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Birman Kittens

Birman Kitten

Birman History

Birman cats originated from the country of Burma, known as sacred animals and referred to as 'temple cats'. The modern story of their journey is that in 1919, two Birman cats were shipped to France (one male, one pregnant female), and this is how the breed became acknowledged. The male unfortunately died during the journey but the female and baby survived and became the origin of the Birman cat in Europe. There are also a number of myths relating to the Birman's origins; many believe they derived from pure white cats and that rituals involving spirits took over the cats and altered their appearances resulting in their golden shades and bright blue eyes. Obviously there is no factual evidence to back up this myth but it remains a popular theory.

Their name 'Birman' derives from the French saying Sacre de Birmanie and has stuck with them until this day. During 1925 the breed became extremely popular in France but the second world war almost wiped them out, along with many other cat breeds. Birmans in particular were left in an extremely dangerous situation and at one point there were only two left.The first cat brought to England was in 1955 and the breed was accepted as having championship status in 1966. The first Birman to arrive in America was in 1959 but wasn't recognised as an official breed until 1967.

Among longhaired breeds, Birmans are the third most popular cat and have been for a while. Their popularity in Britain appears to be increasing every year as more people become aware of these sacred, lovable animals.

Birman Appearance

Birman cats and kittens are unique and striking to look at. They are born pure white but as they get older they develop gorgeous dark markings on their points; these areas include ears, face, tail and legs. The dark areas on their legs take longer to develop than the other pointed areas and it is this area of colour that creates their four little pure white gloves. Birmans are well known for their white paws and it is an extremely appealing feature, but also one hard to perfect. Birmans' fur is long and silky yet requires less grooming than other long haired breeds such as Persians or Himalayans.

The Birmans' body is long and stocky and their heads are large and round. They have dazzling blue eyes that are set well apart and for showing purposes; the deeper the blue the better. Their ears are a medium length and quite wide with slightly rounded tips. Their legs are a medium length with large white paws and their tails are dark with rounded tips. Male Birman's tend to be slightly bigger than females.

Original Birman Colours

  • Seal point
  • Blue point
  • Chocolate point
  • Lilac Point
  • Other Accepted Colours

    The following colours are also accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA):
  • Cinnamon
  • Fawn
  • Red
  • Cream Point
  • Birman Character and Temperament

    Birmans are sweet, affectionate characters who like interacting and being around people. They are particularly comfortable and friendly around young children and other domestic pets and are very people orientated cats. They are also very inquisitive and want to be involved in what you're doing but they can also get themselves into mischief! They are quite intelligent cats and tend to bond strongly with their owner or family.

    This breed of cat tends to have quite a quiet meow and wont speak up unless something is wrong like their dinner isn't on the floor! They are however rather talkative cats (males in particular) and will let you know when they want your attention. Birman cats are happy in the house but also love a garden to play and climb. They will however be happiest wherever you are and will follow you around to see what you're up to!

  • Playfulness
  • Medium
  • Intelligence
  • Medium
  • Independence
  • Low-Medium
  • Attention Seeking
  • High
  • Affectionate
  • Very High
  • Activeness
  • Low-Medium
  • Friendliness to Children
  • Very High
  • Friendliness to other Pets
  • Very High

    Birman Lifespan

    14 - 20 years

    Birman Recognition

  • This breed has been given Championship Status by all respected Assosiations.
  • In 1996 the Birman breed was ranked 9th out of 36 breeds by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).
  • User Comments

