In 1919, a pair of Birman cats were sent to France. Unfortunately, the male died in transit. The female, already pregnant, survived and began the pedigree Birman breed in Europe. The French recognized the Sacre De Birmanie in 1925. Loss of breeding animals during World War II led to a program of outcrosses for several years after the war. To be recognized as Birman, most registries require at least five generations after the outcrossings. Birmans were recognized for championship in England in 1966 and by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in North America in 1967.