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VETERAN BIRMANSAS PROMISED, WE PUBLISH HERE LETTERS TO THE “GOLDEN PAW”
My male, red point Birman, Jasper, is 19 today. He is senile, suffers constipation, is deaf, has fits, has renal problems, but is still going strong! Pauline Debrevi
Aduello Kangokiwi Our birman was born in October 1996 so is now nearly 19 and a half. He
is a seal point. Very noisy! His pet name is Poppet. His back legs are
a bit weak, but not his voice! He is originally from Cornwall but travelled
with us in 1997 to Norway. I just thought you might like to know. It's our Birman cat's 22nd birthday today. (29th March 2016) Georgia doesn't have much life left in her days so I suspect she does have many days left in her life so I doubt she'll reach 23, but we are so proud of her. Glenn Curley I just saw your newsletter. I have a seal point Birman called Mali (female) who was born in Sept 1995 so she’ll be 21 this year if she makes it. Her son who was born in 1996 made it to the good old age of 18 so she has well surpassed him. She is however, sleeping around 22 hours per day and quite skinny now. If she makes it to 24/25 I would be very surprised but if that’s the case, I’ll email you again. Eva, Bristol We have had the privilege of living with Bluebell - Adhirlo Bluebell Karima for the past 21 years. Her DOB 16th May 1995. She has been a remarkable companion and is truly the best friend you could ever have. She makes us laugh & gives so much love. We consider ourselves so fortunate to be her Mum & Dad. She has a few problems, the usual kidney problems and blood pressure but all in all is still quite fit and happy. We hope and pray that she continues to thrive and enjoy her life. Sue & Tony Billows Najim Livingstone ( Larry) was bred by Jan Wedgbury and we met him as a tiny kitten with his mother and siblings at Jan Wedgbury`s home in Bewdley, all those years ago. He celebrated his 20th birthday last month Jan named him "Livingstone" after the famous explorer due to his curious, active and confident attitude.............characteristics still present, but his frailty is becoming apparent and "Livingstone" takes rather longer over his explorations these days! He is a Lilac Point and his pedigree name is Najim Livingstone and his DOB 14th May 1996, Sire: Ch Quernmore Commander Data, Dam: Najim Calico Patricia Hunter My cat Mystery dude "Hiscock" is a pedigree Birman blue and is of 19 years of age and counting. Before we had her, we had a cat which tragically lived for just one year. Fortunately, Gemma, the cat, has made up for it by living till 19 and counting. We’ve lost her birth records but are pretty sure she is born around December 1997. Owen Mitzi (Annaric
Tanglepaws Mitzi) celebrated his 20th birthday on 28th May this
year. He is a very handsome seal point Birman who we adopted with his half
sister through the BCC back in 2006 because his family were moving abroad.
They were already 10 years old. Zara, a gorgeous petite tortie point, sadly
died last year not long after her 19th birthday. Mitzi's father was Ch.
Veyriere Whisky Mac and his mother, Adinnlo Tigerlilley. Zara's mother was
Veyriere Indyanna Velvet. Mitzi's favourite food is tuna but he doesn't like
to have to chew too hard these days so we try to give him food with plenty
of liquid and gravy. Having said that, cuddles have always seemed to be more
of a priority than food for Mitzi! He has become an indoor cat in his senior
years but has a strong set of lungs which belies his great age! We have
noticed that his dark brown face and legs have faded in the past year. He
has been on medication for his kidneys for almost 10 years and it certainly
seems to have worked wonders for him. The vet gave him a good report last
week, which was reassuring. He's a lovely gentle boy. Mindy 14/11/ 1996 - beloved pet of Marcelle Montgomery of Ourimbah NSW Australia. She has recently turned 20 years old. Mindy and her half sister Mandy (24/12/1996 - 15/11/2013, almost 17 yrs) were reject pedigree show cats from Mandeanara Cattery of Narara NSW. Mindy is no lap cat and absolutely hates being picked up but loves to be next to me on the sofa. She has suffered epileptic type fits for the last 10 years, but she is still going strong. She doesn't appear to have any other health issues, and has a healthy appetite. It is hard to believe that she is still with us. May be her secret is to sleep as much of 24 hours a day as she can. Marcelle Montgomery Our blue point male Birman Meeko has recently celebrated his 19th birthday. He looks amazing considering his age although he does take medication for his kidneys and blood pressure. Julie Bashford I have a Birman I bred, NS Ch & Bronze TD Gd Ch Sarika Bon Bon (a Chocolate point), who turned 21 on 25 December 2016. She was a great show cat and breeder, and eventually was desexed. I bred Bon Bon while living in Canberra, and she has stayed with me and we now live in Northern New South Wales, where we retired to. Her daughter that is a Chocolate Tortie lives with her, as does her granddaughter, a Seal point. Bon Bon is really showing her age now (the photo was taken when younger); her skin is very tender and she hates being groomed, but she is the first one at the food bowl Dino was born on
