The Birman has the distinction of being the sacred cat of Burma. There are various legends that explain their origins. According to Buddhist legend the Birman breed was created by a Burmese goddess. The legend tells of a colony of white cats living in a Burmese temple dedicated to a goddess. During a raid on a Burmese temple in which the high priest was killed, a white temple cat leapt on to the high priest’s body, and immediately its fur turned gold in the light radiating from the resident goddess. The cat’s eyes reflected the sapphire of the goddess’s own eyes, while legs and tail took on the rich brown of the Burmese soil. The paws that rested on the dead priest, though, remained white, a symbol of purity.
Bentley
The story may be mythical but the Birman is considered to have originated in Burma, developed by Burmese priests. When the priests were forced to flee their native country they were assisted by the English and French military. In gratitude a pair of Birman cats were sent to France as a gift and the female of the pair was pregnant. Since the early 1900s, following the Birman’s arrival, the breed has continued to be developed in Europe and has spread around the world. The Birman were introduced to Australia in 1967.
Harley
The Birman is a most attractive cat, exceptional to look at and very photogenic. They are semi-long haired and have colourpointed features – darker coloration on the ears, face, tail and legs. The Birman falls somewhere between the Siamese and the Persian in its character, build and length of fur. The unique and most distinctive feature of the Birman is its paw design. Each forepaw ends in a symmetrically shaped, white glove. The white areas on the back paws taper up the back of the leg to finish just below the hock, and are known as gauntlets. These white finishing touches are the result of a rare recessive genetic trait. Regardless of body or point colour, the cat should always have deep blue eyes and white feet.
Birmans are known for a cool but affectionate personality. They often appear docile and casual, and spend a lot of time lazing around the house. They form a bond with their owner and are reportedly good with other pets. They are not particularly vocal but will make their presence felt if they want attention. The Birman has proven to be suitable for anyone. They can be kept in apartments or houses, big or small. Birmans are not as active as some other breeds, which may make them more suitable for a busy household or one with multiple pets.
