This is the sacred cat of Burma, said to be a descendant of the cats that were kept in Buddhist temples in ancient times. According to the legends, a white longhaired temple cat was a particular priest's intermediary with the gods. The two mediated together in the temple until one day the priest was killed by invaders. The faithful cat remained with the body, all four paws upon its dead master. Suddenly its white coat took on a golden sheen, its yellow eyes changed to blue, and its tail, legs, nose, and ears became earth brown. But its four paws, still resting on the priest, remained pure white, as they are today. All temple thenceforward were of the same kind, and the death of each cat symbolizes the rise of a priest's soul to heaven. For many years this breed was protected by the priests in Burma. Only recently has it become well known in other countries.

The Birman has a long, rather thick body and short, stout legs. The head is wide, the cheeks are full, and the tail is long and full but not bushy. While the basic color is like the Siamese, Birmans have also been bred in a variety of color points: chocolate, seal, blue and lilac. The Birman is an affectionate cat and is rapidly gaining in popularity.