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Purina New Zealand
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Birman

Birman

With her marvelous, social personality, the Birman doesn’t like being the only animal in the house. She is active and playful but quiet if you are busy. This healthy, long-lived breed has an outstanding semi-long silky coat that does not mat and a luxurious, long bottle-brush tail. Brilliant blue, almost-round eyes are prominent features of her sweet expression.

DID YOU KNOW?: A cat of mystery and legend, the Birman was the sacred cat of Burma, believed to be the companions of the priests of the temple.

The need-to-know
  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
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Birman
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Pet Card

  • Living Considerations: Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
  • Size: Medium to large, with males weighing 4 to 7 kilograms and females weighing 2.5 to 4.5 kilograms
  • Coat: Medium to long
  • Temperament: Affectionate, active, social
  • Grooming: Daily
  • Shedding: Yes
  • Vocalisation: Generally soft-spoken
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Birman cat is lying on the couch
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Personality

Birman cats are known as especially loving and affectionate breeds, having been bred as companion cats for many generations. They are docile and quietly spoken. Birman cats are sociable, smart and friendly cats, curious and people-oriented, but not too noisy.

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Woman is stroking Birman cat, who is lying on the windowsill
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History and Origins

Country of Origin: Burma/France

Other Names: Sacred cat of Burma

While there is no clear record of the origin of Birman cats, one pair was taken to France around 1919, from which the breed became established in the western world. However, Birman cats were almost wiped out as a breed during World War II and were heavily outcrossed with long-hair breeds (mainly Persians) and also Siamese lines to rebuild the breed. By the early 1950s, pure Birman cat litters were once again being produced. The restored breed was recognised in Britain in 1965.

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