    Comment by chiara, Friday 22nd May 2009
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    birmans look so beautiful. back home i have a tabby cat only 11 months and i was wondering do birmans like other cats in the house??? also how much are they?
    Comment by Doggo, Saturday 25th April 2009
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    Birmans sound like VERY sweet and lovely cats, now i just need to get one... :)
    Comment by Ro, Tuesday 7th April 2009
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    My seal point male birman kitten is moving in with me next week. He is called Johnny Tumbles. I am very excited!!!
    Comment by flowerlane, Tuesday 24th March 2009
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    What does it mean that Birmans have "medium" in intelligence?
    Comment by burmania, Friday 20th March 2009
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    I have a 10 year old Birman called Rosie. She is a lilac point and is my little baby. She is also a little princess and can't stand to not be with you. At night she curls up under my arm and if you move then she moves and makes sure at least her paw is touching you! Rosie herds me to bad at night and tells me off by mewing if I stay up to late!! Her favorite past time is being groomed. You just have to scrape the bristles of the brush against your finger and she comes running from wherever she has been. She could be groomed all day and sticks out her little pink tongue with her eyes closed in sheer delight. She is so funny. The Birman is the most wonderful cat breed I have ever owned and I dread the day she leaves me. Anyone who is considering buying a cat or kitten gets everything and more from the Birman breed. :)
    Comment by Pen, Wednesday 18th March 2009
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    I have 2 10 years old birman seal who are delightful, my babies. very very affectinate & loving, both love having their tummy tickled, something no ordinary cat would even allow you to do, birmans are more like people than cats
    Comment by Helen, Sunday 15th February 2009
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    I had a beautiful seal point birman called Santos 17 years old. Sadly he had to be put to sleep on xmas eve but he was a lovely pet and a great friend. I would recommend them to anyone who wants a loving cat and a noisy one are really talkative. Our home is definatley not the same with out him !
    Comment by Andrea, Tuesday 10th February 2009
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    My fiance bought me a wee girl kitten birman-chocolate tortie called Daisy. She really is the cutest cat. She has a sweet, inquisitive and totally loving nature. We so adored her we bought another birman a month later to keep her company when we're at work-her slightly younger half brother called Dennis. He's adorable too. He is a wee chatter box and always answers when you talk to him-with hilarious wee miaws and trills! He loves nothing more than to lie on your tummy and stare adoringly into your eyes. He is super smart too and can open doors to get at you for more cuddles- which they can never get too many of !They're the best cats ever. Very gentle, never scratch and love cuddles. Although, they do love eating clothes! But I still adore them and now keep them out of my bedroom when I'm not there.
    Comment by Tracy, Tuesday 3rd February 2009
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    These cats are great with young children I had a seal point male called Thomas we sadly lost him last year the whole family miss him so much He would play football with my toddler or just sit and cuddle him watching the tv we are getting another birman as soon as we can it will not replace Thomas but it will help
    Comment by Taryn, Wednesday 14th January 2009
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    I have the pleasure of owning a Birman.. His name is Azlan and he is the love of my life!!, he has a habbit of chewing things though... never before met a fettish chewer.. any advice???
    Comment by Andrea, Tuesday 13th January 2009
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    we have two recently adopted darlings, one lays on my chest and gazes into my eyes, they fill you up with love, its sickly....xxxxx there are no better cats.
    Comment by Alicia, Thursday 1st January 2009
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    My nextdoor neighbour has a Birman cat, she is called Lulu. Everytime she comes round she SCREAMS for attention, jumps and rolls around like a mad cat, we love her to bits!
    Comment by Birman@Birman, Sunday 7th December 2008
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    I learned a lot of facts about Birmans in this website. I didn't realize that Birmans are very friendly :D
    Comment by Shona, Sunday 9th November 2008
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    I had the utmost pleasure to own a Birman (blue) for 3 short weeks, she was a rescue cat, sadly she suffered a saddle thrombosis,and I lost her, we thought she was probably quite an age although she didn't act it. I now desperately want another female and blue, as a pet only. I have 2cats and a dog. GOOD HOME WAITING!!!
    Comment by Simone Herzog, Saturday 8th November 2008
