The Birman Cat Club Celebrates Birmans living over the age of 20.
We would love to hear from more Veteran Birman owners, please email the club at birmancc@gmail.com with details, including date of birth and death, pedigree name, names of parents and a photograph if you have one.
We look forward to hearing from you.
20 Years of Age
Int Ch Nadine de Khlaramour (SP female, born 28.1.64):
Owned by Frau Hackman in Germany , she celebrated reaching 20 with a birthday party in 1964 and died at the end of that year.
Chenorine Yeng Chu (SP male, born 20.7.69):
The Spring 1990 Newsletter carried an item reporting that this boy (from Ch Pipo du Clos Fleuri and Paranjoti Kuomintang) was alive and well coming up to his 21st birthday, but his final age is not known.
Sameena Nekoba (SP female):
Another link with the early Birmans through her grandfather Ch Praha Dieu d’Arakhan, “Candy”, owned by Pat and Bruce Forsyth (Tharawaddi) died on 21 August 2000 just 2 months short of reaching 21.
Cottonsocks Blue Benjamin (BP male, April 1981 – October 2001):
A Magazine “Golden Oldie” in Spring 2001, Benjamin was the beloved companion of Susan Swann, bred by Sue and Jerry Fowler.
Alannah Blue Pearl (BP female, born 16.5.80, Questa Blue Kanga x Chiollagh Apple Blossom):
Owned and bred by Kathleen Wall, Blue Pearl was another of the magazine’s 1998 “Golden Oldies”, when aged over 18. She died peacefully in her sleep at the magnificent age of 20.
Thelsun Blue Bella (7.7.85 – 9.7.05, Birchtree Cinnibar x Namrib Fantasia):
Jennifer Buckle’s Bella had a number of Golden Oldie offspring and is shown in her photo (on the right) with her 18-year-old daughter Elkcub Champagne Cleo while working on her book “Fabulous Food for Fussy Felines”.
Sayella Holly (born 30.6.85, Sunsilk Cream Nicholas 5 x Sayella Amber 13c1):
Holly was a tortoiseshell half-Birman registered as Birman type F1 and was the foundation of Anne Madden’s (Panjandrum) Red Series line. She died peacefully in her sleep aged 20 years and 6 months.
Kamyab Leo (9.5.86 – 20.6.06, UK Gr Ch Mockorange Big Boy x Hilken Blue Bonnie):
“Ming”, had a long and happy life with Nina and Paul Weeks and their daughter Zoe. He was in reasonable health in his old age with no medication, and was gently put to sleep when his legs finally gave out.
Ch Najim Beaujangles (BP male 5.3.86 – 16.9.08):
Bred by Jan Wedgbury, “Beau” was owner Ivy Perry’s first stud cat and sired many beautifully marked kittens for her Starramia prefix. His photo is with his 20th birthday cake.
Bushido (BP male 10.3.86 – 18.10.06, registered in the USA under the name of “Jason”):
His 20th birthday was celebrated with friends and a cake in the shape and colours of a Birman. Bushido enjoyed his favourite food – people tuna. This gentle sweet boy was owned by Anna Jovanovich.
Gr Ch & Gr Pr Laurant Rainbow Annie (SP female 25.4.88 – 2009):
Bred by Carole Flynn, Annie was sired by the well-known Sitah Burmah Boy and died just short of her 21st birthday. She won a UK Grand Premier certificate at the 2002 Supreme show at the age of 14.
Elfreda Charlotte (Seal point Female 8.2.95 – 19.3.2015, Nischa Spenser x Mapuzzee Sharna).
Charlotte and her Blue point litter sister Emily lived happily with Sylvia Bazley in Australia from 12 years of age when their original owner could no longer care for them, and it was love at first sight for all of them. Emily passed away 6 weeks after their 18th birthday in 2013 (see separate 18 Years entry) and Charlotte’s 19th birthday was marked with her new title “Princess Charlotte” (photo in special celebration regalia). Only a few weeks before her 20th birthday she was still enjoying soaking up the sun, and she passed away 6 weeks after celebrating it with Sylvia.
