The Birman Cat Survived Near Extinction

The tale of the sacred Birman begins in Burma, where legend says they were temple companions of priests. This lore helped earn the Birman the title of sacred cat.

The breed nearly vanished during World War II, with only two cats surviving in Europe. Through careful breeding, the restored breed was revived using other long-haired breeds while preserving their distinctive look.

Today, Birman breeders follow strict guidelines to maintain the unique appearance and temperament of this cherished cat breed.

The Birman cat breed is known for its silky, single coat with point markings on the face, ears, legs and tail. Their body is cream or fawn-colored, while the darker points come in various shades.

Their most iconic trait? The white paws, affectionately called white gloves.

Point varieties include:

Pure Birman litters often feature kittens whose names start with the same letter, following traditional breeding conventions supported by clubs like the Cat Fanciers Association and the International Cat Association.

The Birman is a social, loving companion. They’re known to be gentle yet playful and are especially fond of other pets and people. Though not as vocal as some other cat breeds, the Birman can be quite a talker, with soft cat meows that charm their humans.

They are heavily boned cats with a solid build, medium-length Roman noses and a somewhat rounded muzzle. Their hind legs are slightly longer than the front, giving them an elegant posture.

With their silky coat and medium long fur, Birmans require minimal grooming compared to other fluffy breeds. Their silky hair resists matting, but a weekly session with a metal comb keeps their coat looking its best.

Make sure to keep their nails trimmed, and provide scratching posts to satisfy their natural scratching instinct. A pregnant female Birman, like any queen, should be kept comfortable and monitored as kittens born into pure Birman litters may need special care.

From the pair named Orloff and Xenia de Kaabaa to today's show champions, the Birman has journeyed from temple cat to household icon. They blend the elegance of pointed cats with the warmth of a lap companion, earning their place among elite cat club rosters.

Whether you're enchanted by a lilac tabby point or a rare golden goddess of a blue cream point, the Birman cat remains one of the most beloved cat breeds in the world.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.