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Birman

Alternative Names: Sacred Birman, Sacred Cat of Burma
Country of Origin: Burma or Thailand

Breed Profile

Coat Length: Longhair

Temperament: Gentle, quietly active

Coat: Shorter, silkier coat than the Persian, pale white-tinted coat with darker points (muzzle, ears, legs, feet and tail), white-tipped front paws - preferably symmetrical (gloves), white rear paws covering the toes (gauntlets) with white extending up the back of the hock (laces)

Colours: Seal point, lilac point, blue point, chocolate point, tabby point

Head: Strong broad round head with fully developed cheeks, medium length roman nose, heavy whiskers, round blue eyes have a slight slant to them (deeper shades of blue are preferred), medium size ears set wide apart

Body: Longer body and narrower face than most other longhair breeds, long large stocky body, medium length heavy-boned legs, large round paws

Grooming: Regular brushing and combing to keep the coat in good condition although it does not have a tendency to matt

Kittens: Kittens are born with solid colouring, obtaining darker points at 4-5 months old

Common Faults: Crossed or off-colour eyes, pointed muzzle, deformed tail, runs in gloves, gauntlets or laces

Disease Predispositions

Neonatal Isoerythrolysis [1,2]

Breeders

Birman Breeders Directory

Web Links

Breed Standards:
CFA Birman Standard
NZCF Birman Standard
TICA Birman Standard

Cat Clubs:
The Birman Cat Club (UK)

References

1. Nelson RW & Couto CG, Small Animal Internal Medicine, St Louis: Mosby, 2003

2. Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000

Page S, The Complete Cat Owners Manual, Australia: Readers Digest, 1997

Taylor D, The Ultimate Cat Book, Great Britain: Dorling Kindersley, 1989

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