the 25th August 1997 and died on the 15th January 2017 and was a pedigree
Birman, whose rather long pedigree name ended in "Boo-Boo". He became Dino,
after the famous Ferrari model, which was deliberately ironic as he never
did anything at speed! Originally one of four cats we owned, two of them
Birman/Persian crosses and a rescue moggie, he outlived all of them by over
five years. He survived a major thyroid operation when he was 18 years old
and was only recently diagnosed with heart problems but as the vet assured
he was in no pain, we elected to nurse him through his last days. He finally
passed away on the 15th January. My wife Sue and I were both physically and
emotionally exhausted after nursing him for over a month and are both still
devastated by his loss. The house is so empty without him. He had the most
wonderful personality and would tolerate any amount of physical contact. He
would greet us with his strangulated Birman squeak and follow us around like
a dog and would always come to see any visitor and then made his mind up if
they were interesting enough for him to stay. He loved a cuddle and would
put both front paws around my wife's neck and nuzzle up into her chin as far
as he could and always gave her a “kiss” at bedtime. He had a penchant for
home made rock cakes and double cream (but turned his nose up at single
cream!). I used to really enjoy grooming his luxurious mane and he would
purr loudly as I did it. He didn’t have an aggressive bone in his body and
was so loved by many of our friends that he get his own Xmas presents and
cards. We researched breeds of cats many years ago and decided on the Birman. We contacted a breeder in Hershey Pa and through conversations with her we were able to find our "Spud" in Winchester VA. His original name was fancy, but was changed after we observed his very laid back behavior. Sadly, even though we could have registered him, we never did as he was only a family member and not a breeder. He is still active and goes up and down two flight of stairs many
times during the day. He has only been outside of our home two times in
twenty years, both by mistake. He has and remains in charge demanding his
food at dinner time and frustrated when we interrupt his alone time. Polsan was born the 5th of July 1999. She is currently living in Stockholm where she spends her days talking endlessly with her two masters, catching shoes during the night (and carefully dragging them to the food station), eating gourmet catfood, pasta or potatoes and sleeping in the sun. Once a day she enjoys a short walk around the house and sometimes, during these occasions, she slaps a neighbor cat in the face. Kristofer & Elin Andersson My Birman girl was born 5 May 1999. She is still active and curious, her name is Malin Turtlecat. She has her own Instagram acount @Lady Malin Cat. She has good health and eats well. Cathrine Naess My beautiful seal point Birman Lisa is 18 years and going strong. Sshe does have kidney failure but still enjoys life. She was born 1999 and has seen the children grow up and leave home. Lisa now shares her home with Paddy the yellow lab but she's still the boss. Lisa is a one woman cat a real mummy's girl and always has been . I'm very proud of how she's doing so thought I'd let you know. Amanda Hedley, Hereford. Milldener Jezabel (Jez) has just died, sadly at the age of 25. The house is very empty after breeding Birmans for many years. My husband died a few months before and Jez was very fond of him, and I wondered if she missed him. If anyone knows of cats or kittens of my Milldener breed I would love to hear. I Am hoping to find a seal kitten from somewhere. Wendy Dare Sadly lost my beautiful boy, Pablo, last August he was 18 years and 6 weeks Best ever cat. February 2018 Just thought you may find my beautiful Sebastian's 22nd Birthday of interest. He is moving slower now and cannot hear (vision is also deteriorating) but he is still alert and demand to be fed twice a day. He is still the boss of everyone. Nothing seems to deter him, even a home renovation. The vets (who