Veteran Birmans

One question frequently asked of Birman breeders by prospective kitten purchasers is: "What is the average age of a Birman?" Evidence from obituaries published over the years in the Club's newsletters and magazines suggests that it is around 12 to 15 years, with some cats sadly succumbing to kidney failure at this sort of age.

Research into our veterans originally arose in Summer 2004, as the result of an e-mail from the owner of Charlsim Mistral, a 17-year old Seal male, who was interested in finding out if he had reached a record age for a Birman. My own first Birman had died two years earlier at the age of 18½ and I found evidence in plenty that many Birmans live as long as this, others achieving 19 and 20, and just a few 21-year-olds. Read all their details in the Veteran Record Book below!

At that time I had not been able to find a Birman that had reached the age of 22 but, following the launch of our Veteran Birmans feature on the website in September 2004, among the Feedback responses from owners of very senior Birmans was news of two who had lived to this amazing age, a Blue point male and a Seal point female, resulting in a new Year Age heading for our Record Book. A 22-year old Blue point living in Norway, Charmy of Ontario, died in November 2007, making him the third oldest Birman at that time. In July 2007 Shandatal Cleome "Minx", a Blue point female, had also reached the age of 22, and a year later we received the wonderful news that she had broken Birman records by celebrating her 23^rd birthday. Very sadly, however, Minx died shortly before Christmas 2008, but she is still the oldest known Birman and you can click here to read more about her and the final tribute from her devoted owners.

Janet Osborn (Former Magazine Editor)
May 2009

So now we are looking for any Birmans who have broken this record, and would love to hear from more veteran owners and in particular anyone who owns or has owned a 24-year-old – or older! Just click on the Golden Paw to e-mail us, with a photo if you have one. Please say if it will be OK to include your e-mail address link on the Feedback letters page, as other interested veteran owners and the Magazine editor may like to get in touch with you. Older letters are removed periodically and entries created in the Veteran Record Book where appropriate. If you have written before, we would very much welcome an update on your Birman senior citizen.

to tell us about your 18 plus golden oldie Birman!
click on the golden paw .........................

Now read on into our Veteran Record Book – a fascinating cross-section of show-bench stars, pedigree names and much loved pets. To read the latest letters from owners of veteran Birmans, click here, or on the Veteran Feedback link at the end of the Record Book.

Our special thanks to John Assiter-Tuppen for his drawings to illustrate this feature.

VETERAN RECORD BOOK

Here are some Birmans known to have lived to these advanced ages. Many were show and breeding names appearing on many pedigrees, but some were beloved pets.

16 YEARS

Chenorine Nanouk (SP female, born 26.4.70): She was owned by Margaret Richards (Mei Hua) and, as a daughter of Paranjoti Kuomintang and granddaughter of Orlamonde de Khlaramour (as well as both daughter and granddaugter of Ch Nouky de mon Rève) she was a last link with Elsie Fisher, and she lived to the age of 16½.

Double Gr Ch Smokeyhill Thai Phong (SP male 14.7.69 – 17.9.85): Stud cat first exported by Betty Brown to New Zealand and then owned by Colin McKenzie in Australia where he sired many champions.

Ch Smokeyhill Leona Chinka (SP female born 14.7.69): Owned and bred by Betty Brown and sired by one of the old-time greats Ch Pipo du Clos Fleuri, Leona Chinka was litter sister of Thai Phong and another granddaughter of Orlamonde, from Ch Paranjoti Kimsallie. She died late 1985.

Dearing Boy Sioux (BP male, 25.7.72 – 21.3.88): a very famous stud "on every good Birman's pedigree" who was bred by Mrs Reading and spent most of his life with Christine Dyer (formerly Shattock) of Snowqueen Birmans.

Ch Rojodanco Arbaybi (SP male 12.8.73 – 9.3.90): A stud who is behind so many pedigrees (through his daughter Ch Arbaybi Sovereign and also a Seal point son, Menelik Quinquirima), "Jojo" was bred by Joyce and Bob Worth, was owned for many years by Jean Park (Arbaybi) and from 1988 lived with Trish and Bryan Merrett (Lapermier) until his death at over 16½.

