Birman
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Few cat owners can claim that their pet was blessed by the gods, but that’s what the Birman’s backstory tells us. This is a quiet and reserved breed that bears resemblance to the Siamese cat but has its own personality. And with Birman cat pet insurance from PIA, you can ensure that your cat enjoys a heaven-on-earth lifestyle as the most comfortable member of your family.
The ‘Sacred Cat of Burma’, the Birman is said to have received its striking colouration from a blue-eyed goddess. As the legend goes, the Birman was a lowly temple cat that felt such love and devotion for the priest, that the goddess was compelled to turn his yellow eyes blue and his white coat to a golden colour.
Few feline breeds can make such lofty claims regarding their origin. The real origin story of the Birman is a bit less clear. What we do know is that the Birman is most likely the result of a cross between a Siamese cat and either a Persian or an Angora. Whether this cross took place in Southeast Asia or back in Europe is another matter.
Much more likely (and significantly less fanciful) is that a pair of Europeans – a British Major named Russell and a Frenchman named Auguste Pavie – received a temple cat each in Burma in thanks for services they provided.
The male cat died in transit, but not before impregnating the female. As far as historical record is concerned, it appears that these two cats were the founding members of the Birman breed, at least as it exists in modernity.
BIRMAN: FAST FACTS
Average Height
20-25 cm
Average Weight
2.7 – 4.5 kg
Temperament
Patient, even-tempered, tolerant and sweet
Lifespan
13-15 years
Known Genetic Issues
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital hypotrichosis, corneal dermoid, spongiform degeneration
Country of Origin
Burma
Coat
Silky, medium-length overcoat with very little undercoat
Coat Colours
Several point variations available, including frost, blue, chocolate, red and seal
Specific Care Requirements
Weekly combing and brushing should be carried out with more frequency during seasonal shedding; obesity may become an issue if not properly exercised.
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Birman Characteristics
The Birman has a long body and is heavily built. Males can become particularly large, to the point that they appear quite stocky. It has a triangular shaped head, though it’s so broad that it often comes across as rounded.
This is a typical colourpoint cat (like the Siamese), and it has four white feet. The aforementioned legend tells us that the white feet are a reminder of its purity. Its ears are medium-sized.
There are several features that set the Birman apart from other South-East Asian breeds. For example, it has markings similar to the Siamese Cat and the Thai Cat, but it’s considerably less vocal. The Birman is friendly and affectionate, but tends to form a stronger bond with its owner whilst remaining more aloof to strangers.
Our Pet Insurance Cover Options
Pet Essentials
Includes emergency boarding fees, overseas pet travel insurance & more.
Comprehensive
Covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills, offers multi-pet discounts & more.
Major Medical
Includes routine care cover, covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills & more.