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    My red- point birman boy Valentino ( 11 weeks old ) search a new home. infos: Cattery "von der Rosenterrasse", Germany
    Comment by Charlotte, Saturday 11th October 2008
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    I have a 4 year old seal point Birman called Cleo who I love to bits. Whatever I'm doing she has to be there, meowing like crazy if I ignore her. Her most favourite thing to do is run full pelt around the garden like a crazy cat!! I'm sure she thinks she is a dog. Birmans are such amazing cats and you form really strong bonds with them. Cleo makes me laugh and I love her very very much. X
    Comment by Stacy, Saturday 11th October 2008
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    I am looking to get a seal point birman in the next year. But, I have no idea what the projected price range is for one, in order to prepare. I live in the midwest, and have had a problem even finding a breeder in the area.
    Comment by Anne-Marie, Tuesday 30th September 2008
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    I have 2 Birman kittens for sale see my site for info, www.freewebs.com/ashannasbirmans thankyou
    Comment by Louise, Thursday 25th September 2008
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    I have 2 Lilac Point Boys and 1 Blue point girl, 12 wks old, looking for loving homes. They are the best pets in the world. Tel 077305 63342.
    Comment by dawn, Saturday 13th September 2008
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    I had a male birman he was beautiful his name was Puzzy. I am looking for another cat..at a reasonable price.
    Comment by chrissy, Sunday 7th September 2008
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    my wonderful boyfreind has just bought me the cutest little male birman called snickers im so excited to bring him home after reading all the lovely comments on here about these cats amazing quilitys xx
    Comment by happygirl, Friday 8th August 2008
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    cute
    Comment by Helen, Thursday 24th July 2008
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    Birmans are the best.We have three boys called Teds Tubbs and Sam and I just can't imagine life without them. They enjoy being close to us whenever we are at home and are very vocal when we don't give them our full attention.I WOULD RECOMMEND THEM AS THE PURFECT PET !!!!
    Comment by Carrie, Tuesday 15th July 2008
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    Im getting my first Birmans this weekend, Bailey and Coco, (brother & sister seal points) cant wait, Ive heard so many wonderful things about their nature. Beautiful and affectionate! :-)
    Comment by Kath Lynskey, Wednesday 9th July 2008
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    We love Birmans..they are soo laid back. We have 2 girls and hobby breed. They are gorgeous! Kittens available to loving homes. Snowshadow Birmans. fluffyones@hotmail.com
    Comment by kittie_dude, Friday 6th June 2008
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    4 otta 5
    Comment by Laura, Thursday 29th May 2008
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    I have a one year old female seal point called Honey (who is gorgeous) and I am goign to see my 6 week old lilac point tonight!! She will be called Lily. I can't wait to get her... I hope the two of them get on ok!! (honey is so inquisitive and affectionate, she follows me everywhere, she's waiting by the front door when i get home, and even waits for me outside of the bathroom when I'm in there!)
    Comment by Claudia, Saturday 24th May 2008
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    After many weeks of research I finally deciced on a Birman and now I am getting a precious baby Lilac point in a weeks time! I can't wait!!
    Comment by Carrie, Thursday 22nd May 2008
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    We are wanting to give a home to a Birman kitten. The home is quiet, there are just 2 of us, kitten will be indoor kitty/cat but when older will go out when we are out in enclosed small garden. Hoping there is one available in East anglia area or A10 up as far as M25 or M11 area up to M25 also North as far as just into Lincolnshire. Thanks!
    Comment by louisa, Saturday 10th May 2008
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    i have two birman kittens. they range from £300 - £400 each.
    Comment by Rosa, Sunday 4th May 2008
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    Hi does anyone know how much a birman kitten would be?
    Comment by ABBY eungard, Thursday 27th March 2008
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    cutest little kitten in the world so fuzzy xoxoxoxox with his sweet blue eyes
    Comment by Debi, Friday 15th February 2008