Arbaybi Annabelle (SP female born 1.8.76): A Dearing Boy Sioux daughter, bred by Jean Park and owned by Helen Cross.

Smokeyhill Mayli Ho (BP female, April 1976 – December 1990): Lovely breeding queen owned by Pam Collins (Dubrova).

Smokeyhill Chung Hee (SP male 2.9.74 – 12.1.91): A son of Ch Solomon von Assindia and Ch Paranjoti Kimsallie owned by Clive and Katherine Freeman (Saxongold).

Patrioona Delphine (BP female, 3.3.76 – 7.9.92): Bred by Pat Blair, owned by Betty Brown and happily re-homed her when her breeding days were over.

Smokeyhill Kiti Sui (SP female, April 1976 – December 1992): a daughter of Solomon and Leona Chinka, and mother of Pr Smokeyhill Chun Fay, she was another of Betty Brown's queens successfully re-homed, living a happy life with Mr and Mrs Chant.

Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor (SP male, 19.5.77 – 21.3.94): Famous stud in many many pedigrees who spent his last five years as a neuter, bred by Mrs Denham and owned by Joyce Price (Tamandria). He died a couple of months short of his 17^th birthday.

Ch Belleview Adele (SP female 31.3.78 – 13.9.94): the first Champion and "number one companion" of her breeders David and Rita Redtfeldt. Gr Ch & Int Pr Belleview Francesca and Pr Belleview Natalie were among her titled offspring.

Tamandria Socrates (BP male): "Socks", sired by Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor, was the beloved first Birman of Hazel and Keith Jinks. They had to say goodbye to him on a sunny day in 2000.

Aduelo Miskodeed (SP female 30.4.84 – 16.6.00): A Dearing Boy Sioux daughter, "Chloe" was from Carol Brazil's (Khaochi) first litter, and a devoted mum to her babies and everyone else's.

Melvas Macbeth (SP male, 15.6.85 – 7.2.01): "Luke", owned by Gloria and Des Thornton, was one of a "Shakespearean" sextuplet litter born to Melva Eccles's Pr Belleview Natalie.

Alannah Maelorwen (SP female, 15.8.1992 – 29.11.2008), daughter of Alannah Music Man (another 16-year-old). Bred by Kathleen Wall, and owned with joy by Maureen Probert.

Alannah Music Man (SP male, 16.5.85 –18.5.01: Bred and owned by Kathleen Wall, "Manny" lived as a much loved pet after 10 years as a stud and passed away 2 days after his 16^th birthday. His brother and lifelong companion Alannah Chief Singer survived him by 6 months and then went to join him aged 16½.

Pr Tandalao Finzi (SP male, August 1984 – October 2001): A successful show neuter alongside his litter brother Pr Fevrier, owned by his breeders Elaine and Fran Tandy.

Patwick Clarissa (SP female, 7.10.86 – 18.11.02): A Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor daughter who had many lovely kittens for her breeder owner Pat Sandford.

Gr Ch Serlahjari Berlain (SP male 27.4.86 – 25.2.03): The great "Birman Ambassador", Overall Birman Show Best in Show 4 times and Overall Top Birman for the year 3 times, Berlain was bred by Charlie and Isobel Keenan and owned and treasured by Liz and Dougie Taylor.

Ch Smokeyhill Apache (SP male, 14.3.83 – 3 12.99): Betty Brown's beloved stud, the last son of her famous import Ch Solomon von Assindia who is on countless pedigrees.

17 YEARS

Paranjoti Isolde (SP female 3.7.66 – 13.4.85): a famous name as she was one of the first litter of Birmans born in the UK (to Ch Nouky de mon Reve & Orlamonde de Khlaramour), bred by Elsie Fisher and Margaret Richards. .

