Birman Kittens
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
Other Accepted Colours
The following colours are also accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA):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!
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Birman Lifespan
14 - 20 years
Birman Recognition
User Comments
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cute
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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 !!!!
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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! :-)
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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
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4 otta 5
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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!)
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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!!
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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!
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i have two birman kittens. they range from £300 - £400 each.
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Hi does anyone know how much a birman kitten would be?
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cutest little kitten in the world so fuzzy xoxoxoxox with his sweet blue eyes
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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!
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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
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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.
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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
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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?
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these cat are so hard to find one i want one of these too!!!!! :D
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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!).
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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.
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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...
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Versace is my new kitten and i dunno what i would do without him!
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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.
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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......
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my birman is called baily hes so so cool
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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
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i love birmans ive got 2 kittens!!!!love carly please put birman names on there cooz we cant find name!!!!
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we have a birman kitten called samson we love him so much just couldnt imagan life without him x
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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.
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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?
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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
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even though im a dog lover, i truly think the Birman cat is the best cat there is!
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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
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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.
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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!
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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
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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.
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These are the most beautiful, even-tempered cats ever.
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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.
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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!!
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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.
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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.
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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
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sweet where can i get one????
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this is wonder ful weeeeeeee i hate grits my name is nofasteve bye bye ta ta for now
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this cat would come third in my top five cat breeds!!!!
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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.
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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 :)
these cats are so beautiful! what is the roundabout price range of them?
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