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of all - it´s a CAT! It belongs to the group of semi-longhaired cats such
as for instance the Norwegian Forestcat. But other than that the two breeds do
not have much in common.
The Birman is in many ways a "medium"
cat - meaning it is of medium size, has a slightly stretched body with short,
sturdy legs.
The head is often described as "heart shaped"
with full cheeks, medium nose length and a rounded forehead with NO stop. The
eyes are rounded to slightly oval - the colour is blue - the deeper, the better.
The coat is semi-long, silky with little wool.This makes grooming quite easy.
The Birman is a "masqued" cat, meaning it has a light, egg shell
coloured body, and the masque is the contrasting coloured points: head, ears,
legs and tail. The hallmark of the Birman are the white socks. The ideal socks
are all alike, ending just above the toeline on all 4 legs. On the back of hind
legs the glove should end in points looking like an inverted "V".
The Birman is presently recognized in 20 colour varieties, from the original
sealpoint to the more "douce" colours such as lilacpoints or cremepoints.
The white socks can be quite difficult to see on the legs of the lighter
masque coloured cats, but they ARE there.
The perfect Birman is described
in the FIFe standard. Or ask your local Birman federation for info. The PERFECT
Birman is very hard to make, but luckily the good nature of the Birman has nothing
to do with good or bad markings on the legs!
The Birman has a very "medium"
temper. It is a gentle, devoted cat. Very curious but in no way dominant. Many
describe the caracter as something between the tempremental Siamese and the dull
Persian - but the Birman has his very own personality!
He likes to be
the life of the party. He is very playfull - when it suits him, and he loves to
cuddle with his owner. According to my experiences, the Birman is also VERY good
with kids, that is if he has grown up with children who have been treating him
right. It is a very sweet cat that normally has the patience of an angel! In case
of problems it is usually because the child went too far - and that is normally
quite a way!! (c) Song-Hio
Birmans
THE LEGEND OF THE SACRED CAT OF BURMA
Many
centuries ago by a sparkling lake, in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains,
the temple of Lao-Tsun was guarded by 100 yellow-eyed white cats with long silken
hair. The temple housed a beautiful golden goddess with sapphire blue eyes who
watched over the transmutation of souls. The head monk, Mun-ha, whose beard had
been braided with gold by the enlighten one, often knelt in meditation before
the golden goddess,Tsun-Kyan-Kse. At his side was his faithful and beloved companion,
a beautiful temple cat named Sinh. Sinh would always shared in his master's meditation.
As the monk meditated, Sinh would gaze steadily at the golden goddess beautiful
sapphire blue eyes.
One night as the moon rose, Mun-ha was in communion
with the sacred goddess, Tsun-Kyan-Kse. He was deep in a transcendental state.
So deep was his devotion, that he suffered no pain when the temple was attacked
by marauders and Mun-ha was killed. At the moment of his masters death, Sinh placed
his paws upon the monk's flowing robes and faced the golden goddess. Instantly,
an amazing transformation took place. The hairs of Sinh's white fur were as though
misted with a golden glow which radiated from the beautiful golden goddess. Her
deep sapphire blue eyes became Sinh very own. His face, ears, legs and tail became
the velvety brown color of rich earth, but his four paws resting gently on his
master, remained perfect white, a symbol of purity. The next morning the temple
radiated with the transformation of the remaining ninety-nine white cats which
with Sinh reflected the golden hue of a hundred brilliant sunrises. Sinh did not
move from his place He stayed on the spot of his masters death, and gazed fervently
into the sapphire eyes of the goddess. Exactly seven days later Sinh died carrying
with him into Nirvana the soul of his beloved master,the monk Mun-ha.
A veil of mystery surrounding this initial background of the Birmans. According
to the explorer, Auguste Pavie who made a study of this subject stated the pointed
cats of all colors, some mitted and some not, can be seen in todays temples. He
believes that because the numerous wars waged in Northern Burma by the Siamese
and the Annamites through out history, that it is very likely that the origin
of the Birman evolved from a cross between the Siamese cat and the Annamites cats.
But as with all legends there is am element of truth. How much truth only the
Birman knows and that is a secret that will be eternally theirs. ... BIRMAN.
THE HISTORY OF THE SACRED BURMA 1885-1925
Near the beginning
of this century, in a similar incidence that had occurred in the legend, the sacred
temple was once again attacked. Major Gordon Russell an officer in the English
army serving in Burma came to the aid of the monks. As a gesture of gratitude
the monks sent Auguste Pavie then living in France, a pair of Sacred Temple Cats
wearing "Nine Silver Bells. Unfortunately, the male did not survive the ocean
trip but the female was pregnant thus, providing the foundation of the Birman
Breed. In 1925 the Birman made it show debut in France.
Once more misfortune
struck. During World War II the breed was reduced to only a single pair. Through
careful out crossing the Birman once again came back. In the early 1960s the Birman
had made its appearance in Britain where Mrs. Else Fisher imported the first Birmans.
Since then the breed has been gaining in popularity. In he United States CFA (the
Cat Fanciers Association) accepted the Birman Breed for championship in 1967.
(can't remember where I found this)
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