About Birmans

The Birman possesses an unusually affectionate, intelligent and playful character. A Birman thrives in a family environment and maintains an easygoing demeanor even in the company of young children or other animals. A Birman does all in his power to please his companion (including tolerating being dressed up in baby cothes).

The Birman comes in a "rainbow" of acceptable colors: the tradtional colors of Seal Point, Blue Point, Chocolate Point and Lilac Point, and Red factors colors including Red Point (Flame Point), Cream Point, and Tortie and Blue Cream Points. The Lynx or Tabby pattern is also available in these colors.

Birmans are easy care cats and is notably called the "maintenance free" cat. A Birman has a "single-layered" medium to long haired coat and does not have the “cotton” undercoat that tends to tangle and mat. . The texture is silky often compared to rabbit fur. Maintaining a Birman is as easy as brushing and combing once or twice a week and an occasional bath. We use a greyhound combs (see grooming) , a small slicker brush and a flea comb can be used on the face and ears. We maintain a bi-monthly bathing regime followed by towel or blow-drying and a good combing. Bathing will keep the coat soft and silky, cut down on shedding and decrease allergic reactions (I am allergic to cats).

A Birman can be distinguished easily from a Siamese, Balinese or Ragdoll by its saphire blue eyes, long silky coat and most of all by their four white feet. The markings on the front feet should be symetrical. The back feet are symetrically white on the top and white extends about half way up the back of the hock in an inverted "V" pattern called a "lace".

The Birman breed matures slowly. A young adult reaches maturity at approximately 3 years of age. Birman males range from 10 - 14 pounds and females range from 7 - 9 pounds.

An average Birman litter is usually 3 or 4 kittens. The kittens are born all white but show some color on their nose leather and ears at about 4 - 7 days. Point color begins to intensify and is usually developed enough to evaluate kitten markings between 12 - 16 weeks; Red factor and dilute colors (Lilac and Chocolate) may take 6 months or longer.

Blue Kitten

10 weeks old