Birman cats can make an adorable pet for a family with kids. With their sweet personality and beautiful coloring, they can be an incredible adoption for your home. If you’ve fallen in love with cats or Birman cats, you will want to know how long they will live. In this guide, we are not only going to answer the question of how long Birman cats live but also how to extend your Birman’s lifespan.
Whether you have just adopted an adorable newborn kitten or rescued an older Birman from the shelter, it’s natural to wonder how long you should expect this new member to be around—getting any pet, whether a cat or dog, is a long-term commitment.
Every responsible pet owner should look at ways to improve their pets’ lives and health. Let’s first find out the answer to the question: how long do Birman cats live?
How Long Do Birman Cats Live?
On average, Birman cats can live between 9-12 years depending upon numerous factors like diet, surroundings, health condition, grooming, and more. Some may live more or less. The oldest Burman cat on record is Minx, who reached 23.
The Birman cats that live outdoors are known to survive for only 2-5 years at best. This is due to the number of outdoor cat hazards and problems living there. There are many hazards like getting hit by a car or being attacked by a Street dog. Street or stray cat life is painful.
Surprisingly, the Birman cat’s lifespan primarily depends upon two major factors: one cares, and the other is diet. The Birman cat breed is beloved, especially in North America. The origin of this breed is still unknown. But they are thought to be one of the oldest cat breeds. Let’s look at the different life stages of Birman cats.
Birman Cats: Average Life Cycle
After learning how long Birman cats live, you’re probably wondering what to anticipate when your kitten matures into a full-fledged well-mannered adult cat. Below I have mentioned the timeline to showcase what you may expect at each Birman cat’s life stage.
Kittenhood
Birman cats are usually considered kittens from birth to 1 year of age. Other kittens also have many adorable features, but Birman’s Blue Eyes make them more lovable. Their small glittering Blue Eyes make them completely different from other cat breeds.
Within the first 3-6 months of her life, she will be the most playful, energetic kitten you have ever seen. This is the stage where your kitten will likely seek a lot of stimulation. You will have to pay close attention to objects your kitten may put into her mouth and get hurt. You must also keep your kitten from high surfaces to prevent jumping and injuries.
If we talk about coloring, adult coloring will emerge at the end of the first week of the Birman kitten’s life. In addition, their glittering Blue Eyes will stay as they age.
Adolescence
After 6-8 months, you will notice that your Birman is more energetic and moving around more easily. Since they are not considered adults, they are out of the kitten stage. Your kitten will develop new physical activity and needs at this curious transition stage. Make sure to provide her own space for play and sleep.
Mental stimulation, early socialization, and playtime are significant at this stage. Make sure to make the playtime interactive, and it must be done regularly since it will help reduce your kitten’s undesirable behavior and exhaust energy.
Adulthood
The adulthood for Birman cats is between 17 years when they gradually approach sexual maturity. At this period, you will notice your Birman cat playing less than she did as a kitten. Always ensure that your Birman cat gets protein-rich adult cat food that fulfills all her needs.
This is also the time to train your cat and prevent undesirable or harmful behavior. She will need at least six months to a year for full sexual maturity. During adulthood, your Birmans should have attended their full height and weight.
All the Birman cats will have ceased physical growth, but they will still be learning. In the first two years of your cat’s life, she will likely display kitten-like traits that will fade away on their own with time. Birman cats will become calmer as they mature.
Matured Cat
Once your cat is over seven years old, the age between 7:10 years is considered a mature stage for them. Older cats will likely decline play time and be prone to weight gain. A Birman cat is prone to obesity as well. As one year of a cat’s life is equivalent to 4-5 human years, a lot may happen in a cat’s year.
I always recommend regular checkups with the veterinarians when your Birman cat is 7-10 years old to prevent any illness. Occasional checkups and testing are mandatory for matured and senior cats.
Senior Cats
After completing ten years, your Birman cat is likely to be a very senior cat. They will be at the final stage of their life. Regular vet exams become critical as soon as a Birman reaches the age of 11 and beyond. I would highly advise you to switch the food to senior cat food that your veterinarian has especially recommended or regulated.
This is when your Birman cats will be most vulnerable to diseases and digestive issues. She’ll also be prone to weight gain and will not engage in much playful behavior. Old Burman cats are likely to prefer lounging around and snuggling.
13 Popular Cat Breeds & Their Lifespan
| Siamese | 12-20 Years |
| Bengal | 14-16 Years |
| Manx | 8-14 Years |
| Ragdoll | 12-18 Years |
| Maine Coon | 9-13 Years |
| Munchkin | 12-15 Years |
| American Shorthair | 15-20 Years |
| Burmese | 13-18 Years |
| Calico | 12-15 Years |
| Persian | 12-17 Years |
| Sphynx | 12-15 Years |
| Russian Blue | 15-20 Years |
| Savannah | 12-20 Years |
5 Factors That Affect Birman Cat’s Lifespan
#1 Breeding And Genetics.
Some types of cats can be more prone to specific health problems, which include eye problems, hip dysplasia, respiratory problems, obesity, FIP, heart problems, liver problems, allergies, and Bacterial or viral diseases. Did you know that poor breeding often causes genetic defects?
Sometimes genetic defects or conditions are visible when cats are still young. But this isn’t always true. Some medical conditions may not become known until your cats mature. Being a responsible Birman cat owner, you will need to make some lifestyle changes to compensate for nonmedical conditions in stone.
#2 Diet & Nutrition.
Have you heard the saying: you are what you eat? There is a strong reason why this phrase is so popular among people.
