At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Birman | Himalayan |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | France | United States |
| Weight | 6 to 15 lbs | 7 to 14 lbs |
| Life span | 14 to 15 years | 9 to 15 years |
| Lap cat | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| Affection | ||
| Energy | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with dogs | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Vocal | ||
| Needs company | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Health issues |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Birman
The sacred cat of Burma, according to legend kept by temple priests. The breed was developed in France in the 1920s.
Every Birman has white "gloves" on all four paws.
Health to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Congenital hypotrichosis
- Kidney disease
The Himalayan
A Persian with the colourpoint pattern of the Siamese, developed in the United States and Britain from the 1930s. It is named after the colourpoint Himalayan rabbit.
Its long coat needs daily grooming.
Health to watch
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Eye problems
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with dogs
The Birman gets on better with dogs than the Himalayan.
Grooming needs
The Himalayan needs more grooming than the Birman.
Energy
The Birman has more energy than the Himalayan.
Good with children
The Birman is better with children than the Himalayan.
Health issues
The Himalayan tends to have more health issues than the Birman.
Shedding
The Himalayan sheds more than the Birman.
Which to choose
Birman or Himalayan?
Choose the Birman if…
- You want a cat that gets on better with dogs
- You want a cat that needs less grooming
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You want a cat that is better with children
Questions.
Is the Birman or the Himalayan bigger, and which lives longer?
The Birman tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Birman or the Himalayan?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Birman or the Himalayan?
The Birman is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Himalayan can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Birman sheds less than the Himalayan. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Birman and Himalayan have?
The Birman is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital hypotrichosis, kidney disease. The Himalayan is prone to polycystic kidney disease, brachycephalic airway issues, eye problems. Both share a risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