have his birth date recorded) had to check their records as they were astounded that he is still alive. Deanne Francis Bakista 'Omar' Periwinkle - (09.04.1999 - 18.02.2018) - Our beloved pet Seal Point Tabby Birman Omar sadly passed away just a few weeks shy of his 19th birthday. He was the most lovable, playful, gentle old cat with the heart and bravado of the feisty kitten he once was and a joy to be around. Bred by Barbara Maund in Co Cork in Ireland he came to live in Malahide in Dublin aged 16 weeks. Outside he loved gardening and watching the birds on their feeder, basking in the sun and going for walks along his well worn usual path. Inside he enjoyed preventing you doing the ironing (or any task that wasn't all about Omar-time), eating tuna, turkey and the occassional marshmallow! His passing has left a huge hole in our hearts. He will be missed more than we could ever say. Oonagh Myers and Mary Duffy Dear editor, having read some of the testimonials by other Birman owners I thought I might add Gertie to your list of veteran cats. Gertie was bred by Mrs J Luscombe, Horrabridge, Devon and was born 21st October 1999. Whilst the breeder gave her a very grand sounding name on the lines of Maschenka Princess, Isis of the Blue Nile, to us as a delightful blue, tabby kitten she always looked like a Gertie. Read more........ Marthe Gomer Hi - this is actually about a 16 year old! She was entrusted to me about 10 years ago by Heather. Her name is Hermione Rose, known as Mimi, or as the vets more appropriately spell it 'MeMe'! She is sadly now suffering from ckd, but maintaining well on renal function biscuits, and (cat) chicken soup, and has even put on a little weight since diagnosis. She is very feisty, making her wishes very clearly known! My sister has come to live with me, and the one TV programme we watch together is Eastenders. This immediately sets Mimi off on a 'fixed' routine. Asking to be picked up and placed on the arm of my armchair (she can easily jump up), drinking out of my glass of water (which has had to become hers!), jumping down, then pestering my sister to be picked up and brushed, before sitting on the floor and glaring at us until the programme is finished! I have put a quote on facebook from the vet 'on second thoughts, I should have cut her claws before I tried to give her the worming tablet (!)' Needless to say, I am hoping that she will go on for a few years yet, but I would like to thank Heather for all the years of pleasure this naughty delight has already given me. Catherine Taylor Petra born 3 July 2000. Stokefield Skyblue Secret (Sire Urprity Nelson 13c2Blue, Dam Stokefield Apache Princess, 13c2Blue) Breeder Mrs J Neilson of East Stoke. Fied born 3 July 2000, died Nov 2017. Stokefield Blue Fazzarne (Sire Urprity Nelson 13c2Blue, Dam Stokefield Apache Princess, 13c2Blue) Breeder Mrs J Neilson of East Stoke. Both are pet quality. We had them chipped, but otherwise we ignored most of the advice we initially got re food, temperature etc, and treated them exactly the same as every other cat we have had - pampered house pets eating conventional food with freedom to roam anywhere inside and outside through a cat flap. When they were young they were low in the pecking order (we had two Heinz cats), so probably did not show their attributes until the older cats left us (both of a good age). But then they took over the house, my wife becoming the on call waitress, petter, comber and general servant. Fied began to talk (usually at night or feeding time). We swear he would say “Hello” when he wanted something which was often!). Last November it was Petra's turn, and boy did she take advantage of it. She had obviously been listening to Fied and composing many of her own words, which she uses now. Her tones range from a plaintive “I would like attention” to a very angry “Why are you not doing what I want you to do?”. She sleeps most of the day and still spends time outside during the warmer days, and at night tends to be on the bed with us - recently under the duvet when it is cooler. She has kidney disease now and we are trying our best to keep her on a renal diet. Sometimes that is not easy. They have been the most loving - and yes, demanding - pets we have ever had. If we were younger we would definitely have another pair. Matthew and Julie Mulgrew I've just lost my beloved Jake age 20 years and 2
months. He was a loving beautiful chocolate point Birman, his "Aunty
Saffy" a gorgeous seal point died at 20 three years ago. Gosh I
miss them. My family has had three adorable Birmans for nearly 20 years and we absolutely LOVE the breed,
but I have only just twigged there is a club for them/us!