Pr Miorama Mitsouko (SP male,17.2.72 – 8.1.89): bred by Vivienne Creasey-Smith, owned by Julia Heffernan and died as the result of a road accident at nearly 18.

Praha Miklu (BP male): bred by Elsie Fisher and owned by Louise Denby in South Africa , died from a fit in 1991.

Ch Smokeyhill Chin Ho (SP male, born 12.4.73): another son of Ch Solomon von Assindia and Ch Paranjoti Kimsallie, died in 1991, also owned by Louise Denby

Ch Boltwood Sheba (SP female, born 19.5.75: Well-known winner in her day, owned byJoyce Price (Tamandria) and bred by Mrs Giles. Britain's first male Grand Champion, Tamandria Truffles was one of her titled sons.

Jyaira Cybele (BP female, born 7.7.79): Foundation queen of Carole Flynn (Laurant), "Sapphire", who lived to nearly 18 years old, is in many pedigrees.

Gr Ch Charlsim Wishcumtru (BP male, born 15.8.82): Famous boy owned and bred by Gwen Tapsell. "Wishy" was Best in Show Adult at the 1984 Birman Show and died in Summer 1998.

Ch Vanbelma Valaricki (BP male, born 10.5.83): Owned and bred by Jane Izzard, this well-known stud lived to just over 17. His mother, Vanbelma Phersephoni lived to about 18½.

Laurant Libra Athene (SP female, 15.10.81 – 14.5.99): Athene was from Carole Flynn's second Laurant litter and was the mother of Gr Ch Laurant Sugar Dandy and others in our pedigrees.

Shimron Sula (SP female, 30.5.81– 20.1.98): Much loved companion of Alistair and Pauline Munday.

Lamahlasa Lady Jingly (SP female, born 25.6.83): "Zeita" was Carol Brazil's second breeding queen who produced several Champions and Premiers for her Khaochi prefix.

Adreelo Folley's Tazmin (SP female 21.11.84): Tazmin, sired by Sahra Sebastian, was the first Birman owned by Jane Tackley (Klassyklogs) – a girl of character who slept on her doting owner's head! Jane lost her a month short of reaching 18.

Adreelo Maymyo (SP female, April 1985 – November 2002): Sired by Ch Cheratons Maximilian, Maymyo produced many kittens for Anne Madden's Panjandrum prefix, including Grand Champions Ko Chang and Shogun and is in many pedigrees.

Ch Panjandrum Fleur (BP female, 1.5.85 – 5.2.03): The first Blue-point female bred by Anne Madden and therefore a special girl. She was a daughter of Ch Panjandrum Brocade by Ch Laurant Coeur Delyon, and mother of another lovely Panjandrum Blue point, Gr Pr Amaryllis.

Viemora Vintage (Lilac point male, June 1984 – May 2003): "Monty", bred by Mrs Gallimore and owned by Jan Beaumont, was one of the original Lilac Birmans, from Shwechinthe lines, and as the sire of Ch Jandora Stagedoor Johnnie, is on many Lilac pedigrees. He was put to sleep 4 weeks before his 18^th birthday.

Ch & Gr Pr Shandatal Georgie Boy (SP Male, 22.12.86 - 16.6.04): a spectacular neuter very like his famous sire Ch & UK Gr Pr Melvas Romeo, bred by Shirley Talboys and owned and shown by Mrs Gloria Peterson.

Charlsim Mistral (SP male, born 1987); "Digby", owned by Alison Jarman, was one of a good many Birmans who suffered kidney problems in mid-life but lived on to a good old age, when he became very arthritic and developed a problem with co-ordination. He died in October 2004, aged 17 years and 10 months – a son of a famous father, Gr Ch Charlsim Wishcumtru who also died at 17.

Ch Adhuilo Jessika (Lilac point female, 23.6.90 – 14.1.08): "Jessie" was sired by an early Chocolate point, Namrib Okidoki, and was one of the first Lilac Birmans on the show circuit. She was owned by Mr and Mrs Hague of Sinhchat Birmans and her some of her kittens went far and wide: to New Zealand, the USA and Norway.