Adqualo Kyna Kama (Seal point Male 1.6.96 -8.8.2016, Ch Panjandrum Sgt Pepper x Danluda Tang;ed Tapestry). Affectionately known as Simba, Annette Duffy and her family were blessed to own their beautiful boy for 20 years 2 months and 1 week. His photo shows him as a young man.
Ch. Shuhai Sinh Reina Mora of Myingyan Gems ( bred by Fife International Judge Adriana Bava, owned by me -Sandra Picchiello- and Myingyan Gems Birmans) lived a few days short to reach the age of 21 years old. (1994-2015) She had her moment of glory on the bench and gave birth to a few litters, going then to live a retired life with Aunt Bijou where she could watch the ocean, the seagulls and the sunsets from a  cozy bed close to a pane window.Â
Caralo Tessacherie “Pixie” (Seal point female 10.08.1998 – 6.01.2019, Adhirlo Harlequin Shamrock x Barsuanne Julie). Pixie was one of a litter of 6 kittens born in the Republic of Ireland and she lived there with David Hearne and his wife from October 1998, through many house moves, job and career changes, 4 children and getting 2 new Birmans in her last 6 months. A very loving and mischievous personality, “a gorgeous girl”, she loved playing hide and seek and never lost her cool through all the family changes. She suffered some sound-induced fits in her last 18 months, but these ceased after she lost her hearing. Pixie is much missed by her owners who cherished and adored her for all her long lifetime – 20 years and 4 months.
Premier Safflower Zoe (Blue point female 22.08.99 – 30.09.2019, Ch Tergo Joel x Suckichin Whispered Wishes) bred by Yvette Kidd and owned by Roger and Mary Goodall of Sukichin Birmans.
Zoe had, over the last couple of years, increasingly been showing signs of her age, sleeping most of the time, very restricted movement (arthritis), deafness and an inability to groom herself and we very reluctantly decided that the time was right to say goodbye. This was the hardest decision we have had to make in the 40 years we have had Birmans. Zoe was not only our last breeding queen (albeit she only ever had the one litter) but also our last Birman. She was a very special part of our lives, even coming with us on our holidays to Cornwall and it is tremendously sad not to see her around the house – it seems so empty without her. They say time is the great healer and that is true but we will always remember and miss our very special little Zoe. Rest in peace Zoe.
Roger and Mary Goodall
UK & Imperial Grand Premier Lingcomb Endymion “Sunny” (Seal point male 27.04.2001 – 28.04.2021, Ch. Adhirlo Cosi Fantutte x Lingcomb Candace)
The pride and joy of his breeder and owner Janet Osborn, Sunny was a majestic presence on the show bench for many years and a great favourite with judges for his wonderful Birman type, superior size and substance, and exceptionally relaxed friendly temperament.
He was Overall Best in Show at both the Birman and Northern Birman Shows in 2005, and in 2006 was the first Birman Male Neuter to gain the Imperial title. Re-entering the show scene with the introduction of the Olympian title, after 4 years in retirement, he just missed out on the same achievement with Olympian Bronze, winning 4 valid certificates (plus a tantalising 6 Reserves) before a sound-induced seizure in 2016 necessitated his final retirement. Sunny’s remaining years were spent contentedly enjoying home and garden with Birman family companions until the weakening effects of kidney failure and a sudden aggressive eye ulcer meant saying a sorrowful farewell just the day after his 20th birthday.
Pr Cyntander Spikle Angelo “Harvey” (Blue point male 24.04.2002 – 17.08.2022, Admillo Mystic Merlin x Pendlestar Forget Menot) bred by Fred & Joe Williams and owned by Wendy Smith.
It is with a very heavy heart I report that Harvey has gone to Rainbow Bridge, at the age of 20 years, 3 months, 25 days. Following a brief show career as a youngster, he took up his roles of childminder and family cat in 2005. His laid back, sociable Birman attitude has helped produce 2 cat loving young people!
