The Birman has also been called "The Sacred Cat of Burma", much of their history is shrouded in mystery. The Birman was recognized as a separate breed in 1925 by the French Cat Registry. By the end of WWII, only two Birmans were left alive in Europe, and a program of breeding and out-crossing was necessary to re-establish the breed. England recognized Birmans, for championship, in 1966. They were recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association in 1967.

The ideal Birman is a large, long stocky cat. It has long silky hair of a texture that does not mat. The Birman is a color pointed cat, the color of the body is light, preferably with a golden cast, as if misted with gold. The "points" - face, ears, legs, and tail - are darker. The four traditional colors are seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point. May 1, 2001 marked the acceptance by CFA of the “new color” Birmans, which includes the lynx patterns and red spectrum cats, bringing the total different color varieties to 20. Birmans have almost round blue eyes, set in a strong face with heavy jaws, full chin, and a Roman nose. They have very distinctive white feet, called "gloves" and the white 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's nature is kind and gentle, yet active and playful. They are loving and sensitive cats, and enjoy living closely with humans.