The Birman Cat

The Birman is a large cat with a semi-long  top coat and plush undercoat. The head is round with broad ears and the nose is only slightly shortened, not compressed like the Himalayan cat which it resembles. White paws will also set the Birman apart when trying to identify this cat.  Images of large and well-furred, white footed cats appear for centuries in the literature of Burma, and the breed was highly prized and carefully developed by the High Priests of the land. Size, color and personality are most important in the breed standard, and the  cat should have a regal, and lovely presence. The modern breed can be traced back to a pair given to a French soldier as a gift from a Burmese priest. The Birman is a big, gentle, beautiful cat  that gets along nicely with dogs and kids.  

 Cool Cat Facts...
It is said that the Birman Cat gets it's white paws from walking in the sacred temples of Burma where the high priests selectively bred them for beauty and size.  Blue eyes, full coat and white mittens are a must!                                                                 

Is A Birman Cat Right For You?

The Birman cat is recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the world's largest cat organization. and is one of the most popular pure-bred or "pedigreed" domestic cat breeds. The breed can be traced to ancient Burmese temples where high priests created the exotic and luxurious look. The Birman must be a "color point" meaning a pale white to tan background with legs, tail and muzzle of a darker shade, anywhere from blue to red to black. The coat is plush with a heavy undercoat and regular grooming is required. These are sturdy, large sized cats that have few breed-related health issues. Because it is quiet, laid-back and enjoys gentle interaction the Birman cat is a nice family cat that does very well with considerate children, and makes a lovely "lap-cat."  The centuries of domestication and refinement as a true companion and "house cat" are evident, and this gorgeous breed excels as a perfect modern day pet.  This cat is an excellent choice for folks living in apartments. They are quiet, gentle, and patient, particularly with elderly people or infirmed individuals.

Birman Cat Breed Standards

Head Shape: The head should be broad, large, and rounded, slightly flatter between the ears. The muzzle is broad and well-formed with a slightly roman nose, never compressed, or broken. Full, round cheeks and a firm chin. Ears should be broad at the base, medium in size with rounded tips. Eyes are large, round, and bright blue in color. 
Body and Tail: The body should be full but firm, longer than tall, with medium length legs of good bone and substance. The paws should be noticeably full, large, and rounded.
Coat: The coat should be full and flowing, of medium length with a silky texture. A full ruff around the face and neck is desirable.
Pattern: Pointed pattern with a cream, buff or tan base, and seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, tortie or red points, much like the Siamese cat. All four paws must have solid white mittens. The fronts should ideally stop in a straight line at the ankle, or right as the foot joins the leg. In the rear, the white may rise higher, in what are called "laces".  Symmetry of these markings is very desirable. White going passed the dew claws in front or the hocks in back is not desireable.
Overall Appearance: This should be a full-bodied, full-coated large size cat with a regal presence. Well-pointed color and four white paws with blue eyes all required. A sweet-natured, gorgeous example of a perfect domestic house cat.

Inside Cat or Outside Cat?

Wondering if you should allow your cat to go outside unsupervised? Well there are definitely some pure breeds that should never be outside cats. Hairless breeds like the Sphynx are extremely vulnerable and should always be supervised outdoors. Docile breeds like the Burmese may not be able to defend themselves. All cats allowed outdoors are exposed to diseases and parasites that they would not otherwise encounter. Fred Flintstone put his saber-tooth out every night, but the cat jumped right back in the window - and he was a saber-tooth! Still, most of us feel a little envy when we see our domestic companion out on some high perch, sniffing the breeze of liberty, and there is no doubt that cats love their freedom. So what do YOU think ....Inside Cat or Outside Cat? Comment Here...

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