Also known as the Sacred Cat of Burma The Birman is an intelligent and clever longhaired cat with quiet gentle charm. Less nervous than a Siamese, less placid than a Persian, it is adaptable, playful, easy to train, sociable, good with other animals and children. It is very affectionate towards its owners, if a little distant with strangers. The Birman will want to be part of the family. Relatively undemanding, it does not like to be confined but prefers the freedom to roam the house. It likes venturing outside, but not staying out. Its silky coat requires less grooming than the coat of a Persian.