Birman
The sacred cat of Burma, with white gloves and sapphire eyes
The legend says Birmans were the temple cats of Burma, and that a white cat with golden eyes took on blue eyes and white paws when its priest died. The real history is less clear, but the modern breed was developed in France in the 1920s and spread to Britain and the United States after the Second World War.
Whatever its origins, the Birman is one of the sweetest, most sociable breeds around.
Birman at a glance
- Origin
- Burma (Myanmar) by legend, developed in France
- Size
- Medium to large
- Weight
- Females 3.5 to 5.5 kg, males 4.5 to 7 kg
- Lifespan
- Usually 12 to 16 years
- Coat
- Medium-long, silky, with little undercoat, so it rarely mats
- Colours
- Pointed colours (seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, tabby and tortie points) with white gloves
Personality scorecard
- Energy
- 3 out of 5
- Affection
- 5 out of 5
- Chattiness
- 2 out of 5
- Grooming needed
- 3 out of 5
- Good with children
- 5 out of 5
- Good with other pets
- 4 out of 5
Our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
What they look like
A Birman is a strong, medium-large, long-bodied cat with a rounded head, a slightly Roman nose and deep blue, nearly round eyes. The silky coat is pale with darker points on the face, ears, legs and tail, and every Birman has four neat white “gloves” on its front paws and longer white “laces” on the back ones. Kittens are born white.
Personality
Gentle, affectionate and sociable. Birmans tend to follow their people around, enjoy company and are usually good with children, dogs and other cats. They are playful but not wild, with a quiet voice, and they are happier with company than on their own all day.
Care and grooming
The silky coat has little undercoat and tangles less than some longhairs, but it still needs a comb through a couple of times a week. Provide companionship, gentle play and a safe, indoor or enclosed outdoor space. Feed a complete diet in measured portions.
Health to know about
Generally healthy. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), kidney problems and some inherited eye conditions have been reported in the breed, so ask breeders what health tests the parents have had. Regular vet checks help catch problems early.
Could suit
- Families with children
- Homes where someone is around most of the day
- People who want a gentle, sociable lap cat
Think twice if
- If you are out all day with no other pets
- If you want a fully independent cat
- If you will not comb a longer coat
“White gloves, blue eyes, big heart. I do not wear the gloves to be fancy. They simply came with the job.”
Compare the Birman
Name ideas for a Birman
- Mittens
- Sapphire
- Pearl
- Buddha
- Ivory
- Saffron
- Luna
- Blue
- Maya
- Mochi
Want more? Try the cat name generator, or find out their age in human years with the cat age calculator.
Questions people ask
Why do Birmans have white paws?
The breed standard calls for white “gloves” on the front paws and “laces” on the back, which come from a gene for white spotting. The legend says a temple cat’s feet turned white where it touched its priest.
Are Birmans good with children?
Yes, they are usually gentle, patient and sociable, which suits families.
Do Birmans need a lot of grooming?
Less than many longhairs, because the silky coat has little undercoat. A comb through a couple of times a week is usually enough.
Are Birman kittens born white?
Yes. Like other pointed breeds, their darker points develop as they grow.
Other breeds to meet
This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your own cat.
