Birman
The Birman (Sacred Cat of Burma) is a colourpoint cat with a striking and unique feature — pure white "gloves" on all four paws, precisely ending at the ankles.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Myanmar
Lifespan
12–16 years
Weight
3.5–7 kg (8–15 lbs)
Height
23–30 cm (9–12 in)
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet and dry food. Generally a healthy eater; monitor weight.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Birman (Sacred Cat of Burma) is a colourpoint cat with a striking and unique feature — pure white "gloves" on all four paws, precisely ending at the ankles. The Birman is associated with a romantic legend from Burma: the sacred cats of the Temple of Lao-Tsun were said to have been transformed from ordinary cats to gold-and-sapphire-eyed sacred beings when one old cat died at the feet of a golden goddess, the white paws signifying purity. Whether the breed actually originated in Burma or was created in France in the early 20th century remains debated. The Birman nearly went extinct during World War II — only a single pair survived in Europe — and was rebuilt through extensive crossing.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Birman is a large, semi-heavy-set cat with a broad, rounded face, medium-length nose, and deep blue eyes that are rounder and more gentle than the Siamese's almond-shaped eyes. The body is long, stocky, and well-muscled. The coat is medium-long, silky, and has a golden sheen. The most distinctive feature is the symmetrical white gloves on all four paws — on the front paws the white ends in a straight horizontal line; on the back paws the white extends further up the back of the leg in a "gauntlet."
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Birmans are gentle, affectionate, and social — they are companion cats that enjoy being part of household activities without being demanding. They are quieter than Siamese and more active than Persians. They get along exceptionally well with children and other animals. They are curious and enjoy exploring but are not as hyperactive as Abyssinians or Bengals.
Living Profile
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •The semi-long coat is easier to maintain than the Persian — brushing 2–3 times weekly is sufficient as the coat does not mat readily. The white gloves should be checked for staining. Regular dental care.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Health Overview
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Spongiform degeneration (a neurological condition unique to Birmans) has been documented. Congenital hypotrichosis (sparse hair) occurs in some lines. Generally a robust, healthy breed.
Common Conditions
Fun Facts
The Birman's white gloves must be perfectly symmetrical on all four paws for show purposes — asymmetric or missing gloves are a disqualification. The precise genetic mechanism producing symmetrical white mittens on a colourpoint cat is considered one of the most complex coat patterns in any breed.
The Birman nearly went extinct during World War II — by the end of the war, only a single pair of Birmans reportedly survived in Europe. The entire post-war Birman population was rebuilt through strategic crossing with other breeds.
The Birman's eye colour is consistently deep blue regardless of coat colour variant — unlike some colourpoint breeds where eye colour may vary.