Lohtehyn Actea Villica (Chocolate Tabby point female 1.4.90 – 12.10.2007): "Tia" and her Chocolate point half-sister "Shashi" (Lohteyn Shashisha) went to live with owner Anne Edis when they were 3 and 4 respectively, lively and idiosyncratic girls whose mission in life was to "become ladies of leisure and to train another human in the art of looking after Birmans". They entered the Club's Pet Birman of the Year Awards in 2006 and very narrowly missed being one of the Runners-Up. Shashi had to be put to sleep following a stroke in May 2007 at nearly 16 years old, and Tia, missing her sister, gradually became frailer and was also gently put to sleep when life became too much of a struggle

Grand Premier Addeilo Lonicerachloe 13c1 (Seal point female, 11.04.1992 - 08.05.2009): 'Piglet' owned and bred by Vivienne Lee - Kalemyo Birmans. Very proud owner of 1 UK Gr Pr and 1 Imperial Gr Pr certificate.

18 YEARS

Ch Shimron Sarah (SP female, born 12.6.74): Sarah had about 50 kittens for her breeder owner Helen Dunham and was put to sleep just a few weeks before her 19^th birthday.

Ch Smokeyhill Lee Yin (SP male, born 19.7.77): Went to Denis and Jean Bean (Romford) in New Zealand to help the breed in the early days, and died peacefully of old age.

Belfalas Tansy (SP female, born 23.4.76): A queen on many pedigrees who was owned and bred by Joyce and John Wren. Tansy's daughter Ch Belfalas Beshlie is believed to have also lived to over 18 years old.

Miorama Magic Moment (SP female, 8.3.78 – 9.8.96): "Sophie", bred by Vivienne Creasey-Smith, was owned by Anthea Stewart.

Gr Ch & Int. Pr Belleview Francesca (SP female, born 17.3.80): Bred and owned by David and Rita Redtfeldt, "Franny" was the first female Birman in Britain to become a Grand Champion. She later went to live with Jan Clarke (Mainelite) who showed her as a neuter and she featured in the Club magazine's "A Toast to Golden Oldies" in 1998 at the age of 18½. We have no later news of her, having lost touch with Jan Clarke.

Dubrova Chanel (SP male): "Kerry" shared his 18 years of life with Jean and Michael Triggs, until December 1999.

Saxongold Drusilla (SP female, born 15 February 1982): A daughter of Ch Solomon von Assindia, bred and owned by Katherine Freeman, Drusilla was Best in Show Female at the 1983 Birman Show. She spent the last years of her life with Betty Brown, living until Summer 2000.

Ch Panjandrum Brocade (SP female, 12.5..83 – 26.1.02): A daughter of Anne Madden's lovely foundation queen Ch Sayella Belinda by Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor, Brocade also achieved a Best in Show at the Birman Show and has many well-known descendants, including her daughter Ch Panjandrum Fleur.

Gr Pr Tandalao Esterhazy (SP female, 27.12.83 – 26.5.02): "Esther" was the beloved first Birman of Janet Osborn (Lingcomb), bred by Elaine and Fran Tandy

Ch & Gr Pr Namrib Nolaki (BP female, 15.11.83 – 22.8.02): Bred by Heather Horton and owned by Pat and Bruce Forsyth, "Kiki"'s most distinguished offspring is Gr Pr Tharawaddi Kyankse, by a mating with Gr Ch Tamandria Truffles.

Pr Snowqueen Casanova (BP male, born 30 July 1987 and died 2005): Owned and bred by Christine Dyer of Snowqueen Birmans, this son of Ch & UK Gr Pr Melvas Romeo and Snowqueen Siouxsie always had his father's wonderful coat and good eye colour.

