The Birman is a breed of domestic cat. This breed has a pale cream colored body and colored points of Seal, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Seal Tortie, Cream, Blue Cream, Chocolate/Lilac tortie, Seal Tabby, Blue Tabby, Chocolate Tabby, Lilac Tabby, Red/Cream Tabby, Tortie Tabby, Lynx or Red Factor colors on the legs, tail and face. The body type varies from Persian-type to Siamese-type. Birmans differ from conventional colour-point cats by their white paws called gloves. The coat is medium-length, not as long and thick as a Persian's, and does not mat. Their most striking feature is their clear blue eyes, which remain blue throughout their life. Some have described their eyes as 'Twin Pools of Serenity'.
The Birman is said to have originated in western Burma, and certainly cats with similar markings are recorded in documents from ancient Thailand. One story claims that a pair was given as a gift to an Englishman named Major Gordon Russell and his friend August Pavie. The story is relatively hazy, but claims that two cats were sent to France in 1919 to August Pavie and Major Russell Gordon, and breeding started immediately. The male died on the voyage, but the female survived and was in kitten.
Birmans have been bred for their temperament, and companionship, and they form a great affinity with their owner and their family. They are extremely intelligent creatures, and take a genuine interest in whatever is taking place around them. They are also very inquisitive, and playful, particularly when young, and require plenty of stimulation and attention.
