Questions
Answers
and facts about the Birman
Sacred Cat Of Burma.

The Birman personality is marvelously gentle, active, and playful, but quite demanding of affection which becomes obvious if you are busy with other things. The Birman is highly Intelligent gentle and strive to please. These qualities make them easy to train and an deal friend and companion.

FAQ ON BIRMANS

What set the Birman apart from other breeds?

The Birman or Sacred Cat of Burma is a large, longhaired cat that comes in a variety of colors but only one pattern: colorpoint. Its long silky coat requires little maintenance and doesn't mat or tangle. The Birman has a unique white spotting gene that produces its distinctive white, gloving and laces.

Does a Birman sound like a Siamese?

Birman has a soft sweet voice and is less vocal the Siamese.

Do Birmans shed a lot?

All animals shed and produce new hair. The Birman like all cats does shed but since it doesn't it have an undercoat the amount of hair shed is greatly reduced. A light brushing will remove any lose hair. Unlike the Himalayan, the Birman does not require daily brushing. The Birman has a silky coat that does not mat.

What is the temperament of a Birman?

Generally a Birman has an excellent personality laid-back and extremely affectionate. They love people and like to be close to their owners. They have been described as dog-like following their owners around like a puppy.

Do Birmans get along with other pets?

They are very adaptable and adjust to others pets remarkably well. They seem to enjoy company be it human, feline, and canine or other species.

Is the Birman related to any other breed?

The Birman originated as a nature breed in Burma many years ago. Considered a sacred cat, outsiders were not allowed to own them. Fortunately a pair was acquired and taken to France where the breed flourished until World War. Outcrossing became necessary to sustain the breed.

How much does a Birman cost?

The price depends on the classification of the kitten. If you wish to show your Birman you can expect to pay a pretty price. Breeder quality prices generally range between show quality and pet quality, and sales are restricted to breeders that are active in exhibiting, show CFA, TICA etc. You to can become a breeder provided that you are willing to apprentice under the aspic of the National Birman Breed Clubs. Pets are sold with an altar agreement are the least expensive. The difference between pet and show quality is effected by the amount of white gloving (The white gloving gene exhibit incomplete dominance making it difficult to get show marked kittens, sometime exceptional boy type makes up of this), white spots in the point, runners, body type and disqualifying features such as kinked tail or crossed eyes. Most of these features differences are subtle and is very difficult to notice by the untrained eye. Because of what make a Birman a pet or show is subtle you should not feel you are getting a second-rate Birman as pet. The Birman is one of the hardest to breed for show quality. Our standard stipulation that only the near perfect can be shown.

What is the best age to buy a kitten?

Birman kittens are born white with the point color and body shading developing slowly. The white gloving on the feet starts to show up as the color develops. It can sometimes take a Breeder up to 16 weeks before a kitten can be determined to be a pet or show. Most Breeders will not allow a kitten to go to its new home until after it is 12 weeks of age. At 12 weeks the kitten is usually weaned from its mother, its social skill and litter training has neared completion. These are not instinct they are skills that can only be taught by their mother. At 12 weeks the kitten has had the necessary shots. A heath record along with instructions for care and feeding should accompany every kitten sold.

What is the difference between a Birman and a Burmese, Siamese, Balinese, Himalayan, Ragdoll and Ragamuffin

Burmese: Short-hair solid color (usually sable) with yellow eyes.

Siamese: Short-hair colorpoint slender build and long head & body

Balinese: Long-haired Siamese

Himalayan: Long-haired colorpoint Persian

Ragdoll/Ragamuffin; A cross between a Birman and a house hold petBIRMAN

BREED STANDARD

The Birman is an exotic color pointed cat with a majestic demeanor it has long silky hair that does not mat and four pure white feet. It is strongly and stocky. The almost round eyes with a slight slant are blue, set in a broad face with heavy jaws. firm chin and Roman nose with nostrils set low on the nose leather.

The coat color is light preferably with a golden cast, as if misted with gold. The points on the face, ears, legs and tail-are darker, similar to a Siamese-Himalayan color pattern. The points come in the traditional four colors. Seal, Blue, Chocolate, and Lilac, and various other colors . The dilute and various colors and are not yet common in the Birman. This face is different from other pointed cats.