Adivelo Lordmaximillian (SP male, 19.5.87 – 5.10.05), Adixilo Baroness Mishka (SP female 26.3.88 – 10.1.05) and Pr Adixilo Lord Wizard (BP male 26.3.88 - 3.8.06). "Max" , "Boots" (who was only a few weeks short of 18) and her litter brother "Lion" were all bred by Claire Finch (Snowwitch Birmans prefix) and were sired by her stud Ch Sandriana Master Merlin. They were shown in the Home Counties when young, and for the last few years lived in Cyprus with owner David Shaw.

Harmador Zara (BP female, 24.02.1988 - 10.08.2006 Gr Ch Laurant Kubla Khan x Shandatal Real Gem) was re-homed to Stan and Jean Giles where she lived happily and without illness for fourteen years together with her daughter Jasmine

Harmador Jasmine (SP female, 1.3.1990 - 04.08.2008 Harmador Wonderful Willie x Harmador Zara). Rehomed to join her mother. Both girls who never had a days illness, and are very much missed by Stan and Jean Giles.

Mei Hua Antigone (SP female 31.5.71 – 16.12.89): One of the many offspring of the famous Ch Solomon von Assindia, "Tiggy" was given to her owner Chris Wilson as a pet by breeder Margaret Richards "because she knew I was besotted with cats", along with companion "George" (Mei-Hua Pygmalion) who only lived to 13½ years old.

Gr Pr Sanlusa Hercules (SP male, 10.5.89 – 25.11.05, son of the famous Gr Ch Bartina Tobias): "Sparky" was still on the show bench in top form, only weeks before his deat, still winning Open classes, PCs and even two Reserve Imperial Grands in his 17th year – a truly remarkable cat and a legend in his own lifetime. A much loved companion sadly missed by his owner Amanda Law.

Adkrilo Chevalier (BP male 31.3.89 – 23.7.03, Namrib Quiksilva x Darwill Aphrodite): A beloved pet who, with his mother, was also known on the show bench in the early 1990s. He shared his life with devoted owner and breeder Jenny Mitchell, and with his mother Darwill Aphrodite who died in March 2003 at the age of nearly 17.

Lingcomb Andromeda (BP female born 6.10.87, Gr Ch Laurant Kubla Khan x Ch Tandalao Elektra): "Chloé" and her sister "Sophie" (Lingcomb Ariadne) were from Janet Osborn's first Lingcomb litter and were seen by their owners Marian and Michael Chapman when they were just 5 days old and "reserved" a few weeks later. Sadly, Sophie became frail in her mid-teens and a short while after a fit she collapsed suddenly, making it to a few days short of her 16^th birthday. Chloe, with two other Birmans as companions, outlived her sister by four years, slipping away in September 2007 shortly before her 20^th birthday

Glitterpantz Lonely Lady "Sophie" (SP female 9.4.92 – 15.4.10): Sophie's parents were Heathfields Million Heir and Adixilo Andromeda. She lived her long life with Linda Shergold and until becoming ill with kidney failure in her last year she had as much energy and enthusiasm for life as a kitten. She was peacefully put to sleep in Linda's arms just a few days after her 18th birthday, and is grievously missed.

19 YEARS

Ch Paranjoti Isolde (SP female, born 3.7.66): Isolde, bred by Mrs Elsie Fisher and Mrs Margaret Richards, was one of the first litter of eight Birman kittens born in Britain, from the first two imports Ch Nouky de mon Rêve and Orlamonde de Khlaramour, and was also the first British-bred Birman to produce kittens. Her home was with Mrs Richards and she lived to 19½ years of age.

Gr Ch Bartina Tobias (SP male, 18.5.79 – 9.8.98): Famous stud boy bred by Mrs Ward and owned by Carol and Ron Pike (Caroona), "Toby" was the sire of several Grand titled cats both in the UK and overseas, including Gr Ch Patwick Sam Weller and Grand Premiers Lastmor Solitaire and Caroona Celestial Sultan.

Gr Ch Sandriana Sophie (SP female, June 1981 – September 2000): Sophie was from the first Sandriana litter of Sandra Moore – her "beginner's luck", and she too featured in the magazine's Winter 1998 "Golden Oldies" when she was then 17. Her offspring include Ch Sandriana Sweetheart and litter bothers Ch Sandriana Master Merlin and Gr Pr Sandriana Regency Raffles, with many titled cats among her grandchildren.

