There are several variations on the possible origin of Birmans. The oldest (and most widely held) is that Birmans did, indeed, originate in Burma, where they were considered sacred companions to the priests of the temple. One version is that in 1919 a pair of Birmans was sent to two Englishmen living in France, Major Gordon Russell and Mr. August Pavie, as thanks for help in defending the temple in an invasion. Another version is that an American millionaire traveling in the far east, Mr. Vanderbilt, obtained two cats smuggled from the temple by an unfaithful servant of the priests. Mr. Vanderbilt sent those cats to Mme. Thadde Hadisch in France.

However this breed came into being, it is generally accepted that there was a pair of Birmans sent to France. En route the male, Madalpour, died. The pregnant female, Sita, survived the voyage and produced kittens. One kitten, a female named Poupee was bred to a cat of another breed, perhaps a Siamese, to preserve the breed.

There is yet another version that has Birmans originating in France. We do know for certain that Birmans were officially recognized in France in 1925. After World War II it is commonly held that there may have been only one breeding pair of Birmans remaining. To ensure that the breed did not become extinct, outcrosses were necessary. Other breeds of cats, almost certainly Persians and possibly other breeds as well, were recruited as outcrosses. Birmans were exported around Europe, and many can trace their ancestry to England and France. They received championship status in England in 1966 and from CFA in 1967. Although several other organizations around the world recognize red and lynx factor Birmans, CFA currently recognizes only seal, chocolate, blue and lilac in the show ring.

The ideal Birman is a large, long stocky cat. It has long silky hair, not as thick as that of the Persian, and is of a texture that doesn’t mat. The color of the coat is light, preferably with a golden cast, as if misted with gold. The “points” - face, legs and tail - are darker, similar to the Siamese and colorpointed Persian color patterns of seal point, blue point, chocolate point and lilac point. The almost round eyes are blue, set in a strong face with heavy jaws, full chin and Roman nose with nostrils set low. The very distinctive white feet are ideally symmetrical. The gloves on the front feet, if perfect, go across in an even line, and on the back feet end in a point up the back of the leg, called laces. It is very difficult to breed a cat with four perfect white gloves. The Birman personality is marvelous - gentle, active, playful, but quiet and unobtrusive if you are busy with other things.