Few cat owners can claim that their pet was blessed by the gods, but that’s what the Birman’s backstory tells us. This is a quiet and reserved breed that bears resemblance to the Siamese cat but has its own personality. And with Birman cat pet insurance from PIA, you can ensure that your cat enjoys a heaven-on-earth lifestyle as the most comfortable member of your family.
The ‘Sacred Cat of Burma’, the Birman is said to have received its striking colouration from a blue-eyed goddess. As the legend goes, the Birman was a lowly temple cat that felt such love and devotion for the priest, that the goddess was compelled to turn his yellow eyes blue and his white coat to a golden colour.
Few feline breeds can make such lofty claims regarding their origin. The real origin story of the Birman is a bit less clear. What we do know is that the Birman is most likely the result of a cross between a Siamese cat and either a Persian or an Angora. Whether this cross took place in Southeast Asia or back in Europe is another matter.
The male cat died in transit, but not before impregnating the female. As far as historical record is concerned, it appears that these two cats were the founding members of the Birman breed, at least as it exists in modernity.
20-25 cm
2.7 – 4.5 kg
Patient, even-tempered, tolerant and sweet
13-15 years
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital hypotrichosis, corneal dermoid, spongiform degeneration
Burma
Silky, medium-length overcoat with very little undercoat
Several point variations available, including frost, blue, chocolate, red and seal
Weekly combing and brushing should be carried out with more frequency during seasonal shedding; obesity may become an issue if not properly exercised.
The Birman has a long body and is heavily built. Males can become particularly large, to the point that they appear quite stocky. It has a triangular shaped head, though it’s so broad that it often comes across as rounded.
This is a typical colourpoint cat (like the Siamese), and it has four white feet. The aforementioned legend tells us that the white feet are a reminder of its purity. Its ears are medium-sized.
There are several features that set the Birman apart from other South-East Asian breeds. For example, it has markings similar to the Siamese Cat and the Thai Cat, but it’s considerably less vocal. The Birman is friendly and affectionate, but tends to form a stronger bond with its owner whilst remaining more aloof to strangers.
PIA is able to provide comprehensive pet insurance for Birman cats. If you would like to learn more about our various cover options, you’ll find more information right here on our website. Likewise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch should you have any specific questions.
*This promotion entitles you to the equivalent of 2 months free premium over the first year of cover. The discount will be spread over the course of the first year and deducted from the standard monthly payment. The quote provided shall include this discount.The discounted premium will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance, which is sent on acceptance of your policy. Please note this offer only applies to new policies. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
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