In his later years, he was diagnosed with kidney disease and arthritis, but did very well on a renal diet. The arthritis slowed him down somewhat, but he always climbed up for a nightly cuddle! A sudden deterioration in his condition necessitated the final vet visit.
I am honoured to have owned Harvey. He was the most loving cat.
Farewell my furry, ’til we meet again. xx
21 Years of Age
Wethandaya (SP male):
son of Ch Praha Dieu d’Arakhan, bred by Mrs Angell and later owned by Mrs Edwards. We do not have his precise dates, but he died in 2002 at 21. Ivy Perry (Starramia), owned one of his daughters, Princess Mia, who lived to 18.
Arbaybi Sukina (SP female, 13.3.77 – 4.2.99):
“Purdie”, a daughter of Ch Rojodanco Arbaybi, was a much loved pet owned by Liz and Dougie Taylor, and they lost her just a few weeks short of her 22nd birthday.
Satinsox Bubbles (BP female, 24.12.80 – 14.6.02):
This remarkable 21-year old with a pale and profuse coat was from Carole Flynn’s first litter (Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor x Jyaira Cybele) and produced the well-known Laurant Birmans Gr Ch Kubla Khan, UK Gr Ch Mood Indigo, American Gr Ch Aquarian Knight and Ch & UK Gr Pr Penny Lane – see below.
Allslee Sugar Puff (SP female, 15.4.83 – 31.4.04):
Another very long-lived lady (and a “Golden Oldie” featured in the Summer 2000 Magazine), who is much missed by the Assiter-Tuppen family – Anne, John and their son Jonathan.
Ch & UK Gr Pr Laurant Penny Lane (BP female, 19.7.82 – 9.6.04):
The most famous daughter of Satinsox Bubbles, by Dearing Boy Sioux, Penny achieved many “First” titles: first Birman female Champion to become Premier, first female Grand Premier and first Birman to become a UK Grand. Carole and Des Flynn hoped so much that she would see her 22nd birthday and were very upset to lose her less than 6 weeks short of the date.
Tamandria Ricksons Folly (SP male neuter, 1.3.85 – 19.7.06, Champion Attimore Tanglepaws Tor x Sayella Sybella):
Previously owned by the late all-round GCCF Judge, Anne Rickson. At the age of 15, Chayli joined Melva Eccles, where he was at home with the other Birmans and Russians
Panjandrum Ember (Blue-cream female, 17.06.86 – 22.01.08, Gr Ch Laurant Kubla Khan x Sayella Holly):
she was the first Blue-cream of the red line. Owned loved and much missed by Ann Cunningham
Adivelo Kenty Barbarann (SP female, 14.5.1985 – 1.02.2008, Birchtree Cinnibar x Arbaybi Asha):
Re-homed to Melva Eccles in 2001 at the age of 15, Polly nearly made it to 22 years of age like her half-sister Minx. She was the epitome of all the Birman showing/breeding faults, but will be missed so much for her inimitable character and the love that she gave.
Blue (BP male 24.7.86 – 31.7.07):
We don’t have Blue’s pedigree name, but he was from very famous parents, Carol Flynn’s Gr Ch Laurant Sugar Dandy and Satinsox Bubbles, and lived for a wonderful 21 years with Graham Luteman and family.
Mo (SP female):
Mo’s precise age was never known by her last owner Jill Thomas of Cornwall as she was a rescue Birman who was first re-homed to Jill’s mother from the PDSA at 8 years old, because her owners could no longer care for her. She went to live with Jill after her mother’s death two years later and settled quickly with a Chinchilla kitten. At 18 she began having fits every 3 or 4 weeks, but these ceased after she became deaf and couldn’t hear any noise, and she finally slipped away from old age in June 2008 at nearly 21 years old.
