Cat Breed · Burma/France
Birman
Sacred temple cats with silky coats, blue eyes, and white 'gloves' on each paw.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Birman, or 'Sacred Cat of Burma', is a medium-sized, semi-longhaired colourpoint breed known for deep blue eyes and pure white 'gloves' on every paw. Gentle, quiet and affectionate, it is a calm, people-loving companion that follows its owners devotedly without being overly demanding.
Birman: At a Glance
| Origin | Burma/France |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (3–6 kg) |
| Weight | 3-6 kg (7-13 lb), with males larger than females |
| Lifespan | 13–17 years |
| Coat | A medium-long, silky single coat with no woolly undercoat, which means it mats far less than most longhairs and never feels heavy. Shedding is light to moderate; a quick brush once or twice a week keeps the coat glossy and tangle-free, with a little extra attention around the ruff and 'breeches'. Bathing is rarely needed. |
| Temperament | Gentle, quiet, affectionate |
| Good with | An excellent all-round family cat that suits first-time owners, families with children, and homes with other cats or gentle dogs. Its calm, sociable and adaptable nature makes it well suited to flats and quieter households alike. Birmans dislike being left alone for long stretches, so they do best where someone is often home or where they have a companion animal for company. |
History & Origins
The Birman's origins are wrapped in legend, the most famous tale linking it to temple cats of Burma whose markings were said to be a gift from a blue-eyed goddess. In documented history, the breed was established in France in the 1920s, reputedly from cats brought from Burma, and was officially recognised there in 1925. The European population was nearly wiped out during the Second World War, reportedly reduced to just two cats, and was rebuilt through careful outcrossing. The breed reached Britain and the United States in the following decades and remains a popular pedigree companion today.
Birman Fun Facts
- Every Birman has four symmetrical white 'gloves' on its paws, a defining show point that breeders work hard to perfect.
- Birman kittens are born almost pure white and develop their colourpoints and gloves over the following weeks and months.
- The breed's deep sapphire-blue eyes are a fixed standard, unlike many breeds where eye colour varies.
- After near-extinction in 1940s Europe, the entire modern breed was rebuilt from a tiny surviving foundation.
Birman Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Thickening of the heart muscle that may cause sudden illness or heart failure.
Care: Breeding cats should be screened; affected cats may need lifelong medication under veterinary care.
Kidney disease
Kidney disease can occur in this breed and may need veterinary monitoring.
Care: Discuss prevention and treatment with your vet.
Dental disease
Plaque and tartar build-up leads to gum infection and tooth loss.
Care: Brush teeth regularly and schedule professional dental cleanings as your vet advises.
Every cat deserves a chance
Whatever breed you love, countless cats live without a home or care. A symbolic adoption or a gift to WARN funds community-cat welfare — neutering, vaccination and treatment for cats most people never see.