Earendil Bagatelle (SP female, August 1981 – June 2000): Foundation queen of Elaine and Fran Tandy (Tandalao), "Minsin" was the mother of their litter brothers Premiers Tandalao Fevrier and Finzi, Molly Perchard's foundation queen Tandalao Mintz and Janet Osborn's girls Gr Pr Tandalao Esterhazy and Ch Tandalao Elektra. She died only few weeks short of her 19^th birthday.

Adonelo Stardust Slippers (BP female, 21.9.83 – 18.5.03): "Chloe", a Ch Attimore Tanglepaws granddaughter, was from the first litter bred by Ivy Perry (Starramia) and was the mother of Ch & Pr Starramia Sunsation and Ch Starramia Daydreamer.

Birchtree Cinnibar (SP male, August 1982 – May 2002): Stud boy who lived with Pat and Bruce Forsyth in Scotland from 4 years old. "Cinny"'s most famous son is Kathy Evans's Gr Pr Flash Tyson who is himself now 19 years old.

Gr Pr Stratheden Socrates (BP male 29.1.85 - 1.12.2004): This majestic boy sired by Ch Attimore Tanglepaws Tor (dam Jolandi Musetta), "Snuggy" was bred by Teresa Cole and was owned by Fay & Ken Coad. He earned a UK Grand certificate in 1991 but never quite managed the second for the title. He was only a month short of achieving 20 years

Starramia Sunsation (SP male, 8.8.85 – 2.2.05, Gr Ch Tamandria Truffles x Adonelo Stardust Slippers): "Tubbs" was from the first Starramia litter of Ivy Perry and was the first Scottish-bred double titled Birman. He was always a big heavy cat until his last two months when he lost weight alarmingly and, like his mother, he died in his 20^th year.

Ch & Pr Rolfkabo Blue Angelika (BP female, 17.7.86 – December 2005): Angel was bred by Mrs K Lilley and owned by Patsy and John Knight. They also owned her litter brother Rolfkabo Blue Aylmer who predeceased her, and their sire was a very well-known boy, Gr Ch Charlsim Wishcumtru (see under 17 years).

Munkchip Orlando "Mika" (SP male, born 24 April 1986): Devoted owner Sue Day lost her very special pet Birman at the age of 19 years, 1 month and 1 day after a long battle with kidney failure and old age. He shared several traumas and house moves over the years.

Belleview Tinkerbell (SP female, 7.6.86 – August 2005): A very dainty girl with a lovely nature, owned by Jackie Edmunds, who had to be put to sleep following a major fit. Her parents were Gr Ch Bartina Tobias and Snoshu Blue Rhapsody.

Shandatal Faberge (BP male, 11.6.86 – 2005): Sired by Ch & UK Gr Pr Melvas Romeo, "Fabs", as he was known to owner Geoff Wright and his family, loved being in company and was very active in his veteran years, only sleeping 4-5 hours a day and enjoying mad dashes across the lawns and flower beds of their garden.

Shandatal Daisy May (BP female, 19.2.86 – 2005): Daisy (sired by Shirley Talboys' Ch Shandatal Blue Danube ) was the first of three Shandatal Birmans who went to live with Martin and Sylvia Patrick near Stratford-on-Avon, and she outlived them all. She kept a lovely pale coat but, like a number of elderly Birmans, became a little deaf.

Ch & Pr Starramia Sunsation (BP male, 8.8.85 – 2.2.05, Gr Ch Tamandria Truffles x Adonelo Stardust Slippers): "Tubbs" was from the first Starramia litter of Ivy Perry and was the first Scottish-bred double titled Birman. He was always a big heavy cat until his last two months when he lost weight alarmingly and, like his mother, he died in his 20^th year.