UK Gr Pr Tharawaddi Kyankse (SP female 10.10.85 – 30.7.07, Gr Ch Tamandria Truffles x Gr Ch & Pr Namrib Nolaki):
Bred by Bruce and Pat Forsyth, “Mushroom”, as she was known to friends and family, spent her later years with their daughter and son-in-law after retirement from motherhood and showing. She had the distinction of becoming a UK Grand Premier at 14 years and 1 month, a record age which is still held for achieving this title. She passed away just 2 months short of her 22nd birthday, having enjoyed celebrating her 21st birthday in 2006 with a special cake.
Goldlay Regalis (SP male 23.11.89 – 01.11.11 Dubrova Beau Burma x Goldlay Phrynella):
Bred by Marcia Owen. Ben was the much loved pet of Gloria & Andrew Barclay who gave him such a lovely home for his nearly 22 years. He never wanted for anything. Ben died just 22 days before his 22nd birthday.
Francesca Fidelity (SP female 16.9.90 – 19.1.12, Ch Shandatal Blue Danube x Adivelo Crystall Slippers):
“Audrey” as she was know at home, was bred by Mrs Frances Clarke and owned and loved for her long life by Carol Lohoar and her family. She slipped away in her 22nd year.
Kottebs Lucy Locket(SP female, 01.01.1991 – 02.04.2012, Sitah Burmah Boy x Jacoldene Ladyleena Koo):
Lucy came to live with the Barley family for 21 years. She was loved very much and is greatly missed. She was a friendly, affectionate and intelligent cat with a real zest for life. In later life she was still active, patrolling her house and garden and seeing off any other feline interlopers. Sadly she had to be put to sleep after a long illness with kidney disease.
Charlsim Cappuchino “Puss” (Seal point Female 28.10.1986 – 6.5.2008, Gr Ch Hilken Flambeau x Tranquil Pussywillow). Bred by Mrs Gwen Tapsell, “Puss” was a very gentle, feminine and sweet girl who nearly died when young due to an inner ear infection. Her devoted owner Joy Macey writes that after the operation for that, she held her head tilted, became cross eyed and lost some balance – giving the impression of being sweet but not strong, belied by her great age.
Livewyre Candice “Candy” (Blue point Female 9.6.1994 – 15.7.2015, Adhuilo Petro Paddy x Livewyre Kotton Kandi).
We lost our gorgeous girl Candy at the grand old age of 21 years and 5 weeks. She was diagnosed with renal failure almost over 4.5 years ago so we are amazed she got to such a ripe old age. We are heartbroken to lose her.
Debbie Postill, July 2015
Menyang Pearldrop (Blue point Female 8.12.1994 – 24.5.2016, Sandgrounder Samkin x Wyeview Danielle). Pearldrop lived for all of her 21 years and 168 days with Brierley and Robina Stubbs and their three sons, as their cherished treasure with royal status. In her old age she suffered from sound-induced fits and gradual kidney failure and in her last months became both blind and deaf, and family life revolved around her comfort and welfare. The Stubbs family say “Broken hearts will mend and sweet memories of our little Pearly will last for ever.”.
Chillon Nicolette “Yoko Bear” (Seal point Female 27.01.1995 – 19.06.2016, Aust. Gr Ch Sarika Choclatier x Badarene Katisha.) One of our overseas Veteran Birmans, Yoko lived in Perth, Western Australia with Jessica Cristiano and her family. They named her “Yoko” as a kitten to suit her quirky vivacious personality. She conquered bowel and renal problems in her later years but then suddenly lost the use of her legs and could no longer walk With the realisation that she could have no quality of life, she was put peacefully to sleep with no pain with all her family by her side. She lived a total of 21 years, 4 month and 23 days – in the hearts of the Cristiano family forever and dearly missed.
Jandouglen Hi-Jinks “BARNEY” (Blue Tabby point male 11.04.1994 – 27.04.2014, Julipaul Tarragon x Adhuilo Tamsin). Barney, whose moving story was featured in the Summer 2015 club magazine, came into the care of Birman Welfare & Rescue at the age of 16. He spent the rest of his life in the loving home of Alison and Stuart Cracknall, and Birman Rescue companions Lucy Lu (see 22-year-olds) and Taffy. He always sent Rescue & Welfare Co-ordinator Angie Walker a Valentine’s Day and Christmas morning greeting every year, and an extra special message on his 21st birthday.
