Birman vs Asian - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Asian is originated from United Kingdom but Birman is originated from France. Both Asian and Birman are having almost same weight. Asian may live 3 years more than Birman. Both Asian and Birman has same litter size. Asian requires Low Maintenance. But Birman requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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United Kingdom
France
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 5 kg
6 - 12 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 18 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Malayan
The Sacred Cat of Burma
Colors Available:
cinnamon, chocolate, black, Fawn, blue
White, cream, chocolate
Coat:
Short, fine, silky
Medium-long, silky and shiny
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

Known also as the Malayan, the Asian cat is likened to the Burmese but just with different coat patterns and colors.

This particular cat breed was developed in 1981 in the UK. Apparently there was a mistake mating between a Lilac Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian and kittens from these were born in 1981.

So beautiful were they that a breeding program started with new coat colors and patterns. The breed got the name ‘Asian’ with all the varieties reaching GCCF Championship status.

birmanThere 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

The Asian cat is medium-sized and muscular. The male cat is somewhat bigger than the female and weighs roughly 5 – 7kg while the female will weigh roughly 3 – 5kg although most times, there is not much difference in size between the males and females.

The attractive cat has a round head and wide-spaced ears with large green eyes. It’s a slender cat, but athletic with slender legs and medium thickness tail. Asian cats come in a wide range of colors such as fawn, chocolate, black, blue, cinnamon. The coat is short, fine, and silky and the Asian doesn’t require too much grooming.

Temperament:

These are friendly, playful cats and they get on well with children if the children are kind, gentle and respectful with him. This is a fairly dependant cat and he will actually follow his favorite human being, crying out for attention.

The Asian is a social cat and can fit well into different homes. However, because it is a social cat, they require an owner that is willing to spend time with them. They’re cats that are sensitive to the moods of their owners and make excellent companions.

They’re adventurous cats and enjoy exploring and traveling, voicing their opinion on different things as well. The Asian thrives on the attention it gets from their human owners. It’s a sociable cat and is quite talkative too.

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

The Asian cat is such a sweet animal – gentle and affectionate and also very sociable. They are also curious and intelligent and vocal enough to let you know their needs. They're strong-willed if they want something.

The Asian makes an excellent companion for singles, couples, families or the elderly. They also get on well with children and with other pets in the home.

There are quite a few Asian cat varieties and each one promises to make you an excellent companion.

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

Your Asian cat can reach up to 15 years of age with good care.

Although there are no specific health issues with this cat, because of it being associated with the Burmese, it may be more susceptible to diabetes mellitus than other breeds.

There are many cats in modern times developing diabetes mellitus – where they are unable to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar. If the disease goes untreated it can lead to dehydration, vomiting, depression, weight loss, and even death. Your cat will be thirsty and urinating more frequently. There are various treatments and the diet for the cat will need to change too.

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

Grooming:

To take care of the cat’s shiny coat, you can gently brush your Asian every week, not more, as they are short-haired cats, they’re not heavy shedders and they are low maintenance.

Diet:

Age and general health will influence the way you feed your Asian cat. You’ll want to be feeding your feline friend the very best food there is as this will contribute towards his good health.

If you opt to feed your cat a commercially manufactured cat food, higher protein levels in wet foods might be better for your carnivorous pet. You don’t want to provide your cat with a high protein diet that is deficient in amino acids.

That is why it is important to research cat foods and their ingredients and get to know what are the most important ingredients for your cat to be getting. At all costs, avoid your cat becoming obese.

Make sure your cat has access to fresh cool water to maintain his body temperature.

General:

Check your cat’s teeth, as he can’t convey to you that he is in pain – you need to check inside his mouth. Redness inside his ears might be indicative of an ear infection.

Whenever your cat seems to be ill, get him to the vet.

Provide your cat with a litter box that is kept hygienically clean.

Provide your cat with food- and water bowl, a brush for grooming and warm, dry sleeping basket.

Have your Asian neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted kittens.

Make sure your cat’s vaccines are up to date.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Asian vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Asian vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Asian vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Asian vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Asian vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Asian vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Asian vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Asian vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Asian vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Asian vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Asian vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Asian vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Asian vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Asian Semi-Longhair vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Australian Mist vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  41. Balinese vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  42. Bengal vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  43. Bicolor vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  44. Blue Russian vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  45. Bombay vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  46. Brazilian Shorthair vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  47. Bristol vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  48. British Longhair vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  49. British Shorthair vs Asian - Breed Comparison