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    I adopted two feral kittens when they were babies, that after researching, I determined were Birmans. I thought one was part siamese, due to the seal-point markings, but he didn't act like a siamese, so I searched the internet and discovered birman. He looks like every seal-point birman pic on the net. He is the BEST cat. he's just got all the fun qualities --- he's like a ragdoll, and let's you pick him up and put him in any position; he loves to be on his back like a baby and be pet on his belly and hind legs; he has a really loud purr that keeps going for about 20 mins (which all you have to do is look at him and he starts purring); he's really playful, but is not rough and never scratches me; he lays on his stomach spread-eagle (very cute); he often has his tounge sticking out a little bit; he doesn't talk alot (but he makes that trill sound that sounds like a dove); his tail looks like a raccoon (very fluffy). He's just such a sweetheart and probably the coolest cat I've met. The other is a tortie birman --- just beautiful and extremely smart. I am SO happy I have them!
    Comment by Linda, Thursday 14th February 2008
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    I have a beautiful seal girl..i am that smitten with birmans i now breed them..i have 2 lovely kittens available now to good homes..gorgeous. 01922 445158
    Comment by catcrazy, Friday 8th February 2008
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    I am the new owner of a cat. When l decided to consider buying a cat l was at a loss. I had all kinds of advice from the very proper Ragdoll to the pound moggie. On the day in question it was the birman kittens that caught my attention. l am now the proud mother of a 10 week old male birman kitten. Words cannot describe the joy this kitten has brought to my life. There is no great secret, it's just his presence alone. If only you knew the joy. I can only wish you the same.
    Comment by delia345, Tuesday 29th January 2008
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    i own a birman and they can cost as least 500 to 1000 dollers our cats name is remington and he is beautiful and always trys to get in our way for some attention they are really hard to get a hold of and right now he is on my lap purring up a storm we found him and thoughtthat he was a himalayen except that he had white socks and was different then a himalayen i think that birmans is a cat that anyone would want
    Comment by Purdy and Petula, Saturday 26th January 2008
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    We are both sold! They are so beautiful and your descriptions make them sound like fantastic companions! I reiterate the Q above: how much are kittens at the mo?
    Comment by Jess<333, Wednesday 23rd January 2008
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    these cat are so hard to find one i want one of these too!!!!! :D
    Comment by Jill, Wednesday 16th January 2008
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    I have an 8 year old male blue-point Birman. He's absolutely the best and I swear he thinks I'm his mum! He's a rescue cat, believe it or not. Someone didn't care that he was missing for 6 months and in that time he found us, almost unrecognisable as a cat, let alone a beautiful Birman. He was microchipped, but even when the vet contacted his previous owner, she was unimpressed and said we could keep him. Her loss, our gain. He's called Sausage by the way (they're his favourite!).
    Comment by tam, Wednesday 16th January 2008
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    I have had a birman sealpoint for 17 years he is so loyal and loving, unfortuntaly he recently passed away which broke my heart, so want to get a birman like it could never replace him but they are amazing pets.
    Comment by Tea, Sunday 13th January 2008
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    i'm getting a birman soon, it is a show cat couple of yrs old. it's owner has 5 of them and can't keep them all so it'll live with me between shows. i hope it will adapt, i adore cats. it does seem kind of cruel, just giving it away and not seeing it for months. i hope the cat won't get depressed or homesick...
    Comment by Catlover, Saturday 12th January 2008
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    Versace is my new kitten and i dunno what i would do without him!
    Comment by Lisa, Thursday 10th January 2008
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    I have two Birmans named Barnum & Bailey from the same litter. I was fortunate to adopt them at a young age at no cost. They look alike but their personalities are so different. Barnum is very needy and more of a baby. Bailey is much more independent. My Birmans are extremely vocal like a Siamese. They are great companions.
    Comment by Sue Petri, Wednesday 9th January 2008
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    My beautiful blue point birman died in November 2007, aged 20 years 7 months. She is missed dreadfully by everyone who knew her, and gave us endless pleasure. Such a wonderful nature......
    Comment by stewart egerton, Thursday 3rd January 2008
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    my birman is called baily hes so so cool
    Comment by stewart egerton, Thursday 3rd January 2008
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    hi.i have a male birman and he is the best lookin cat in my area everyone loves him and thinks he is sooo cool. im lookin for a femail for him asap can anyone help me out cheshire area but willing to travel as there well worth it
    Comment by carly, Monday 31st December 2007
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    i love birmans ive got 2 kittens!!!!love carly please put birman names on there cooz we cant find name!!!!