Adhirlo Bluebell Karima “Bluebell” (Blue point female 15.05.96 – 13.03.17, Caranida Champagne Charlie x Adinnlo Corshca).
Bluebell lived with us, her Mum & Dad Sue & Tony Billows for nearly 22 years. Bluebell charmed all she met with her beautiful, warm and loving personality. Her health and zest for life was wonderful. She travelled all over the UK with us, to friends, family, hotels and our holiday home. She was Queen of our Hearts and will always be with us. After a few months of illness, she passed away peacefully in our arms aged 21 years 9 months and 28 days.
Eira Cath Darlingbudofmay “Blossom” (Blue point female 12.05.96 – 13.03.17)
Blossom lived her life with John and Anne Assiter-Tuppen and their son Jonathan. Born in May, they named her additionally for the May blossom which was in bloom on the day one of their beloved first Birmans died. Their “bold, bad and beautiful” Blossom was, even in her advancing years, a naughty girl at times: an accomplished thief who regularly stole the biscuits for their Shih Tzu dog.  Blossom and her late Seal point companion Sugar (Allslee Sugar Puff – see above) were the inspiration for many of the wonderful Birman drawings John has done over many years to illustrate features in the Club Magazine, and they are heartbroken that for the present they don’t have the blessing of a Birman in their lives.
Tuwongfu Willoughby Chase (Blue point Male, 13.7.1999 – 28.09.2020, Gr Ch Tweediemill Mr Moonstone x Ch Ancliffe Foryoureyesonly)
“Bobby”, born in Cheshire where he lived with his sister Tuwongfu Kira (SP Femail, 13.07.1999 – 02.01.2013) and myself for 3 years, then moved to NSW Australia. He spent the next 12 years there meeting lots of new and interesting creatures. We returned to the UK after our big adventure in 2015 and settled back in Cheshire again. He was a very special little cat with such a sweet and gentle nature and will be very sadly missed.
Tracy Shingler
Adentlo Camphora, “Gurkha” (Seal point male 08.09.1998 – 06.12.2019, Ch Kamasaki Charisma x Adqualo Tina)
Gurkha lived with Helen Atack and her family from when he was 8 weeks old and she describes him as the most amazing pet – “The best pet ever and he was older than my children.” He loved to be around people and was often found sleeping on the neighbours’ beds or dining tables, and was known as King of the Cats in their road for a very long time. He is sorely missed by the whole family.
Helen Atack
22 Years of Age
Kuuipo Apollo (BP male 5.8.80 – 11.11.02, Sahra Sebastian x Dubrova Kali Bleu):
“Peter” was extra special to Jean Ball and her family and he is still much missed. They had a caravan in Cornwall so they could share their holidays with Peter and their other Birmans, and his photo shows him there in his favourite resting place.
Lulu (SP female, 4.8.81 – 17.10.03):
Lulu and her litter brother Sam, who died at the age of 21 (+ one month), were owned from kittenhood by Sandra Prior and bred by Eileen Chalk of the Verlam prefix (sired by Ch Shimron Lucius). Lulu was nearly as old as Peter above, at 22 years, 2 months and 14 days, and her photo was taken a month before she died.
Charmy of Ontario (BP male 1.10.85 – 11.11.07, Hasseliden’s Blue Julia x She Toung’s Maximillian): Bred by Norwegian breeder Turid Botten, Charmy lived with Asbjorn and Signe Lykka – a child to them and spoiled as only a child can be. They would only holiday in their log cabin in the Norwegian countryside so that Charmy could be with them! On his 22nd birthday, featured in the local paper, breeder Turid presented 22 red roses to his owners, one for each year of his life. He passed peacefully away while asleep on his owner’s lap, at 22 years, 1 month and 10 days old.