Sadly, Tia (lilac) passed on not long ago, aged 21, but we have had Sandy (seal) and Milkshake (tortie) since they were kittens. Originally Tia's cousins, they are now 19 and 18 and doing very well. They were bred by Mrs Lee of Yarnton and have stayed in good shape, having benefited from excellent vet care. They were the first customers of the Oxford Cat Clinic when it started up over 15 years ago. Please see the attached photos. Jackie Holderness My male seal point Birman (Snoopy) will be 21 years old on 28 October this year. He comes from Margaret Sutton's Milais Birmans in the north island of New Zealand. Junine Stewart I rescued two blue point Birmans from Birman rescue in 2009. Lilah passed away in 2014 age 20 and sadly her daughter Libby passed away age 22 and 8months two weeks ago. They were beautiful cats and I shall miss them very much. Libby was born deaf so we used hand signals to get her to come over to us. Julie Dubroff
My Birman, Rakim Glitterpantz,
is now 22 years and 5 months and still going strong albeit a bit
dotty. We believe she has F.A.R.S so we know not to rattle keys or
cutlery near her.
Hoping she reaches the 24 you are hoping for but I know its a long shot. Linda Bennett October 2018 We have a pure bred Blue Point birman, Thadeus Blueboy, who turned 22 years old on 8th August 2018. He is still with us and still acts like a much younger guy. Monica Haskett, proud Birman owner, Port Orange, Florida, USA We owned a Seal Point Female we named Pixie (pedigree name Caralo Tessacherie). She was born on 10th August 1998 and lived till a couple of days ago, passing away on 6th January 2019. She was such a gorgeous cat, full of mischief and had a wonderful life. She went deaf about a year ago and gradually lost weight and could not groom herself for the last year. She passed away peacefully at home and will be missed so badly. My wife and I had Pixie from October 1998, a long time ago and
she remained with us through many house moves, job and career
changes, getting married, 4 children and getting 2 new Birmans 6
months ago. She was truly unique, with a very loving personality
and was very mischievous when she was younger. She loved playing
hide and seek which gave me endless hours of fun before I had the
4 kids. She wasn't too fond of the kids when they started
arriving … upsetting her routines a bit … but she was a gorgeous
little lady and never lost her cool. We were so lucky too as she
didn't have any real health issues until quite recently. David Hearne I would like to include our Sacred Birman
Leonie to your oldest Birmans list!
She was born on the 9th of January 1999 in Düsseldorf, Germany, so she turned 20 today.
She is still doing well, living in Cologne, Germany.
Tim von Holst We have a male blue Birman called
Frosty
who turned 23 on 17th December 2018. Born 17/12/1995. We live in
Sydney and his diet is fresh chicken fillets and fresh Australian
and New Zealand fish with some tinned food but no red meat. Still
interested in us and life and our other Birman who is 13.
Max is a rescue Birman. He was found by a set of traffic lights on a busy road at Church Lawton in Stoke on Trent and given to Alsager Animals In Need before coming to Cheshire to his forever home.
I have had the pleasure of him by my side for 16 years. His estimated age when we brought him home was 18 months to 2 years old so that will make him about 19 years old in September this year.
I actually believe that he got into someone's vehicle and escaped or got put out on the road and he wasn't even chipped, so sad, but he has had the best care and love since and that will continue.
He is such a lovely boy.
Carol Revell March 2019
Here is my 24-year-old deceased cat Scherry, born in 1994 and sadly died 27 February 2019. Unfortunately I do not know her exact birth date because she was found lost or abandoned. These photos I have sent are one when she was young and the last when very old.
Maurilia Boen, Italy March 2019
I just wanted to tell you I have a female seal point Birman,
Layla, currently
18½ years old. She's a little frail these days and sleeps a lot but is still as
feisty as ever and keeps her half Maine Coon boys (4 year olds and weighing in at over
a stone each!) well in their places.
Lynne Sharpe-Guppy March 2019
It is with sadness I must let you know that
Tikaboo Mr Mistoffeelees
known as Toffee passed away. He was born on 16th June 2001 and
passed away on Monday 6th May 2019. He was always so much fun and full of
character. He will be sadly missed.
