Birman

Coat and looks how to spot one

semi-long, silky single coat, colourpointed

A sturdy, fairly long-bodied cat with solid bone, a broad rounded head, a Roman nose and almost round, deep sapphire-blue eyes. The silky coat is medium-long with no woolly undercoat, so it tends not to tangle. The body is a pale, often golden-tinted shade, with darker colour on the face, ears, legs and tail. Every Birman wears pure white 'gloves' on all four paws, and on the hind feet the white runs up the back of the leg as 'laces' or gauntlets.4132

Personality what they are like

Birmans are sweet-natured, calm companions that like to stay close to their people, trailing them from room to room. They are sociable with children and with cats and cat-friendly dogs, tend to be fairly quiet, and talk in a soft, chirpy voice when they have something to say. Some bond most strongly with one favourite person.4135

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderately active. Under the relaxed exterior is a playful cat that enjoys interactive toys, climbing and even games of fetch, and young Birmans keep a kitten-like energy for their first few years. Daily play helps keep them trim.4165

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Comb the coat about once a week with a metal comb, more often during the spring moult; some owners prefer brushing several times a week to cut down on loose hair. Baths are rarely needed. Trim nails, check ears and brush teeth as part of routine care.4136

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to family homes and apartments. Provide climbing space, scratching posts and interactive toys, and plenty of time with the family, as Birmans prefer company to being left alone.416

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, balanced commercial cat food suited to the cat's life stage (AAFCO-labelled in the US), split into at least two measured meals a day. Wide, shallow bowls suit their whiskers, and fresh water should always be available.65

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and happiest with company for much of the day. Usually gets on well with children, other cats and cat-friendly dogs.413

The story where it all began

Legend links the Birman to temple cats kept by priests in northern Burma, and stories tell how the cats gained their golden coats, blue eyes and white paws. The documented history begins in France around 1919, when a pair of cats reached the country from Burma and the pregnant female became the foundation of the breed. The name comes from 'Birmanie', the French word for Burma, and the Cat Club de France recognised the breed in 1925. The Second World War almost wiped it out: only a pair of cats, Orloff and Xenia de Kaabaa, survived in Europe, and breeders rebuilt the line by crossing to Persians and Siamese. The breed then spread to Britain, recognised in 1966, and to the United States, where cats arrived in 1959 and CFA recognition followed in 1967. Early Birmans came only in seal and blue points, and more colours were added over time.12354

Recognised by the official bits

Cat Club de France

Recognised in France in 19252

GCCF

Recognised in the UK in 19663

CFA

Arrived in the US in 1959 and was recognised by CFA in 19671

TICA

Recognised breed with its own breed committee4

FIFe

Recognised as the Sacred Birman, EMS code SBI7