The French recognized the Scare de Birmanie in 1925. Loss of breeding animals during World War II led to a program of outcrosses for several years after the war. To be recognized as Birman, most registries require at least five generations after the outcrossings. Moderate in temperament, they are extraordinarily social and soft voiced. Males mature at varying ages with most ready to mate at 12 and 24 months.
Females are very maternal, having average litters of three to five kittens.
Kittens are born completely white and although they begin to show point color anytime from two days to two weeks, it takes much longer for them to show their potential quality. By 18 months a Birman will have matured, but it may not attain its full growth until its third year. CFA has now allowed AOV Birmans. Allowing for an increase the size of the gene pool and to introduce new colors such as flame point, tortie point and lynx point. Availability Birmans remain relatively uncommon.