I’m due to meet some Birman cross Siamese kittens for a potential adoption, but I’m wondering about the risks of this mix: are they more prone to developing health problems? Do breeders actually practise this kind of crossbreeding? Or should these 'matings' be avoided at all costs, in which case I’ll back out.
Thanks for your help.
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Thanks Blue cat, yours was a real beauty too!
Ulalie: It’s definitely true that with all the money I’ve saved by not buying phones for 20 years (I only got a smartphone a month ago!!), I can certainly afford to treat myself! And since my first two cats lived to be 18 and 19, I reckon it’s a long-term investment!! I hope so anyway, I’ve never had a poorly cat... I’ll keep you all posted for sure! I’m also hoping it’ll help my daughter relax; she’s four and a real bundle of nerves who struggles to get to sleep at night! She’s got loads of imaginary friends, even more so since lockdown, so I think having a kitten around will do her the world of good. I fell in love with cats when I was little, long before my parents finally agreed to let us adopt one! It was a childhood dream that finally came true when I was 13!
It's great that you got a good vibe from the lady; it's so important to have a good feeling and for things to click between the breeder and the owner. This little cutie is absolutely adorable, I'm so happy for you and honestly, you've made the right choice. You're going to have such a beautiful cat and I wish you both all the very best. Keep us updated from time to time, we love following the kittens' progress here. 👌
I had a look on Pets4Homes and saw Birman/Siamese crosses for £750 – even better! People are barking mad; for just a little bit more, you can get a stunning pedigree cat. I know it’s a lot of money to shell out for a beautiful pedigree, but when you spread it over fifteen years of a cat's life, it actually works out cheaper than the latest smartphone! 😉 And the joy these cats bring us is just wonderful.
And there we have it: job done! The visit went really well; the owner is brilliant and clearly cares deeply about her pets' welfare. The kittens have their own little room with everything they need to flourish, and mum is taking great care of her little ones.
I got a good feel for their personalities—their owner spends loads of time with them, and they’re used to children too. The seal point I’ve chosen isn’t the shyest or the most dominant; she described him more as a 'follower', which I’m quite happy about—I like that he’s a bit of a middle-ground character.
I’ll be getting photo updates and I can pop back whenever I want before the big day.
As for the Birman/Siamese crosses, the female kitten went last night—apparently, someone was willing to pay the full price! By this morning, the ad had vanished. I cancelled the viewing with absolutely no regrets!! Thanks for all your sound advice!
Lastly, here’s my future kitten—we’re counting down the days until mid-September!
Yes, definitely insist on a health certificate from a vet, ideally dated within 48 hours of the sale. It’s not always easy to get one that close to the date, but all my breeders managed it for me. Even if she’s not a "pro" breeder as such, but a serious private owner doing everything by the book, there’s no need to worry—sometimes they’re actually better than some commercial breeders. I have a friend who used to have one litter a year from her girl, and I’d have happily taken kittens from her if she hadn’t been breeding siblings of my own cats 😁 Her cats actually came from the same breeder as some of mine.
I think the fact that she health-tests her cats, registers them with the GCCF, and keeps them long enough for them to be properly well-adjusted is a real sign of a responsible breeder. Plus, her breeding cats are lovely; they might not be perfect "show" cats, but that doesn't matter if you aren't planning on breeding or showing them yourself. The main thing is that they’re healthy and well-balanced—being raised in a family home is a huge plus too.
If you like black cats, go for the seal point. I think that’s the little one in the photo—he has the most adorable little face, just made for cuddles.
Daki: I definitely wouldn't have minded if their gloves weren't perfectly marked and they cost a bit less, but I've trawled through so many adverts and this was the only one that made the cut!! Plus, the parents are quite small builds, and I really don't want a massive tomcat!
Mind you, Ulalie, I’m not sure if it’s a proper cattery or if the person is a licensed breeder; I read that it wasn't mandatory if they don't sell more than one litter a year. I’ll ask the question. I believe the owner is required to provide a health certificate from the vet, is that right?
Chocolate or Seal... I’ve been torn. I’ve been looking at photos to try and decide, but I’m not as keen on the Blue look, like the dad. My second girl was solid black and I loved her, so maybe that’s why I’m leaning towards Seal!!