Humans always want to feed good nutrition to feel our best. Therefore the same goes for your Birman cats also. It’s not all about feeding good nutrition but also about feeding fresh, high-quality & breed-specific food that helps our kitten feel their best.
Birman cats who receive poor or inadequate nutrition in their growth stage may develop or be prone to health conditions like joint issues and more. On the other hand, the overfed cats will also be unhealthy and prone to obesity.
Overfed cats are as unhealthy as those Birman’s who are malnourished. Obesity in cats is a growing and serious problem that contributes to many heart failures and death.
When aging, your cat will need different nutritional requirements and exercise. Schedule regular checkups and testing with your veterinarian as she ages.
A ready supply of fresh water should always be around a Birman cat to keep her hydrated and feeling good. If your Birman doesn’t seem to be doing good on a specific diet, make proper diet regulations or speak up with your veterinarian.
#3 Exercise
Proper and adequate exercise is needed for a healthy cat. Training has become a critical part of good health for older cats prone to obesity. As your Birman cat is prone to obesity, you will have to provide some form of exercises such as swimming or a strenuous walk.
There are many fun ways to exercise with your car or to play with your cat to drain her energy. There are fun ways to keep your cat active, including chewable and interactive toys. Cats can also learn agility.
#4 Appropriate Health Care & Veterinary
It is essential to pay close attention to their healthcare as it is critical to a Birman cat’s well-being. A minor injury in Birman cat can become a significant problem if not addressed quickly.
Cats primarily live outdoors and carry many health issues that may go undetected or develop further before getting detected. Do you know that a flee-tick infestation can also become a life-threatening problem for your Birman cat if left untreated?
Health Care is not only limited to just veterinary or medical care but also keeping your cat clean and well groomed to remove mats, loose fur, and dirt objects which makes their hair tangled and knotted. If not appropriately groomed, the carpets, open coat, and dirt may lodge in her skin or paws.
#5 Environment And Surrounding.
Whether it is a cat or a dog, both are smaller than human adults. So, your cat is likely to be affected by a smaller amount of toxins or pollutants. Always vacuum your floor and furniture if Birman cats are closer to the ground or sofa.
Birman cats are known to use their tongue and nose to explore the air and ground, just much more than when we do. Cats are also known to groom themselves using their language. Therefore, Birman cats are more vulnerable to ingesting and absorbing toxins like pesticides, insecticides, chemical lawn fertilization, deicing agents, etc.
On the other hand, Birman cats that live outdoors are also subject to extreme stress from unhealthy or harmful elements. Harsh weather like heavy rain, snow, hail… or extreme temperatures like baking heat is the type of stressor that ages cats faster.
7 Tips For Birman’s Longevity
Tips #1: Diet
It is essential to set up a balanced meal plan; your cat needs to grow big and strong. A good quality food specific to breed and age available commercially is the safest and the best way to design a feeding program.
Tip #2: Fresh Water.
Always provide clean water to your Kitty to keep her hydrated and prevent urinary tract disease. If she is drinking, put some ice cubes.
Tips #3: Brush Her Teeth
Always check her teeth and gum as she is prone to gum diseases. Tatar build-up and play all contribute to bacterial growth. Brush her teeth at least once a week.
Tips #4: Vet Visits
To ensure your Birman cat stays in tip-top shape. You should visit your nearest veterinarian with your Birman cat for periodic checkups. It’s an excellent opportunity to get advice from your vet from time to time to keep your pet healthy.
Tips #5: Avoid Too Many Treats
While offering treats to a cat, we often forget she can gain unwanted weight. It can be challenging for you not to provide treats when a Birman cat comes to you with her glittering begging Blue Eyes. Ensure treats are not exceeding 5-10% of her daily calorie intake to prevent obesity.
Tips #6: Toys
Don’t underestimate the importance of toys in your cat’s lifestyle. Toys are not only for fun but also provide much-needed exercise for an indoor cat. A good quality toy will also prevent boredom.
If you want to keep your cat entertained, I highly advise getting interactive toys. Birman cats usually love getting entertainment from trees, climbing, treats, toys, and interaction.
Tips #7: Neuter Your Cat.
Believe it or not, many reports suggest that Birman cats who are spayed or neutered live longer than those who are not. According to Banfield Pet Hospital, spaying your Birman cats will also reduce the risk of specific health issues and illnesses.
FAQ
Do Birman Cats Have Health Problems?
Birman cats are susceptible to some health issues, but they have no breed-specific illness. They are prone to developing cardiomyopathy, obesity, and vaccine-preventable disease. But with proper care and nutrition, they can live up to 15 years of age.
How Long Do Indoor Birman Cats Live?
An indoor Birman cat can live up to 14-15 years, depending upon the care and nutrition she receives. Outdoor Birman cat life is much shorter than expected. All breeds of outdoor cats are expected to live around 3-5 years of age due to many external hazards and Harsh environmental factors.
What Is The Oldest Birman Cat?
The oldest Birman cat is Minx, who lived around 23 years. For instance, how long a specific breed of cat will live depends on its overall health and type of breeding practices. A well-bred cat will live longer.
Conclusion
If you want your Kitty to have many lives or can live more than 20 years, then all the tips are like superpowers that should be followed regularly by its responsible cat owner. There are a wide variety of things that you can do to help your cat live a long and healthy life, but the information mentioned above is the most important one to consider.
The tips mentioned above on increasing your Birman cat’s life expectancy are helpful only when practiced regularly as a routine or schedule.
I hope I have given you all the information about how long Birman cats live and how to increase their life expectancy. If you like this article, please appreciate our work by sharing these posts on various social media handles and sites. I hope you will check our other guides on Birman cat care too; till then, take care and goodbye.