Character and Temperament
Birmans are ‘people’ cats; they love human company and make excellent family
pets. They are very devoted cats, making them highly suitable for elderly
people, or those who are at home all day. Once neutered, males in
particular, can become almost dog-like in their devotion.
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A Birman kitten
makes an excellent companion and will be there with you all day.
Whether they live
with a large family, or go to live with a quiet couple, Birmans seem to adapt
very well. The only exception to
this rule is the Birman homed with someone who works long hours away from home;
they so love companionship that left alone all day they can become lonely and
rather bored. However, Birmans will
happily share their lives with other breeds of cats and dogs too.
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Gentle natured and rather ‘laid-back’, Birmans can also be
described as quietly playful. They will happily chase small balls and soft toys
as well as indulge in gentle games with their owner.
Lifestyle |
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As you can see from this picture, Birmans are a breed that is
very well suited to an indoor life-style.
They are also quite happy to be given the limited freedom of a small
walled garden, or supervised access to the outside.
Generally speaking even the Birman who is allowed unlimited access to the
outside will not wander far. |
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Birmans are usually poor or infrequent hunters and are said
to be no real threat to birds or other wildlife. They love to lie in the sun,
enjoying its warmth and watching the birds fly overhead – comfort and relaxation
are important elements in a Birman’s life!
About the breed
Legend tells how
Birmans were originally sacred temple cats in Burma, but their true origins will
probably be forever lost in the mists of time. They were first brought into the
UK from France in 1965; the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) officially
granted recognition in 1966, and they were given the breed number 13c.
Today there are 20
colour variations, but all Birmans carry the characteristic blue eyes, coloured
points (face, ears, legs and tail), paler body colour, white gloves and
gauntlets (front and back feet).
The 20 types of
Birman are as follows:
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SOLID COLOURS: |
Seal Point – Blue Point – Chocolate Point – Lilac Point – Red
Point – Cream Point |
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TORTIE COLOURS: |
Seal Tortie Point – Blue Tortie Point – Chocolate Tortie
Point – Lilac Tortie Point |
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TABBY COLOURS:
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Seal Tabby Point – Blue Tabby Point – Chocolate Tabby Point –
Lilac Tabby Point – Red Tabby Point – Cream Tabby Point |
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TORTIE TABBY COLOURS: |
Seal Tortie Tabby Point – Blue Tortie Tabby Point – Chocolate
Tortie Tabby Point – Lilac Tortie Tabby Point |
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Buying a kitten
If the kitten is to live with a family, then the whole family
should visit the breeder – your Birman could be with you for 15 years or more
and it is important that kitten and owners all get along!
Buy a kitten that has been raised indoors and is used to
normal household noises and activities. It should be free from all signs of
illness and infection and should show no signs of fleas. Your kitten should be
a minimum of 13 weeks old and fully vaccinated – that is having received BOTH
parts of its vaccine, with at least 7 days since the last injection.
The breeder should provide you with a pedigree showing at
least 3 generations, a Transfer Form or the Mating Certificate of the parents,
the kitten’s vaccination card and a diet sheet showing the type of food, and the
frequency of meals, that your kitten is used to.
Further information
Pet owners can gain further helpful information about the
breed by joining one, or more, of the 4 Birman breed clubs such as the Southern
& South Western Birman Cat Club. These clubs all provide their members with
twice-yearly magazines; hold annual shows, meetings and seminars.
Trina Balharrie
Honorary Secretary
Southern & South Western Birman Cat Club
www.sandswbirmancatclub.co.uk
Trina & Alistair Balharrie’s handsome
Seal Birman – UK Grand Premier
Hollymoon Rockafella (13c1)
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