There are relatively few Sacred Birmans in the world. The main reason is that serious breeders approach breeding very responsibly: the quality of selection, the matching of bloodlines, and the physical and mental health of the offspring matter more to them than commercial success.
The Sacred Birman is a semi-long-haired colour-point breed. Its main distinguishing feature is the white “socks”, or “gloves”, on the front paws and the “laces” on the hind legs, over the point colour of the legs themselves.
The breed is very ancient. Its country of origin is Burma, now Myanmar. The monks revered these cats as sacred, and that is where the name comes from. In France the breed was officially recognised in 1925, where it is called Sacré de Birmanie and considered a national treasure. After the Second World War the breed had to be restored with the help of Persians and Siamese, and this conservation work continues in catteries to this day.
The Birman is a medium-sized cat, from 3.5 kg in females to 7 kg in males. At the same time it looks massive, even majestic, is well proportioned and physically strong. Birmans live long lives, on average from 14 to 18 years.
The breed’s temperament is calm and affectionate, but not phlegmatic. A Birman is not intrusive, yet loves to be near people: it will come into the room where you are working and settle down nearby. It gets along wonderfully with children and other animals, as long as they are not aggressive.
The breed’s health is robust, but predispositions exist, as in any breed: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, more rarely polycystic kidney disease and glaucoma, and a tendency to gain weight. These are rare compared with other breeds, and prevention is simple: an annual heart ultrasound, especially after the age of five, quality food and exercise. This is exactly why we believe it is important to take a kitten from a breeder who knows their breeding cats and stands behind them.