the burmese beauty

How the Birman developed its signature look is a mystery, but few can argue that this cat makes for a lovely family companion.

Often known as The Sacred Cat of Burma, the Birman is said to have attained its eye-catching appearance from a blue-eyed goddess who rewarded a cat’s love by turning his yellow eyes blue and its paws to white as a symbol of purity.

Those with young children will find that Birmans make the perfect family pet, given their patience and fondness for being around people. Don’t be surprised if they find amusement in following you in and out of the kitchen, into the bedroom — and if not disciplined, even into the bathroom! Despite their seeming love for attention, these docile creatures are actually not exceptionally needy, and are content to just watch you and purr their approval with soft and delicate meows.

It’s not just humans that Birmans are drawn to. These curious creature’s shadowing habit applies to other animals — even dogs. Dog owners who are exploring the idea of bringing a cat into the family will thus be delighted that this is one feline that is happy to take a canine for a companion. In fact, Birmans do well in households were there are other pets, for the varied interaction addresses this intensely intelligent breed’s propensity for boredom. Other ways to avoid boredom — and a resultant fussiness — in your Birman is to make sure that a variety of stimulating toys are made available to it.

Adding to its list of family-friendly qualities is its single, easy-to-manage coat. This requires just weekly combing — but be prepared for seasonal shedding. This is especially common during the first half of the year. While Birmans are not officially considered hypoallergenic, it has been observed that their single coat causes them to shed less dander and fur, making them the perfect companion for anyone that suffers from allergies.

While Birmans are not predisposed to any medical conditions, they do tend to develop unusual compulsive behaviours, such as chewing and eating inedible items. So be sure to look out for such behaviour and ensure that toxic items are out of reach when keeping a Birman.