Playful. Smart. Peaceable. All of these characteristics combine in the feline originally known as the “sacred cat of Burma.” While that moniker makes it sound as if the Birman cat has been around for centuries, little is known of the breed’s history before the cats were exported to France in the early 20th century. Their beauty and affection captivated cat lovers, who remain fans of the breed today, prizing the long-haired lovelies for their affectionate nature.
A Birman cat, full length. Photography ©ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo.
Forget any expectation of privacy if a Birman cat joins your household. The “white glove” cats are docile and placid, but social to the max, following their humans everywhere, including to the bathroom. So beware closing a door to a Birman.
“They will yell at you,” says Birman cat owner Jinger Walton.
Birmans are a restful breed, plopping themselves down for a nap wherever seems most comfortable, even if — or maybe especially if — that’s inconvenient for you. But their sweet and gentle nature makes up for any slight annoyance. And really, who could be annoyed by the presence of such a beautiful cat smack dab on top of your book, electronic device or head?
“My Birman boy stole my heart the first time I saw his face,” says owner Susan Williams. “Each day I love him more, and I have had him for eight years.”
Don’t get a Birman if you aren’t prepared for a cat who will run your life.
“You don’t own a Birman,” says owner Wendy Simonsen. “They own you.”
How did the Birman cat get her name? Photography ©Vadimborkin | Getty Images.
The name for the Birman cat comes from the French word Birmanie, referring to the nation of Burma (now Myanmar). Many stories tell how they came to France from Burma, ranging from being given as a reward for helping to defend a temple to being smuggled out by wealthy admirers. It’s said that they originated as companions to Buddhist priests, but there’s no real documentation of their history. A French cat club recognized the breed in 1925. The breed nearly disappeared during World War II, with only two Birmans remaining in France. They were “rebuilt” with crosses to Persians and likely other breeds.
Britain’s Governing Council of the Cat Fancy recognized Birmans in 1966, followed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1967 and The International Cat Association in 1979. Currently, Birmans are the 16th most popular breed recognized by CFA. They have been used to develop new breeds, including Ragdolls.
Tell us: Do you have a Birman cat?
Thumbnail: Photography ©Vadimborkin | Getty Images.
Kim Campbell Thornton has been writing about cats and dogs for more than 30 years. She is the award-winning author of more than two dozen books and hundreds of articles on pet care, health and behavior.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in Catster magazine. Have you seen the new Catster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting area of your vet’s office? Click here to subscribe to Catster and get the bimonthly magazine delivered to your home.
8 comments on “All About the Birman Cat Breed”
I have a 2 year old Seal Point Birman named Jjnxy. I also have a 20 year old calico and 12 year old black cat, all females. I thought my calico was the best cat ever, but Jinxy is an amazing animal. She plays like a dog. We play tag and fetch and she loves her fake mice. She follows me from room to room, even the bathroom. She is very friendly and not shy at all. Jinxy makes sure ny visitor to my house meets her first. She is gentle and loves my 2 granddaughters when they visit. She is super friendly to any other animal to a fault, so no going outside for her. Her coat is silky and never tageles or mats. She has stolen my heart. Wish I could post a pic because her blue eyes are stunning. Highly recommend this breed.
I have 3 Birmans. Emry, a Blue Lynx Point, is 12 yrs. Gloria, a Seal Point, 10 yrs. and her daughter Adorable, a Seal Point, is 8 yrs. They all love to be spoiled, enjoy laps and run around and play by themselves or with each other. Feathers and a lazer are their favorite toys. They are my best companions.
We believe that beloved Bailey was part Birman. He had all the characteristics of one. He was loyal, shy , very loving and very strong. Two years ago Bailey got some puncture wounds but he recovered from them, and later that July his kidney disease got worse and he went to heaven. The day after his death we adopted 2 rescue kittens that are sisters.
Linda Plaag Bailey’s Mommy
I had a Birman that lived to 17 years of age. She was the sweetest cat and loved to play. Her hair was easy to maintain. I hope to have one again at some point.
How can we get one or two of the cuties would love to have any one of them and the
Hi there,
Please see more breed information and info on responsible breeders here:
https://www.catster.com/cats-101/purebred-and-hybrid-cat-breeds
Hi. I am the mother of a Birman named Ignatius as he was born in 2011 so his name had to start with an I. Your breeder will inform you of the history of this.