FREE shipping on orders over $100
Sign up to our newsletter
180-day guarantee
Birman Cats
Breed Rating (2 Reviews)
| Appearance | |
| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
| Garden |
History
The Birman breed is said to have originated in Burma (Myanmar), where they were kept by priests and considered sacred. One legend says that a Birman once saved a temple from destruction. Another tale tells of a pure white Birman with golden eyes, who guarded its master, a particularly holy priest. When the priest died, it is said his pure soul passed into the cat, which is why Birmans' feet are white, manifesting his purity.
In the early 20th century two Birmans were transported from Myanmar to France. One of them was a pregnant female, and she was the ancestor of the modern breed.
The Birman was officially recognized as a distinct breed in 1925. The breed declined in the second world war, though, until just a few individuals remained in France. After the war breeding programs brought them back from the brink. Thanks to dedicated breeders and owners, the Birman is today a popular and widespread cat.
Behaviour
The Birman is a gentle, chilled out, affectionate cat. Due to its laidback nature, it will thrive both on its own or with other cats and pets. They are quite vocal when you show them some attention, but a lot of the time they remain the very picture of calm and quiet. Being affectionate and cuddly, they make fantastic lap cats, and love being stroked.
Varieties
All color points with white feet.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Place of Origin: Myanmar
- Rough date of Origin: 1920s
- Hair length: Longhair
- Activity Level: Medium
- Vocalness: Low
- Child friendly: Good with children
- Intelligence:
- Playfullness: Relaxed
- Grooming Requirements: Once a week
- Weight: 4.5 - 8.0kg
- Size: Medium
- House Cat or Outdoor Cat: House Cat
- Pet Compatibility:
- Social Needs:
More to love
Birman Pictures
Latest Reviews For Birman (2 of 2)
Birman cats are awesome - Josie,
Had my little boy for 15 years. The best cat ever, my son trained him to roll over, loved his tummy tickled, would run to greet me when I arrived home and could sense when you weren’t feeling right by snuggling up with you until you fell asleep! He was simply a dog in a cat suit. Oh, and they love feet! All of them! The best cat ever. Initially a house cat, he escaped one day. After that, he loved the out doors and it was the making of him. Miss him terribly.
Mischief - Catherine,
My Birman had an inbred lineage. This was the 1970s and recent ancestors included founders of the breed from Germany and France. Thus he wasn’t a healthy boy compared to my moggy and never reached full size. But he was affectionate with a sense of humour and mischief. I do miss him even today