I think you’re doing the right thing by looking for a "proper" Birman breeder. This one seems legit to me, but you’ll need to see for yourself as websites always look perfect and make promises they don't always keep. Still, I’ve got a good feeling about them – the cats are beautiful and the dad has great gloving, he's a very handsome lad. That’s really important for a Birman. Have a look at the kittens' markings; they need to have those white socks and gauntlets. I’m no expert, but that’s the bare minimum.
As for the colour, it’s all down to personal preference, but I’d personally go for the chocolate. It’s a rare colour and a bit softer than the seal point, unless you prefer the darker cats. Blue points are lovely too, very soft colours.
Regarding the "tortie Siamese" mum – yes, they definitely exist, but they’re called "tortie points", since Siamese are always colourpoint.
Make sure you make the right choice, and if one kitten is cheaper than the rest, ask why. If the breeder is honest, they’ll tell you; with Birmans, it’s often because their gloving isn't quite up to show standard. Since you're looking for a pet, it doesn’t really matter – the main thing is that they’re healthy.
On sites like Pets4Homes or Gumtree, you do see the worst of it (most of the time), but you can find the best too. I know a well-regarded Persian breeder who advertises her "pet quality" kittens there for less than others charge for show cats, and they’re absolutely stunning. Just make sure to check their credentials – check if they’re registered with the GCCF or have a local council breeder's licence. You can usually find this by Googling their name or the name of the cattery to see if they're properly registered.
Hi,
I think the dad definitely looks like a proper Birman, but the mum’s face doesn’t quite look right for the breed (though she’s still lovely, as all cats are).
Pedigree Birmans that have marking faults (like a glove that’s too short) can be bought for much less if you aren't interested in shows or breeding.
As for the first 'breeder', I also think their kittens are far too pricey. If you break it down—microchipping is about £45, worming and flea treatment £15, vaccinations £45, plus maybe £25 for litter and dry food and £40 for any unexpected extras—you don’t even reach £170. I also don't think the Siamese is a true Siamese, just a 'lookalike'.
To reply to Gigi: I’m really drawn to the beauty and temperament of the Birman. As I mentioned before, I lived with a fairly wild cat for 19 years and, much as I loved her, I don’t want to go through that again – there were plenty of scratches involved! I really want a little ball of fluff to cuddle, especially since I have a four-year-old daughter... I know I’m in this for the long haul. My first was a moggy who lived to 18 (a real wanderer, even though he was neutered; he was cuddly but prone to mood swings where he’d get aggressive and treat my legs like prey, ouch!). The second, as I said, lived for 19 years but was poorly weaned... I was only 20 at the time and if I’d known then what I know now, I’d have refused to take her so young. The owners weren't responsible at all and let me have her at five weeks; I just didn't realise back then how bad that was for her...
So, this time I really want to do things properly and adopt a cat without an ounce of aggression. If choosing a specific breed gives me a better chance of having an easy-going pet, then I’m prepared to pay around £850... and the fact that the breeder won’t let them go until they’re truly ready gives me peace of mind that she really cares about her animals' welfare.
Yes @Blue Cat, there is indeed a Seal point, as well as a Chocolate and two Blue points. I think if I do get one, it’ll be the Chocolate Point, though I’m torn between that and the Seal Point.
Thanks to everyone for your brilliant advice which will help me make my mind up tomorrow. Either way, I’ve given up on the idea of crossbreeds; they’re cute but the price is really steep, and I don’t think they’ll end up being semi-longhair cats in the end. Plus, I wouldn't have that guarantee of the lovely temperament Birmans are famous for...
I’ll definitely keep you all posted on my decision! Thanks again for your kindness and for taking the time to help!
RE-
If you're putting down a deposit, you must get a document confirming it right from the start. Just be aware that if you change your mind and decide not to go ahead, most breeders won't refund the deposit unless the kitten is unwell. In any case, a reputable breeder will always provide a sales contract when you buy the kitten. If you're still undecided and haven't paid a deposit, then obviously there won't be a contract yet.
The father is very true to type. If you've fallen for a kitten and can afford the price, then go for it. The little one looks like a 'seal point and white' to me. The father is a 'blue point' (which is a diluted version of seal).
You can find the best and the worst on sites like Pets4Homes or Gumtree. It’s just a platform; you just need to ask the breeder every question you can think of, and if they answer everything without hesitating, you'll be fine.
