Oriental Longhair vs Birman - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Oriental Longhair vs Birman - Breed ComparisonBirman is originated from France but Oriental Longhair is originated from United Kingdom. Both Birman and Oriental Longhair are of same weight. Both Birman and Oriental Longhair has same life span. Both Birman and Oriental Longhair has same litter size. Both Birman and Oriental Longhair requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

undefined
France
United Kingdom
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
4 - 6 kg
8 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
The Sacred Cat of Burma
Foreign Longhair
Colors Available:
White, cream, chocolate
Many colors and patterns
Coat:
Medium-long, silky and shiny
Medium to long haired - silky
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, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

oriental longhairYour Oriental Longhair cat has his foundations in the Siamese breed. The Siamese came from Thailand to the UK in the 1800s.

Sometimes a litter of Siamese kittens produced a long-haired variety but in the 1950s breeders started honing in on these longer haired Siamese cats.

Various crossings took place and Oriental Shorthairs came about. By breeding these Shorthairs with Balinese cats, the Oriental Longhair came about in the 1970s.

Description

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.

oriental longhair kitten - descriptionThe Oriental Longhair is a medium-sized cat with a fairly long, muscular, lean body. The Oriental Longhair actually resembles the Siamese cat.

They also come in an outstanding array of colors and patterns with the coat being long and silky. The coat can be a solid color but you can also find tabby-type coats as well as tipped coats. The cat doesn’t have an undercoat and coat lies fairly flat against the body. You will also hear it being referred to as a semi-longhair.

The tail is attractive and forms quite a bushy plume.

The Oriental Longhair cat has almond-shaped green eyes. If you see the white Orientals, they can have green or blue eyes. They can also be odd-eyed.

Temperament:

These cats are intelligent, curious, and good-natured and they love to talk. Therefore it is important that such a cat breed have a home where there is plenty of company.

They’re active cats too, loving to play and bound and leap. He'll want to willingly join in with some of your games. The cat will certainly need some exciting toys to keep him occupied.

They are loyal cats and become loving and devoted to their human family, getting on well with children in the home as well as other pets.

They don’t like being left alone at all and will prefer to have company, even if it is from another pet.

Characteristics

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.

oriental longhair cat - characteristicsYour Oriental Longhair is such a friendly, lively cat and he makes a splendid companion. It is an inquisitive cat and likes to be part of the activity in the household.

He is a social, talkative cat and has always got a lot to say/ They love the attention of their human family and don’t like being separated too long from them.

When you get one of these cats, you get both an entertainer and a friend.

Health Problems

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.

oriental longhair kittens - health problemsThe Oriental Longhair is generally considered a healthy breed. Because the cat can be prone to some inherited conditions, it is always a wise move to buy a kitten from a reputable breeder.

A couple of these diseases to look out for include Progressive Retinol Atrophy which is a degenerative condition that can lead to blindness.

Also, look out for periodontal disease which is common in many cat breeds.

Caring The Pet

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.

oriental longhair cats - caringThis is a slim cat and you can easily tell when he has put on weight. Be very careful with how much you feed your cat and what you feed him.

Cats are carnivores and you need to ensure that his diet is rich in meaty ingredients. These cats have long slim legs and extra weight can put pressure on the cat’s joints. Keep your cat lean and healthy. If in any doubt about diet for your cat, speak to your vet, Always ensure a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Prepare to have a cat included in your family. Invest in food and water bowls, a cat bed, grooming brushes, toys, climbing tree, scratching post and litter box. A cat box for transporting your pet to the vet is also a good idea.

The Oriental Longhair loves to leap up into high areas so he will need a climbing tree. Try to get your cat out into the sunshine where possible and allow him to climb into a tree.

They’re playful cats and will require some stimulating toys.

The cat’s medium- to long hair will require brushing once or twice a week. When you brush your pet gently but purposefully, he loves it and it becomes a bonding session.

Provide your cat with a litterbox and make sure to clean out the box every day. You can do that by buying a small plastic rake at the pet shop and it keeps the litter nice and even for your pet.

Have your cat neutered or spayed to prevent unwanted kittens.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Birman vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Birman vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Birman vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Birman vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Birman vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Birman vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Birman vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Birman vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Birman vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Birman vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Birman vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Birman vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Birman vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Birman vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Birman vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Birman vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Birman vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Birman vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  26. Oriental Longhair vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Oriental Longhair vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Oriental Longhair vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Oriental Longhair vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Oriental Longhair vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Oriental Longhair vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Oriental Longhair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Oriental Longhair vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Oriental Longhair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Oriental Longhair vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Oriental Longhair vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Oriental Longhair vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Oriental Longhair vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Oriental Longhair vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Oriental Longhair vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Oriental Longhair vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Oriental Longhair vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Oriental Longhair vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Oriental Longhair vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Oriental Longhair vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Oriental Longhair vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Oriental Longhair vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Oriental Longhair vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Oriental Longhair vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Oriental Longhair vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison