The Birman, also known as the Sacred Cat of Burma, is a strikingly beautiful and unusual breed. A famous legend is the only explanation we have for their colouring. One hundred pure white cats lived in the Burmese temple of Lao-Tsun. One night the temple was raided and the oldest priest was killed. His pure white cat, Sinh, jumped on the body of his master and the priest’s soul entered the cat, and as it did so the white hair of his body became golden (like the Temple goddess), his legs, face, ears and tail became earth coloured and his paws remained white as a symbol of purity.

Appearance

The Birman cat has a pale coloured body with dark face, ears, tail and legs, and white “gloves” on their paws. Their coat is semi-long and their eyes are a beautiful, deep sapphire-blue.

Temperament

The Birman cat has a soft voice and is more active than the Persian but less active and talkative than the Siamese. They often appear docile and casual, and spend a lot of time lazing around the house. They make an ideal companion for owners looking for an exotic indoor pet, and are also suitable for those busy households.

Grooming

The Birman cat’s coat is more silky than fluffy, and for that reason it rarely mats and is easy to groom and keep in order. However, regular grooming is still a must.

Health Concerns

For the latest research in breed-related problems in the Birman cats, visit the University of Sydney’s LIDA (Listing of Inherited Disorders in Animals) website.  

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