Description
Known as the Sacred Cat of Burma, the Birman is a rare and beautiful animal. The ideal
Birman is large, long and heavily built. It is a color pointed and has medium long hair of
a silky texture with no undercoat so it is resistant to matting. Pure white gloves are
worn on all four feet and white gauntlets or "laces" must extend 1/2 to 3/4 of
the way up the back hocks. However, faultlessly gloved cats are a rare exception, and the
Birman is judges in all its parts, as well as the gloves. The head is large and strong
with a firm chin and a Roman nose. The ears are medium in length, almost as wide at the
base as they are tall. Ideally, the eyes should be a deep china blue, almost round and set
wide apart giving the Birman a sweet expression.
Colors
All associations recognize the Birman for championship status in the four colors; Seal
Point and blue point which are the most commonly seen; chocolate point and lilac point,
which are rare. England and TICA in the US also allow new colors such as flame point,
tortie point and lynx point. These are considered experimental colors in CFA.
Documented History
In 1919, a pair of Birman cats were sent to France. Unfortunately, the male died in
transit. The female, already pregnant, survived and began the pedigree Birman breed in
Europe. The French recognized the Sacre de Birmanie in 1925. Loss of breeding animals
during World War II led to a program of outcrosses for several years after the war. To be
recognized as Birman, most registries require at least five generations after the
out crossings. Birmans were recognized for championship in England in 1966 and by CFA in
North America in 1967, and TICA in 1982.
Temperament and Breeding
Birmans are affectionate and faithful cats. Moderate in temperament, they are
extra-ordinarily social and soft voiced. Males mature at varying ages with most ready to
mate between 12 and 16 months. Females are very maternal, with average litters of three
kittens. Birmans are a "slow developing" breed. Kittens are born completely
white and they begin to show point color anytime from 2 days to 2 weeks, it takes much
longer for them to show their potential quality. By 18 months, a Birman will have matured
but it may not attain full growth until its third year.
Birmans remain relatively
uncommon. Although their circle of admirers has increased steadily over the past decade,
it is seldom possible to purchase one of these kittens on a whim. Good breeders will not
sell kittens through pet shops. They prefer to meet potential buyers and assure themselves
that the kitten will receive an excellent home. There is usually a waiting list for
breeding and show quality kittens and depending on your area and the time of year, you may
have to wait for pet kittens with show faults (i.e., too much or too little white on the
paws). Most breeders will not sell a pet kitten until it is three months old, and breeding
or show kittens are generally sold after four months. Three months is considered the
minimum time necessary to completely "socialize" a kitten. It allows for slow
weaning period, first vaccines and boosters, litter box training, experience living
underfoot in a busy household and the very important scratch post training. The extra time
with "mom" also assures that you will take home a happy, well adjusted kitten.
If you have lost your heart to
the beauty of these extraordinary cats, you can obtain more specific information from:
Contact Me
National Birman Fanciers,
Secretary
PO Box 1830
Stephenville, TX 76401.
Birmans International, Editor
Rt 2, Box 6661
Pipecreek, TX 78063
