"Legend tells us that the ancient temples of Burma were once guarded by beautiful golden eyed, white cats. It was believed that these cats carried the souls of their beloved priests to heaven. One night, the temple came under attac by intruders from the nearrby Siam, and the head priest, Mun-Ha, was killed. At the moment of his death, his companion cat named Sinh, placed his feet on his master and faced the goddess Tsun Kyan-Kse. As Mun0Ha took his last breath, Sinh's body began to transform. His white fur took on a golden cast and his golden eyes turned as blue as the eyes of the goddess. His ears, nose, tail and legs became dark like the earth, marking the impurity of all that touches the ground. His feet, however, where they touched the priest, remained pure white as a symbol of purity. Sevendays later, Sinhdied, taking the soul of Mun-Ha to paradise."
This is the legend. What is known as fact, isthat the first Birmans appeared in Frnace in 1919, where they were recognised as a seperate breed by 1925. By the end of World War II, hardly any Birmans were alive and it was necessary to re-establis the breed. This was done thanks to devoted breeders, and by the 1960's, the Birman were againplentiful and exported around the world. They found their way to the USA, and in 1967 the were recognised by the Fanciers' Assocation.
Conformation and Colour.
The Birman, is classified as a semilong-haired cat. They have a long, stocky and muscular body. The Birman face and muzzle are medium and round, the eyes set wide apart, medium in size, round and always blue. The coat colour is white to cream, with coloured points - similar to the coat patterns of the siamese and Colourpoint Persians. The most common point colours are Seal (dark brown) Blue (slate grey), followed by Lilac and Chocolate. Today new colours and paterns being developed, include Red and Cream-Points, as well as Tabby, Tortie and Tortie-Tabby points. With age, the coat developes a "golden mist" of shading, which is more apparent in Sealpoints.
Fancy Feet
Birmans are most easily identified by their four snow feet, called gloves. At shows, they are judged on the symmetry of the gloves, which therefor play an important part when determining the quality of the kittens.
Developement and Reproduction
Litters average between 3 and 5 kittens which are all born pure white. The body points become visible at about 10 days., but it can be up to 12 weeks or more before a true evaluation of the quality of the kitten can be made. Slow to mature, the Birman does not achieve full growth in size, bone structure and colour until its third year.
Low Maintenance
Often compared to rabbit fur, the Birman has a very soft, silky coat that rarely mats, making it very simple to maintain. A quick combing every day or tw is all that is needed to keep your Birman look immaculate.
Character and Temperament
The Wonderful relaxed and patient nature of the Birman, makes them easily adaptable to their environment. Very affectionate and faithful, they enjoy interacting with people and each other, talking a lot with a soft cooing voice. Polite and dignified, the Birman rarely finds it necessary to raise its voice when conveying its thoughts and wishes. The direct, sustained eye contact and facial expressions are usually enough to force its owner into submission, because a Birman's wish is its human's command. They are loyal and devoted, seldom letting you out of sight for long. They love to follow you frokm room to room, assisting in your daily chores. Sometimes a lap cat, but alsways a people cat, most Birmans will place themselves within petting distance. If you like the beauty and elegance of a longhaired cat, the dramatic contrast of a colourpointed cat and would enjoy and intelligent and devoted companion and friend, the Birman might just be the breed for you.
Availability
Even though they've been in South Africa since the 70s, the Birman remained very unknown for a number of years. Fortunately, there are now a number of new breeders countrywide and with all the new lines imported during the past few years, this wonderful breed should soon be re-established in South Africa
This information published with the permission of the
Birman Fanciers Group of SA,
P O Box 49029
East End
Durban
4018
Tel/Fax: +27 (0)31 708 2412
Email: [email protected]