Lucy-Lu (Seal point female 4.06.94 – July 2016). A Rescue Birman, Lucy Lu lived in the loving care of Alison and Stuart.Cracknall. She shared several years of her life with Barney, another Rescue Birman (see 21-year-olds) and with Taffy (photograph taken with him in January 2016), also a Rescue Birman aged 18 at the time of her passing at the age of 22 years and 1 month.
23 Years of Age
Shandatal Cleome “Minx” (BP female 15.07.85 – 17.12.2008 Birchtree Cinnibar x Thelsun Annanika);
Minx was bred by Shirley Talboys and lived all her life with devoted “staff” Shirley Hartnett and Douglas Mensforth of Herefordshire. In her last years she was lively and loving, with a thick coat and ruff and no health problems. She was still able to bounce onto the bed when she celebrated her 22nd birthday with cards from friends, and still enjoying her daily tours of their lovely garden when she reached the record 23, again with a postbag of cards. She lived for a wonderful 23 years, 5 months and 2 days. On her last day she had a huge breakfast of trout and lamb and hake and cod and later, while at the vet’s, had another meal and a walk in the practice garden which she took the opportunity to make her own. She was buried in her beloved garden with her 23rd birthday present toy spider to accompany her to Rainbow Bridge.
Pepsi (28.02.1988 to 06.06.2011, Seal point female 28.02.1988 – 06.06.2011, Pandelo Blue Briar x Shoonahs Joanna) Pepsi was 23 years, 3 months and 10 days old when she died.”She had not been well for some time and she was lucky to reach her 23rd birthday. Since we e-mailed last August she survived building works in the house when we had the kitchen extended. This involved moving her tray and food into the living room , almost next to her bed on the settee. This went down very well with her and we referred to it as her “en-suite”! Once the kitchen was complete we kept her “en-suite” in place. We then had to include a step eventually for her to get up on her bed as this was getting more difficult, but she was clever enough to work out straight away what this was for. She also developed a habit of sitting on the settee and shouting for her water to be brought up to her. We started referring to her as the Queen Mother! We eventually had to make the difficult decision to take her to the Vets after she lost such a lot of weight, even though she was still eating. We both miss her very much but are so grateful to have had her for all those years.” Very much missed by Sue and Melvin Chatfield.
Sandsfoot Pippen (Seal point Female 19 June 1993 – 12 January 2017, Pandelo Blue Briar x Sandsfoot Chloe) Pippen had a much travelled existence with her devoted owner Julia Stobie, living in Switzerland, Devon, Bristol, Watford, London and the Cotswolds among their many homes. They both always settled in quickly and were quite at home in the car, even when crossing the Channel. After Holly died from cancer in 2013 Pippen remained fit and well and continued to shout the house down if she wanted something and jumped onto the bed for a cuddle every night. Pippen went to Rainbow Bridge in Julia’s arms in her 24th year, at the record age of 23 years, 6 months and 24 days, making her the oldest Birman by around 7 weeks that we know of in the UK. Both Pippen and Holly are grievously missed.
24 Years of age
Glitterpantz Rakim “Kim” (Blue point female 10.05.1996 – 04.02.2021, Heathfields Million Heir x Glitterpantz Blue Print)
Kim was owned and cherished by Linda and Steve Bennett and family. Her 24th birthday in 2020 was celebrated during the first coronavirus pandemic lockdown, when she loved having them all home with her all the time, although she was never left alone for long anyway. She adored their elder son and would go to sleep in his arms.
Up to 22 years old she was still going strong, albeit a bit “dotty” and they believed she had FARS (Feline Audiogenic Reflex Seizures) as she had suffered some fits, so they knew not to rattle keys or cutlery near her. She is pictured her with her cards for her 23rd birthday.
25 Years of Age
Coco, a Seal point male neuter living in Hamilton, New Zealand with Rochella and Brent Miller, has broken our record by celebrating his 25th birthday on 11 April 2024.
We are advised that he is still eating well, giving lots of love and still seems happy. He enjoys lying in the sun and appreciates his daily dose of Metacam which seems to keep his back leg joints happier.