Many people love the Sacred Birman. It’s easy to see why, as this breed is not only beautiful with its steel-blue eyes and velvety soft coat, but it’s also truly affectionate. Want to know more about this cat breed? We tell you everything here!
In this blog:
- The origin of the Sacred Birman
- The personality of the Sacred Birman
- The appearance and coat of the Sacred Birman
- Caring for the Sacred Birman
- The health of a Sacred Birman
- How long does the Sacred Birman live?
- Buying a Sacred Birman (kitten)
1. The Origin of the Sacred Birman
The exact origin of the Sacred Birman is somewhat of a mystery. One legend tells the story of a white temple cat that changed color when ‘his’ priest passed away. The blue eyes are said to have been a gift from the temple goddess, and the color of the coat reflects the brown color of the earth. However, another more plausible story is that this breed is a cross between French Siamese, domestic cats, and Persians.
These cat trees are perfect for Sacred Birman cats!
2. The Personality of the Sacred Birman
Charming, calm, intelligent, and modest. Peaceful, gentle, and tolerant. These are the characteristics of the Sacred Birman’s personality. It’s a sweet and calm cat breed, one that doesn’t necessarily enjoy sitting on your lap but forms a close bond with its owners. It also tends to focus on one person in particular. This breed loves peace and quiet but doesn’t like being alone. So if you want a Sacred Birman, make sure that someone is often at home.
3. The Appearance and Coat of the Sacred Birman
This cat breed is neither small nor large – it has an average build. They weigh between three and six kilograms, with males usually being larger. The coat is medium to long in length, the ears are small, and their eyes are beautifully blue. An important characteristic of a Sacred Birman’s coat is the point markings, which are the darker, contrasting areas on their face, ears, tail, and legs.
The feet (gloves) of the Sacred Birman are always completely white, which is very characteristic of this breed. The color of the coat on their belly is often lighter than the rest.
The Point Colors of the Sacred Birman
- Light blue-gray
- Blue-gray
- Dark brown
- Milk chocolate brown
- Light red
- Red
The Patterns of the Sacred Birman
- Tabbypoint (striped)
- Tortiepoint (tortoiseshell spotted)
- A combination of these
Sacred Birman kittens are born white. Their color and pattern emerge as they mature.
4. Caring for the Sacred Birman
Because a Sacred Birman has a medium to long coat, you need to brush and comb it once or twice a week. Otherwise, tangles will form. It’s good to start doing this when the cat is young, as they will get used to it, just like brushing teeth, cleaning ears, and (carefully) trimming nails. Otherwise, you care for this beautiful breed just like any other cat with a safe home, lots of love and attention, fresh water and high-quality food every day, always clean litter boxes with good litter, and toys and a soft cat bed. And of course:
- A cat tree that suits a Sacred Birman
- Protection against worms, fleas, and ticks
- Regular visits to the vet
- Vaccinations against cat diseases
And because the Sacred Birman is so intelligent, you can make it happy with games and interactive cat toys.
Discover here what the care of a cat roughly costs
5. The Health of a Sacred Birman
Pedigree cats are bred for unique characteristics. The Sacred Birman also has traits that make it special, such as:
- Medium to long coat
- Color: cream
- Blue eyes
Do you think a Sacred Birman might be a good fit for you? Be sure to thoroughly research the health of this breed. Many pedigree cats are prone to hereditary conditions. Sacred Birmans, for example, have a higher risk of kidney failure and heart failure. It’s important to be aware of this.
Want to bring a healthy cat into your home? Consult a veterinarian for advice. You can also check the websites of Dier & Recht and the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority for information on the breed’s health, its legal status, and regulations for breeders.
Always buy a Sacred Birman from a reputable breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This ensures that the cat is healthy and well cared for. Always ask the breeder for health documentation or a guarantee for extra peace of mind.
6. How long does a Sacred Birman live?
Because this breed of cat is so healthy, its life expectancy is also higher than that of other pedigree cats. A Sacred Birman can live from fifteen to twenty years, provided it is well cared for and happy.
7. Buying a Sacred Birman (Kitten)
Want to buy a Sacred Birman kitten? Visit a recognized breeder, preferably one affiliated with a breed association. This ensures that you are purchasing a healthy, well-socialized cat that has been bred in an animal-friendly way. Always ask for the papers, a health certificate, and check the kitten’s parents. Also, take a look at the breeder’s facility: is it clean and homely, and are the parents present? These are good signs. Avoid buying cats through marketplaces like Marktplaats, eBay, or from unlicensed breeders.
A Sacred Birman from a good breeder costs about 1000 euros. Looking for a cat but don’t necessarily want a pedigree one? Consider checking shelters or adoption agencies. Many loving cats are waiting for a good home.
And remember: you don’t get a cat for just a short time, but for its whole life. Are you ready to care for the animal and set aside money for its care and vet visits? Then the Sacred Birman could very well become your new best friend!
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Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a vet or a behaviourist: all content, information and tips on this blog are meant to inspire you and are informative only. Does your cat have complaints or problems? Or do you have doubts about your cat’s health? Always go to the vet or a behaviourist.
