Birman Cats - Pictures

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Birman Cats - History

The origins of Birman cats have long been the subject to debate. In fact, the history of the Birman Cat, known as the Sacred Cat of Burma, is closely linked to a few legends. Legends add much of the mystery to this blue-eyed breed. However, breed owners and fanciers try to find the true origin of this feline by exploring all possible theories.

One theory holds it that the Birman Cat originated from Southern Asia. It is also believed that the breed is the result of deliberate breeding done by the French. According to some sources, Birman Cats appeared when a priest soul entered the animal altering its appearance and providing for its personality traits. It is the priest's soul that made the Birman Cat's eyes blue and coat gold.

A very common version is that the Birman Cat appeared in Europe about 1916. It came from Southern Asia to become a favorite feline breed in Europe. The Federation Feline Francaise recognized Birman Cats in 1925. France played an important role in the breed establishment. Despite the fact that this country is not the true motherland of the Birman Cat, it is believed that most Birmans of today have their roots there.

The Birman Cat suffered much during World War II. The population was destroyed with only a pair of cats left. Breeders did their best to preserve the Birman Cat. They introduced shorthaired and longhaired breeds to the Birman Cat gene pool. The first Birman Cats appeared in the United States in 1959. In 1965, Birman Cats started to be bred in Great Britain.

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