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Are you familiar with Birman cats? They’re beautiful felines that have been loved for generations. They have striking markings and a lovely temperament. What more could you want?
Are you thinking about adopting a Birman cat? If so, you’ll need to learn how much it can cost to adopt one! And there are other costs you’ll also need to consider when adopting one of these kitties.
We’ve put together some information about Birman cats, how much it may cost to adopt one of these cats, and other expenses that go along with becoming a pet parent. Let’s get started!
What is a Birman Cat?
Once called the Sacred Cat of Burma, the Birman was said to have received their beautiful appearance from a blue-eyed goddess. The goddess gave a reward to one of the cats for his love and devotion to his priest. The reward was turning the cat’s white coat to a golden color and changing his yellow eyes to blue. However, the cat’s paws stayed white as a symbol of his purity. Since then, Birman cats have carried these markings of the goddess’s favor.
The origin of these cats isn’t very clear. It’s though they were crossed with Siamese, Angoras, and even Persian cats. However, no one is really sure. Experts believe the cats are descended from other cats that had the genes for the point pattern, long hair, and blue eyes. But no one’s really sure.
The Birman cat carries the same pointed pattern as the Siamese, and they’re very quiet. These are cats who love people and will follow you from room to room. They’re also very docile. These cats like to know what their pet parents are up to and will quietly observe everything they do.
While the cats are docile, they’re also very smart and curious. They love to explore their environment. However, some cats tend to explore too much and have sometimes been found under floors, riding on top of a car (the driver has no idea the cat’s on top!), and other adventures. So, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on these adventurous, curious felines!
Birman cats tend to communicate using a soft voice. They don’t have the yowl of a Siamese. The Birman may remind you it’s time for dinner or that it’s time to snuggle together on the couch. This is a cat that wants to be with her pet parents and cuddle.
The Birman cat has an interesting coat, too. They have long fur that is very silky. You’d think it would tangle and mat easily. However, that’s not the case. Even so, these cats need to be brushed about once a week to help remove dead hair and spread protective oils over their skin.
These cats also shed quite a bit in the fall and winter. So, be prepared. Daily brushing during these times can help control some of the shed fur.
Do these cats get along with kids and other pets? You bet! They are friendly and easygoing, which makes them the perfect cat for families with kids and cat-friendly dogs. The cat loves all the attention she receives from kids who know how to treat her correctly. She won’t even mind playing dress-up or gong for a ride in the baby carriage!
Birman cats are a great family companion, even for families that have dogs who get along with cats!
Birman cats are between 15 to 18 inches long and weigh between 6 to 12 lbs. They have a life expectancy between 12 to 16 years.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Birman Cat?
The adoption fees for a Birman cat can vary widely and are dependent on several different factors. Even the location of the cat can determine how much it costs to adopt her! For instance, if you live in an area where Birman cats are in high demand, the adoption fee will be higher. And just the opposite is also true. If you live in an area where there’s low demand for these cats, their adoption fee is lower.
What’s more, who you adopt the cat from also determines the adoption fee. For example, adopting a Birman cat from a reputable breeder is more expensive than adopting from a shelter. And these are only a couple of the factors that come into play when determining the adoption cost!
If you adopt your Birman cat from a reputable breeder, the adoption fee can vary between $400 and $2,000. However, if you’d like to show your cat, the adoption fee is higher. And for breeding rights, you’ll pay still more. These cats are more expensive because they are rarer than other cat breeds.
But if these adoption fees are too much for your budget, don’t despair! It’s also possible you may find a Birman cat to adopt from a shelter. This is probably rare; however, it is possible. If you adopt from a shelter, the adoption fee may be between $100 and $300.
Can You Find a Birman Cat at a Lower Adoption Fee?
Yes, it’s possible to find a Birman cat available for a lower adoption fee. However, the places that sell their cats at lower prices are usually puppy mills and backyard breeders. These are run by breeders who don’t take much care of their animals. Their focus is on how much money they can make selling their pets.
Many cats and other animals coming from these facilities tend to have serious health issues and behavioral problems. So, it’s best to avoid adopting your cat from such a place.
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Ask a Vet Live NowOther Expenses to Consider When Adopting a Birman Cat
In addition to the adoption fee, there are other expenses that go along with adopting a cat. These expenses are for the items and supplies your fur baby needs when she first comes home!
Here’s our list of items your fur baby will need:
- Litter box: $20 to $60
- Cat litter: $20
- Litter scoop: $7 to $15
- Toys: $20 to $50
- Cat carrier: $25 to $60
- Food & water bowls: $10 to $40
- Scratching post/cat tree: $20 to 100+
In addition, you’ll also need to factor in medical expenses. These will include regular checkups with the vet, vaccinations, medications, and medical treatments.
Summing It Up
As you can see, the adoption costs of a Birman cat can vary widely, along with the other expenses that go along with adopting a cat. However, one thing is for sure and that is if you adopt one of these beautiful Birman cats, you’ll have a loving, curious companion for years to come!
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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