    Comment by sonia, Sunday 9th December 2007
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    we have a birman kitten called samson we love him so much just couldnt imagan life without him x
    Comment by sun_angel, Tuesday 4th December 2007
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    i love birman cats. I want to buy one too. But they are so much expensive and i must wait when i will have money for my kitten. Wish me good luck.
    Comment by Judy, Saturday 1st December 2007
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    Next week I get my first birman kitten. I am trying to think of a name for him. I can't wait! Any ideas?
    Comment by emily, Thursday 15th November 2007
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    I have just brought a little seal boy he is 5weeks old so dont get him till jan. Is there much difference in temperament betwwen a girl and a boy
    Comment by doglova, Tuesday 13th November 2007
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    even though im a dog lover, i truly think the Birman cat is the best cat there is!
    Comment by crazypuss6, Thursday 1st November 2007
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    FOR SUE: so sorry to hear of your sad loss. You can never replace your beloved friend, but you can help mend your broken heart and channel your love into another little cat. He or she will distract you and hopefully get you through this awful devastation. Good luck, hope you are ok x
    Comment by Lainie, Tuesday 30th October 2007
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    I adopted Tobi when his elderly owner died, she wanted me to look after him. He's so well adapted now and a pleasure to have as part of my cat family, I couldn't envisage life without him.
    Comment by kate, Saturday 20th October 2007
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    i worked in a specialst cattery for siamese birman bengal etc. for about a year and the nicest cats i came across was the birmans!
    Comment by liliana, Thursday 11th October 2007
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    My Birman cat is the best thing that has happened to me, she comes when I wistle or sing, she loves music and keeps me company whn i am alone
    Comment by sue, Saturday 6th October 2007
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    i've just lost my 17yr old Birman and am distraught - my first ever cat and my sweetheart, dont know what i am going to do without her. Do I get another, just how can I replace purrfection.
    Comment by Jules, Friday 5th October 2007
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    These are the most beautiful, even-tempered cats ever.
    Comment by ralph, Tuesday 2nd October 2007
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    my 18 year old Birman died peacefully tonight. She was a beautiful cat, still a kitten almost to the end. So loving and affectionate, i shall miss her so much.
    Comment by Ariela, Wednesday 26th September 2007
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    i love these cats, i already have 1 chocolate point girl that my whole family adores!There is no reason why to hate this breed!!
    Comment by SO, Thursday 20th September 2007
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    I have a beautiful birman blue point. She is so affectionate, great with kids, does not scratch anything, greets me at the door everyday when i come home. Always sits beside me, and sleeps beside me. Also loves to sit on a magazine, book, remote, if you are not giving her attention. She is my princess.
    Comment by Trudi, Tuesday 18th September 2007
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    I have 2 Birmans "Vixie" and "Bouncer" that I would be lost without. I think all cat lovers should consider a Birman.
    Comment by Gail, Friday 13th July 2007
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    I am the proud owner of three beautiful Birmans, a purfect persian boy and an adopted 15 yr old tortoiseshell lady and I love them all very much xxxxxxxxxxxx
    Comment by alythia, Monday 2nd July 2007
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    sweet where can i get one????
    Comment by Bob, Friday 25th May 2007
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    this is wonder ful weeeeeeee i hate grits my name is nofasteve bye bye ta ta for now
    Comment by lucy cowgill, Tuesday 17th April 2007
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    this cat would come third in my top five cat breeds!!!!
    Comment by Hannah Zwerner, Tuesday 10th April 2007
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    I think the birman cat is very complect and elagent. I would love to have a birman cat. To bad we already have two! You sould have more pictures to look at. Or have a birman cat border.
    Comment by Jessica, Monday 2nd April 2007
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    I have a birman kitten she is called Lily and she is 12 weeks old. She is beautiful and we love her very much :)
    Comment by steph, Monday 26th March 2007
    these cats are so beautiful! what is the roundabout price range of them?
    Please note that the above comments are submitted by visitors to FindaKitten.co.uk and are not the views of anyone working on this website or at Memiah Limited.