Charli Stevens, owner of Kittablu Birmans, just won top honors with two of her Birman cats at the Midwest TGIF and National Birman Fanciers (NBF) Cat Show held Aug. 5-6 at Purina Farms in Gray Summit.More than 185 cats, pedigreed and rescue cats, competed in the annual national show.Kittablu Nikkos was named High Scoring Birman in the championship division of breeding cats. His full brother, Kittablu Leonidas (Leo), won in the premiership division for spayed and neutered pedigreed cats.“Leo is the most titled Birman in the U.S. with titles in three associations,” said Stevens, of rural Marthasville. “He has a great Roman nose, strong chin, ears perfectly set and a big head. He is long, stocky and has big bones. He has matching gloves and laces.”Nikkos and Leo have no idea of the long list of titles attached to their pedigree. They do know they get special attention, get to sit in a beautiful silver trophy and having many adoring fans. To them, life is good being a cat.The history of the Birman is unsure. It seems there are legends surrounding the cat breed in several countries, including Thailand, France, Germany and Gallic countries. The breed was introduced to the U.S. in 1959.According to the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), Birmans are born white, developing their color points later. Ears, legs and tail come in many colors, including seal, blue, lilac, chocolate, red, cream and tortie.They are known for their brilliant blue eyes and their silky texture.Stevens said she fell in love with the breed when one answered the door on a visit to a neighbor.“I had to have one,” she said. “They are great cats. Friendly. Beautiful. The world can’t be without them.”Up to a dozen Birmans and rescue cats occupy the Stevens home, depending on new litters. They are watched over by Maggie the boxer who tolerates the fluffy friends.Stevens said she is a careful breeder. Cleanliness is important to her daily routine. She also carefully monitors the breeding cycles of her females, making sure they are healthy and not overbred. To protect the health of her females expecting litters, they are kept in a separate area from visitors or nosy feline friends.Most litters average two to three kittens. Stevens retires her females at age five. Birman kittens can run between $900-$2,000.Stevens said Birmans act more like dogs than cats. They love being with their humans and other pets. They are friendly, good with children and enjoy being in the thick of family activities. Their non-matting, single-length (no undercoat) fur makes them easy to groom.“They are the No. 1 pet in the world,” said Stevens. “They are loyal and cuddly. They want to be right with you.”Stevens’ cattery is registered with both CFA and ACFA. She began showing Birmans in 2010.For more information about Kittablu Birmans visit kittablu.com.Since 2010, Stevens’ Birmans have been awarded more than 70 titles.

Charli Stevens has won more than 70 titles with her Kittablu Birman cats, located in rural Marthasville. Whether a show cat or a family pet, Stevens said Birmans are one of most popular cat breed, known for their loving nature and beautiful blue eyes. Record Photo/Cindy Gladden.

Kittablu Cattery owner Charli Stevens holds Grand Champion Kittablu Nikkos, one of her male Birmans. Stevens believes in perpetuating the breed of popular cats. Birmans are known for their blue eyes, colorful ear, legs and tail colors, a strong Roman nose and a loving personality. Record Photo/Cindy Gladden.