Smoky Prince (SP male born 10.5.86): A loving pet owned by Malcolm Waters, bred by Mrs Read of St Austell in Cornwall. He had kidney and arthritis problems as an oldie, but still enjoyed a good appetite. He had to be put to sleep at 19 years 9 months due to loss of mobility.

Gr Pr Flash Tyson (SP male, 7.3.87 – 1.8.06, Birchtree Cinnibar x Laurant Original): Tyson was bred by Mrs Tina Heaven and proudly owned by Mrs Kathy Evans. He was one of the first half a dozen Seal Birmans to become a Grand Premier, and achieved much fame by appearing at many shows on exhibition in his miniature boxing ring (complete with little boxing gloves), including at the first UK Pet Show at Earls Court in London. He appeared in many newspapers and magazines and was made an honorary member of the Mike Tyson fan club!

Bingmah Louis (SP male, 10.08.1987 - 05.01.2007), Louis arrived as a rescue at our home because he sprayed. We never meant to keep him, he should have gone to a sanctuary, but we have had him since he was twelve. Louis retired from public life in 2005; he regularly appeared on the Birman Cat Club rescue stand and helped raised the profile of rescue work. He loved John, and we shall miss him treading in the coffee cups! also he loved sauce and anything off the edge of your plate.
Patsy and John Knight

Shandatal Lorenzo (BP male born 29.3.88, Ch Shandatal Blue Danube x Snowqueen Melodie): "Zippy" slipped away in February 2008. He had spent 11 of his almost 20 years with Phil and Sue Hart and his younger brother "Bobby" (Shandatal Rupertino).

Shandatal Rupertino (SP MN 13.6.1989 - 7.6.2009 Ch Shandatal Blue Danube x Snowqueen Melodie). "Bobby" had always lived with his older brother "Zippy" and both of them almost reached 20 years of age.
Very much missed by Phil & Sue Hart.

Elisheba Applejack (SP male 16.5.88 – 5.4.08, Belleview Moonraker x Caroona Chelsea): "Pippin" joined Melva Eccles back in 2001 when he was due to be put to sleep due to kidney problems and fits aggravated by 'slight sounds'; he almost made it to 20 years of age.

Ch Pompom Blue Nicola (BP female, 21.8.88 - 28.4.08, Gr Ch Laurant Kubla Khan x Ch & Pr Rolfkabo Blue Angelika): Nicola was Patsy and John Knight's first Champion and from their first litter registered with their prefix. She enjoyed the garden in her senior years after retirement, as well as her food - eaten on the work surface! She died only a few months short of her 20th birthday.

Briarland Honeysuckle (BP female 15.09.1990 - 05.10.2009): 'Dior - Grannie Grotbag' Bred by Wendy McQuilkin owned by Vivienne Lee - Kalemyo Birmans. Gently put to sleep at 19 years and 1 month. She was one very devoted Birman who new her own mind!

20 YEARS

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 21^st 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, through her two litters by Anne's Birman stud Gr Ch Laurant Kubla Khan. 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" , bred by Mr and Mrs Tannock, had a long and happy life with Nina and Paul Weeks and their daughter Zoe, whose leg he would grab as she tried to descend the stairs. He also enjoyed biting toes on shoeless feet. Apart from suffering occasional fits triggered by such things as washing machine on fast spin, 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 20^th birthday cake which he certainly enjoyed – sponge, jam icing, the lot – which lasted him a week with no ill effects!

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): One of many wonderful Grand titled Birmans 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, came a close 2nd in a large class the following year and was then retired from showing

21 YEARS

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 21½-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 2½ months short of her 22^nd birthday, having enjoyed celebrating her 21^st birthday in 2006 with a special cake.

22 YEARS

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 22^nd 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.

23 YEARS

Shandatal Cleome "Minx" (BP female 15.07.85 - 17.12.2008 Birchtree Cinnibar x Thelsun Annanika) Minx was 23 years 5 months old when she died, and is currently the longest lived Birman on record. Owned and loved by Shirley Hartnett and Douglas Mensforth.

Updated May 2009
data compiled by Janet Osborn