human family are at work long hours, have two cats! They will be lifelong companions and keep each other company. This will in no way take their attention away from you! A Birman loves nothing more than to have you for company! |
 |
|
One of the beauties of your Birman is that it requires very little grooming to look it's best. A weekly comb through will normally be all the maintenance your cat will need. (This doesn't mean you can't brush daily if you wish) Like all cats, they will moult in the spring, so try to give some extra grooming to help eliminate the dead fur, pay attention to the areas of the body that rub such as under the arms and the flanks. If you find the dead hair will not come out and is dry and lifeless, try a bath with some 'woolwash' (that you would wash your wool jumpers in). I find a bath will loosen the dead fur so you can brush or hand groom it out (like a massage, your fingers up and down the body). When bathing, use a hand held shower nozzle. I find a cat quite tolerant of a soft shower but resentful of being lowered into a bath full of water! Often a little baby powder sprinkled through the coat, rubbed in, then brushed out will take away any greasy look that can sometimes happen, especially in hot, humid weather. Don't forget to check your cats claws. If your Birman is an inside cat only, clip the claws every couple of weeks with nail clippers. Just take the tip off the white nail, it is like your own nails, if the pink is cut it will be painful and bleed! Also check the teeth regularly. Mouth problems are very common in some cats as they age, making meal times painful. A soft diet without food they can chew will hasten any tendency your cat may have to these problems. The tartar build up can sometimes be chipped off with a strong fingernail, if not, it is best to have the teeth cleaned by your vet and is common past the age of 6.
|
|
|
||
©