Birmans are color-pointed large, long, and stocky cats with four white feet, or gloves. They feature broad, round heads with piercing, round, blue eyes and medium-sized ears, noses, and tails. Their hair is medium to long in length, and appears to be misted with color; there is no undercoat. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognizes seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac point, but The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes these plus additional colorations. Kittens are all white at birth and gradually develop points and patterns over the first two years. Birmans typically weigh in at 7 to 12 pounds.
Kittens are all white at birth and gradually develop points and patterns over the first two years.
These cats are healthy, relatively calm, mild-mannered, and affectionate. They are not the aloof type that often prefers to be alone, being better suited to homes with other animals for company. They also like having people around, including children. The breed is not particularly vocal, but is known for its soft, pretty voice. Birmans consistently rank on top-10 lists of cat breeds in the US.
Birmans probably originated in Burma, where they were sacred companions to Kittah priests in Buddhist temples. A legend tells of these cats originally having yellow eyes and entirely white coats. One day, when the Temple of Lao-Tsun was attacked, its head priest, Mun-Ha, was killed. His Birman, named Sinh, placed his paws on his master as he died and looked to the temple's golden goddess, Tsun-Kyan-Kse. In that moment, Sinh's eyes took on the same blue color of the goddess's eyes, his coat developed its trademark golden cast, and his face, tail, and legs took on the color of the earth, with his paws remaining white as they touched the priest as a symbol of purity. A similar transformation took place on all the other cats of the temple.
Birman cats are loyal and loving. They adapt well to most home situations, but definitely prefer having the company of other pets and being in the presence of humans. Whether the additional animals in the home are other Birmans, different cat breeds, or even dogs doesn't matter to these cats. They are not solitary creatures, and they actively engage with animals and people alike, though not usually in a hyper manner. Birmans aren't lazy, though, and will play chase and other cat games.
These cats don't act needy, but they aren't above requesting a rubbing when they want it. Most interactions with Birmans are gentle and soothing in nature. However, they do have a streak of pride running through them that seems fitting of their history as sacred animals.
Unlike many other cat breeds, Birmans tend to be exceptionally curious about unfamiliar people and animals, rather than wary of them. Expect them to approach visitors. Because this quality can easily get them into trouble outside the home, they should be kept indoors.
Birmans are generally healthy cats that live 15 years or longer when well cared for. Obtaining these cats from reputable breeders that provide references and written guarantees of good health maximizes the chances of acquiring healthy, properly socialized animals. Of course, no cat is immune to hereditary conditions or guaranteed to remain free of medical problems.
A naturally stocky breed, Birmans easily surpass their ideal weight. Being overweight or obese reduces a pet's quality of life and increases the risks of developing diabetes, arthritis, some cancers, heart disease, and other health problems.
To help keep this breed at an appropriate body weight, consult a veterinarian about a healthy diet that provides the right amount of essential nutrients and calories. Encouraging exercise through active play and keeping a close eye on treats and other sources of extra calories is beneficial.
Birmans are well suited to people who want quiet companions and mellow interactions much of the time but are willing to play actively sometimes, too. Providing puzzle toys to stimulate the intellectual side of these cats helps stave off boredom that can eventually give way to mischief or behavioral problems.
As a breed, these smart, adaptive cats take naturally to different environments, so training efforts are minimal. They have an inborn ability to befriend other animals, and a companion should be provided to keep them at their happiest and best behaved.
While many cat breeds seek high perches, Birmans like to stay low to the ground. They aren't prone to climbing or excessive jumping and other acrobatics. They are happier in a lap than atop a shoulder.
The single layer coat of the Birman doesn't mat like double coats of other breeds with medium or long hair. As matting is a primary grooming concern with cats, this breed can be considered fairly low maintenance. One to two weekly combings with a stainless steel comb is usually sufficient to keep the coat healthy, silky, and shiny, and to keep shed hairs in check.
Bathing is generally not a required part of Birman care and is only necessary if these cats become dirtied by something sticky or by a potentially hazardous substance. Trim the nails as needed, and brush the teeth regularly with a veterinarian-approved toothpaste for cats. Ears should be monitored for cleanliness and signs of infection.
As calm, trusting cats, Birmans may be somewhat more accepting of grooming procedures than some other breeds. However, few cats genuinely enjoy the experience, and most will put up at least some fight until they become completely familiar with the process. Grooming and handling early in life can improve cooperation.
Despite legends of origin, much is unknown about where Birmans came from. They are believed to hail from Burma. Around 1919, a pair of these cats was smuggled from Burma to France. The male, Maldapour, didn't survive the trip, but the pregnant female, Sita, did. The French cat registry recognized the breed-which they called Sacre de Birmanie, or Sacred Cat of Burma-in 1925, and it had its foothold in the Western world. By the conclusion of the Second World War, though, only two Birmans were known to be left in Europe. Following careful outcrossing and breeding efforts, the breed was revived and exported to England in the mid-1950s, gaining official recognition there in 1966.
Birmans were first brought to the US in 1959. All US breeders adhere to a nomenclature tradition in which all Birman kittens are given a name beginning with a certain letter in the same year. For example, all cats of this breed born in 2007 were registered with names starting with the letter "E."
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognized this cat breed in 1967. It gained championship status in 1972.
