Birman Cats

The origin of the Birman cats is uncertain; it’s based on a few legends. What we know for sure is that these cats came to Europe from Thailand. The present-day looks of the Birman cat is the result of a deliberate breeding done by the French. France is the second motherland of this breed. Birman cats were brought to France in the 1900s and crossbred to other pointed breeds, as there was only a pair of Birman cats taken from Thailand and the male died on the boat. All European Birmans of today trace their roots to the first Birman female brought to France.

The breed was officially recognized in France in 1925. The first breed standard was adopted by the Federation Feline Francaise. For several decades, Birman cats were very rare in Europe, because they were on the brink of extinction after World War II and were preserved only thanks to the efforts of several devoted breeders. Birmans were unknown in the New World until 1959. Nowadays, Birman cats are the third popular breed among longhairs in America. They are kept as pets and participate in shows.

Like it’s with all longhairs, preparing Birman cats for a show takes much time and skills. Special equipment is used to create a nice fluffy look of a Birman cat: a blow drier, grooming powder, texturizing spray, whitening shampoo, several combs, and other things. Most owners of show cats prefer hiring a professional groomer. These cats are quiet when groomed only if used to grooming since early age.

Birman cats are valued for both their appearance and personality. The coat of these cats is light cream or golden with darker points on the ears, face, legs, and tail. The points can be seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, and red. These colors also come in a tabby (lynx) version. Unlike other colorpoint breeds, Birman cats have short white gloves on their paws. A remarkable feature of all Birmans is clear blue eyes. As for the personality, this breed is reported to be very intelligent, communicative, and playful. Birman cats are excellent companions for multi-pet households and lonely people.