Fiona, Guy and Rachel May 2019
Following my letter to Veteran Birmans last October, I wanted to let you know that my baby,
Kim (Rakim Glitterpantz)
was 23 on 10th May, and these photos were taken the day before her birthday and on
the day with her cards. She is keeping very well and I am so hoping she will be with me for a
long time yet.
Linda Bennett May 2019
We have just had to put down our beautiful blue 23 and a half year old Birman. His name was
Frosty.
Sue Mahr June 2019
I would like to add my gorgeous healthy Blue Tabby point Birman
‘Romeo’
to your records. He was born 8th Feb 2001 with the lovely Mlyward Birmans
in Sheffield. He is currently 18 years 6 months.
Romeo lived in Manchester with me until he was 15. He moved house more than 8 times without any trouble and seemed to enjoy making new homes ‘his own’. He has since retired to live in Cornwall where he is enjoying a highly pampered lifestyle. He often sleeps in my bed under the covers with his head on the pillow. He is a funny, loving, cuddly & adorable companion. He can also make his needs known with no trouble at all. Weather permitting he mooches in our walled garden and naps in the sun. He even still plays occasionally with our 9 year old lively Ragdoll, Ralphie. Praying Romeo will make one of the top spots on your oldest Birman record. Mrs Dominique Hichens September 2019
I live in Bristol and sadly today I had to say goodbye to my old Birman cat Topcat, TC for short.
She was 24 years and 4 months and I would like to know if she was the oldest Birman in England. Caroline Bartlett 13 September 2019
I've had Birmans for years from Anne Madden of Oxfordshire and I've just lost my baby, Mittens. She was 19 years old and I'm sooo sad and miss her terribly.
Ann Cunningham (Reading) April 2020
Since writing to Veteran Birmans last May I am delighted to tell you that we celebrated
Kim's 24th Birthday on Sunday, 10th May (Rakim Glitterpantz) - see photos. We believe this makes her the oldest known Birman! She is loving having us all home with her during this lockdown (not that she was left for long anyway), and she adores my elder son and will go to sleep in his arms, albeit not for long.
Linda Bennett May 2020
Further to my letter of March 2019, I want to let you know that Layla, my Seal point
female, is still going and coming up to 21 years old in June!
This is her checking out some new
decking we put down late last year.
Lynne Sharpe-Guppy February 2021
We were the proud owners of
Krystaltoze Oliver Twister
from 8 to 16 years old. We lost him 4½ years ago and miss him so much. He was a real
character and such a loving boy. We were devastated at losing him but it was the right time
for him following his battle with various illnesses that got the better of him.
As a result of this loss we still wanted a Birman and were lucky enough to adopt Sookie aged 6, a beautiful lilac point that we picked up from Leeds, (although I think she was originally from Northumberland?). We have now had her for 5 years and today she celebrates her 11th birthday. She is an absolute beauty and we adore her. She is still getting used to us and our other gentle domestic long hair but she does love us and just loves being combed. We are so lucky to have her and wanted to share her and our good luck story. Craig & Angela Feetham Sheffield 26 March 2021
I stumbled across your website as I have a 19 year old Birman,
Chalvida Mariella “Misty”
, who has been in my life since I was 5 years old! She has lost one tooth to
an abscess but is still very beautiful and shows no signs of slowing
down! She often tells off her adopted brother Charlie and loves to play
and cuddle.
Georgina Walker April 2021
Mr Jinxie, a Seal point
Birman, was born on 16.04.2002 and he is 19 years and 4 months.
Debbie Rylance August 2021
We adopted Mir 6 years ago when
his owner passed away, but he was born in June 2003. He's loud and opinionated about food,
but spends most of his day sleeping and snuggling with family. He is very loved and still
doing fine in his old age!
Joni Di Placido January 2022
I just wanted to let you know I am the owner of a beautiful 17 year old Birman whose real name is
Eisenmann Beech but daily known as Spud!
Spud was given up for adoption to the Cats Protection League last year because his owners wanted a new puppy and kitten! I'm a sucker for an old cat with a story! Julie Morrison September 2022
Just to let you know we are in Hamilton, New Zealand. Our seal point Birman boy (old man)
Coco, is still alive and has
reached the grand old age of 23 years and 9 months so far!
Rochelle and Brent Miller January 2023 |
