THE BIRMAN CAT

 

 

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.

Text Box: 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.  

 

                                                      

 

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.

 

Text Box: 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.

 

Lifestyle

 

                                      

 

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).

Text Box: A show quality Birman should have large eyes, almost round but not bold. The colour should be a deep blue and the expression really soft, sweet and gentle.

 

 

 

 

The 20 types of Birman are as follows:

 

SOLID COLOURS:

Seal Point – Blue Point – Chocolate Point – Lilac Point – Red Point – Cream Point

TORTIE COLOURS: 

Seal Tortie Point – Blue Tortie Point – Chocolate Tortie Point – Lilac Tortie Point

TABBY COLOURS:

Seal Tabby Point – Blue Tabby Point – Chocolate Tabby Point – Lilac Tabby Point – Red Tabby Point – Cream Tabby Point

TORTIE TABBY COLOURS:

Seal Tortie Tabby Point – Blue Tortie Tabby Point – Chocolate Tortie Tabby Point – Lilac Tortie Tabby Point

 

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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