The Birman’s origins are mysterious but enchanting. One popular legend from ancient Burma proclaims that this breed was a favorite cat with Kittah priests. One day, robbers invaded the Khmer Temple in Burma to steal a golden statute in the image of the blue-eyed goddess Tsun-Kyan-Kse. Mun-Ha, the high priest was injured during this confrontation. As he lay dying, his loyal Birman named Sinh, was said to come to his side and gently rest his paws on his chest, offering him companionship in his final moments. The priest died and his cat was transformed. Sinh’s fur turned golden like the goddess and his eyes took on the color of the goddess. His paws were turned pure white, symbolizing the feline’s devotion to his dying priest.
Birmans first came to Europe in the late 1910s and the first Birmans arrived in the United Stations in the late 1950s.
A Birman naming tradition remains intact. Most Birman breeders residing in North America, specifically those who show their cats name their kittens born in a specific year with the same letter of the alphabet. Birmans born in 2014 in the United States, for example, are registered by breeders/exhibitors with names beginning with the letter “L.” These names always follow the breeder's cattery name.
Birmans first came to Europe in the late 1910s and the first Birmans arrived in the United Stations in the late 1950s.
A Birman naming tradition remains intact. Most Birman breeders residing in North America, specifically those who show their cats name their kittens born in a specific year with the same letter of the alphabet. Birmans born in 2014 in the United States, for example, are registered by breeders/exhibitors with names beginning with the letter “L.” These names always follow the breeder's cattery name.
Debra Sullens Mankato, MN (507) 382-6244
