Though no clear record of the breed’s origin exists, legend has it that Birmans were once temple cats from Burma (now known as Myanmar). In the early 1920’s, Birmans were imported to France, where they were recognized as a breed in 1925. However, by the end of WWII, only two breeding Birmans were alive. To rebuild the breed, this pair and their offspring were outcrossed with other breeds such as Persians and Siamese. By the early 1950s, purebred Birman litters were once again being born. The restored breed was formally recognized by Britain in 1966, the United States in 1967, and The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979.
Renowned for their striking beauty and elegance, Birmans have stocky bodies, white feet, and a long, silken coat that comes in various color points. They are considered to be a medium- to large-sized cat, weighing between 6 and 14 pounds.
Birmans are deeply affectionate companions and they love to be around their family. They’re gentle, loyal, and possess sweet personalities. By nature, they frequently possess high levels of curiosity, spunk, and playfulness. They’re typically easy going and, with the support of their family, they can be quite adaptable. Birmans also get along well with children and other pets. In fact, unlike many felines, they often prefer not to be an only pet. Constantly ranked among the top 10 best cat breeds, the Birman makes the ideal pet.