A Family-Friendly Cat Breed Known For Its Gorgeous Blue Eyes Is Also Easy To Train

If you're looking for a beautiful, intelligent, and easy-going cat breed, look no further than the Birman. Known widely as the "sacred cat of Burma," the country now known as Myanmar, this gorgeous cat breed's origins are wrapped in mystery. Intriguingly, some tales state that the breed is related to Burmese temple cats — an ancient companion of Burma's priests. 

Regardless of the Birman's exact origins, the breed is still popular today for its unique coat and its smarts. There have even been some Birman cat stars — most notably, Choupette, a Birman owned by the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. And it's easy to see why so many love the Birman. Among this breed's most favorable traits are its easy trainability and desire to be around humans, which has long made people compare them to dogs.

What does all of this mean? Well, the Birman is a cat breed with many characteristics that make them wonderful pets and family companions. With signature blue eyes, semi-long hair, and a soft coat that features color points on the ears, feet, and tail, they're sure to turn heads in any room. Birmans are also exceptionally friendly and laid-back, enjoying playtime and adventures with their owners, which goes all the way back to their loyal origins in Burma. 

Since they're so easy-going, Birmans make great pets for families with children and other pets in the house. They're known to be affectionate, friendly, and gentle — all signs that a cat has bonded with you — and this people-pleasing personality also makes them easy to train and helps strengthen their bond with their families.

There's a lot you can teach Birmans who are eager to please, including training your cat to shake hands. Their inquisitive nature makes them want to be the center of any activity, but this can also land them in tricky situations. Without proper stimulation, Birman cats may make their own fun, playing with household objects or getting into other trouble. Essentially, they require extra mental and physical enrichment to keep their ever-active minds stimulated. 

Luckily, Birmans love to learn, and their naturally curious behavior is easily funneled into training exercises. If you own a Birman, consider working on a daily training routine. Clicker and target training are perfect for creating new behaviors and learning a whole host of tricks. Puzzle toys like the Trixie Cat Activity Brain Mover can also help keep the Birman's mind active and focused. No matter what, though, the Birman is a blue-eyed beauty that you'll love.