Birman Breeders like myself follow a written Standard of Perfection. I show and follow the CFA Birman Breed Standard Some other things about the birman that make them so special are. That they have only one layer of coat, which is very silky, this silky coat does not matt. We Birman Breeders fondly refer to them as the "wash and wear cat". Simple brushing of the coat once or twice a week will keep the yearly shed factor down to a minimum. All Birmans have blue eyes, the bigger and deeper in color the better. The Birman is a large stocky cat. Especially a male, as they say.. the bigger they are the mushier they get. The Birman girls tend to be a bit smaller than their male counterparts. None the less, they too are just as affectionate, they are just in a smaller package. What I find very endearing is that they're so much like little furry people. They find a way to take hold of your heart, with their headbumps, and soft voices. Some Birmans like to talk, a few of mine do. Its so cute to hold a conversation with one of them.

Probably the most recognized feature about the Birman is their white feet - they have four white paws known in the standard as gloves. For showing purposes, their front feet should meet in an even line across, and the back feet should do the same, but on the very back of the rear leg (the hock) the Birman's trademark laces are seen. The laces look like an inverted white V.

Now if you think that getting those markings perfect in every kitten is easy - well it isn't. That is all up to mother nature. This is where our lovely, but not perfecty marked babies comes in. These are the special ones for you the pet buyer. Though perhaps mismarked, or not as typey, they still are every bit a Birman. They make every home a wonderful family companion. The amount of white really doesn't matter, especially when they are curled up on your lap or when they are snuggled up in bed with you at night!

This link will take you to the story of how are Birmans came to be. This is the legend that has been passed down through the years. Some people believe it, and some do not. What I do know, is that the Sacred Cat of Burma is something to be treasured.

The Legend