The Sacred Cat of Burma has a life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years.
Their mid-length coat allows them to withstand both hot and cold temperatures.
This breed doesn’t have a specific tendency to get fat, however they do need to expend some energy in order to maintain a normal weight. To help the cat avoid gaining weight, their diet should be adapted to their age and levels of activity.
Like many breeds, the Sacred Cat of Burma is predisposed to develop certain hereditary diseases which are detectable by blood test or oral smear:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the thickening of the heart muscle. This disease can lead to heart failure due to arrhythmias, lung oedema, arterial thrombosis etc. Screening is done by means of an echocardiography examinatination, which is usually renewed annually. Treatment can be administered according to the results of the echocardiograph to improve the cat’s quality of life.
Polycystic kidney disease is a disease that results in the development of cysts that prevent the kidney from functioning normally, and lead to incurable kidney failure. Veterinary care and a specialised diet can delay the disease and improve the quality of the cat’s life so that they can live longer.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI is genetic disease that causes skeletal abnormalities.
Birman can also develop the same diseases as all other cats (oral diseases etc).
Once a Birman reaches the age of 7, it is advised that they have an annual check up with the vet to monitor their health.
Birman kittens are born entirely white and develop their colour after just a few days. This colour will continue to darken for the next 2-3 years, until it reaches its final shade.
No cross breeding is permitted.