Siberian vs Birman - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

Siberian vs Birman - Breed ComparisonSiberian is originated from Russia but Birman is originated from France. Both Siberian and Birman are having almost same weight. Siberian may live 3 years more than Birman. Both Siberian and Birman has same litter size. Both Siberian and Birman requires Moderate maintenance.

History

siberian - historyThe beautiful Siberian cat originated from Russia, a very cold area which explains his thick coat.

This is a natural variety of domestic cat. It is an ancient breed and it is believed that it is ancestral to all modern long-haired cats.

The Siberian is the national cat of Russia. The cat first arrived in the United States in 1990.

birman - historyThere isn’t clarity as to this exquisite cat’s origins. Many people believe they originated as the companions of temple priests in northern Burma.

The cats somehow found their way to France, and it is believed that they have been in France since the 1920s.

The cats nearly disappeared during World War II, but luckily the remaining Birmans that survived were crossed with Siamese and Persians to strengthen the breed. In the early 1950s, pure Birnam litters were produced. It was in about 1959 that Birmans were brought to the United States.

The cats were also recognized in Britain in 1965 and in 1966 by the CFA. The first Birman cats were seal point but later other colors were brought in such as red, chocolate, and tabby.

Description

siberian kitten - descriptionThe Siberian is a medium to large-sized cat that weighs between 3 and 7kg. They are known to be excellent jumpers.

It is a powerfully built cat with large paws and a full tail. The ears are medium in size with large round eyes. The cat has a slight arch to its back as the hind legs are a bit longer than the front legs.

The glossy coat is in three layers to protect it from extreme weather conditions. It comes in different colors such as tortoiseshell, colorpoint, tabby, and solid. He sheds a couple of times a year.

Temperament:

The Siberian cat is highly affectionate with family and playful too. In spite of that, he also loves curling up close to where his humans are.

This friendly cat will want to follow you and be where you are. They’re intelligent and can be taught a few tricks. Because they’re athletic, it will be a good idea to buy him a climbing tree as he loves to leap up to a perch and watch things going on. He gets on well with children and other pets.

birman kitten - descriptionThese are medium-sized cats which can become fairly large. They can weigh up to 4, 5 or 6kg. They are fairly heavily boned with a broad face and ears that are widely spaced.

The round eyes are deep blue. The cat’s fur is medium-long and should be silky to the touch with no undercoat. Ther cat is a moderate shedder.

The base color is whitish to cream, but the kittens are always born white. Coat color, whether red, cream, or chocolate is always pointed and the cat always has the white paws.

Temperament:

The Birman isn’t as outgoing as some of the other cat breeds and its a quiet, docile intelligent cat that attaches itself to one particular family member. They can actually become jealous of their human companion and demand their attention.

These friendly cats are wonderful choices for families with children and dogs. They are calm and affectionate, and softly spoken, quietly letting you know when it’s dinner time and enjoying just being around his human family.

He is able to get along well with kids and other pets in the home. He can become quite playful too and because he is so intelligent, you can buy him some toys that require him to think.

Characteristics

siberian cat - characteristicsYour Siberian loves to climb and explore and to keep this gorgeous cat mentally stimulated and physically active, provide him with some fun toys that require him to think.

They are nice and strong these cats as well as being curious and alert and you see this in the bright, shiny eyes.

They’ve got easygoing personalities and are also considered fairly low maintenance cats, making them the perfect choice for any cat lover.

They are devoted and loyal to their human family and one of these cats in your home is guaranteed to bring in joy, entertainment, fun, and solid companionship.

birman cat - characteristicsThe Birman cat has to be one of the most beautiful cats there are, but the cat isn’t only a beautiful cat, it has wonderful characteristics as well.

It is a loving, affectionate cat with his human family, loving to spend time around them. Playful and healthy, when you bring this most wonderful cat into your home, it will be as though an angel has come to stay.

Health Problems

siberian kittens - health problemsSiberian cats can succumb to stomach issues such as IBS. If you think your Siberian is in pain, he will need a visit to the vet. These cats are also susceptible to some hereditary health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. If you buy a kitten, make sure you get your kitten from a reputable source.

To ensure the best health for your Siberian, he will need high-quality cat food. High-quality food can actually prevent many health issues in the cat. A good idea will be to feed your Siberian vet-recommended food and in the right portions to keep him at the ideal weight.

birman kittens - health problemsWith good health your Birman can reach up to 13 years of age. With the Birman, the most serious illness is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which also happens to be the most common heart disease in cats.

It’s a progressive disease and can result in heart failure. The cats are also at risk of developing feline infectious peritonitis.

Also, because this is a larger cat and a stocky kind of breed, it can easily put on weight and then become overweight. Strict attention will need to be given to diet as well as daily exercise.

Also, look out for Corneal dermoid - skin and hair on the surface of the cornea in one eye or in both. Luckily this is an eye problem that can be surgically corrected.

Caring The Pet

siberian cats - caringPrepare your home for the arrival of your Siberian cat. Cats are natural climbers and scratchers and he will need a scratching post, climbing tree, litter box, food and water bowls, bed as well as collar and tag. Also, invest in a large cat carrier, as your cat will need to be transported safely to the vet at certain times.

Provide toys for your Siberian cat. They’re intelligent and you don’t want to have him bored and listless. They need mental and physical stimulation so it will be fun to invest in some puzzle games for your pet.

Siberians have lovely thick coats and you want the right grooming accessories to brush him so that the coat doesn’t get dull and tangled. He will need to be brushed once or twice a week, especially when he sheds.

Keep your Siberian healthy by seeing he gets to the vet when he is sick. Also, if he is a kitten, he will need his vaccines. He will need to be checked over for parasites too – ticks, fleas, and worms, more so if he is an outdoor cat.

Trim your Siberian's nails as needed and also check the inside of his ears for signs of redness, dirt, and wax buildup as well as unpleasant odors. Many cat owners don’t like to probe around inside a cat’s ears as it can be damaging if you don’t know what you’re doing. Rather ask your vet to do it for you.

The vet can also check your cat’s teeth for signs of infection. Many people recommend cleaning the cat's teeth with a brush and cat toothpaste but this can be most traumatic for a cat and your pet groomer or vet can rather check his teeth for you.

General:

birman cats - caringThe Birman has a silky coat that sheds moderately so you want to give him a gentle brush once or twice a week to keep the coat of his soft and silky.

The Birman has a full topcoat, with no undercoat which means that you won’t have the coat matting or tangling.

He’ll need his nails trimmed and his teeth checked regularly. Your vet or professional groomers can do this for you and clean his teeth and check that there are no bad teeth making your pet sick.

Diet:

The Birman cat has access to some great commercial cat food as there are some seriously good quality ones.

Many cat lovers choose cat foods that are AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) approved. It at least provides minimum standards for pet foods.

For your Birman you want to avoid artificial flavors and preservatives. Choose quality foods high in meat protein. As a carnivore, a cat has a huge need for meat protein. Get to know your pet food labels and choose foods with added taurine and vitamin A.

Basic Information

Origin:
Russia
France
Weight Male:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 18 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
The Sacred Cat of Burma
Colors Available:
tabby and solid., colorpoint, Different colors such as tortoiseshell
White, cream, chocolate
Coat:
3 Layers - thick and silky
Medium-long, silky and shiny
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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  29. Siberian vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Siberian vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Siberian vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Siberian vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Siberian vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Siberian vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Siberian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Siberian vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Siberian vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Siberian vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Siberian vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Siberian vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Siberian vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Siberian vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Siberian vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Siberian vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
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