Burmese

Breed standard: CFA, FIFe, TICA, WCF, ACF, CCA-AFC, GCCF, NZCF | Size: Medium | Average Lifespan: 15+ years | Personality: Curious, loyal, and affectionate | Coat: Short | Origin: Burma and Thailand.

The Burmese cat is a very active and affectionate cat. It really enjoys jumping and climbing.

The Burmese cat’s origins

Thai and Burmese origins

This medium-sized breed comes from Thailand and Burma. The Tonkinese, ancestor of the this cat breed, resembles the American Siamese, but with a darker coat than the Siamese standard. The Tonkinese was written about in a collection of ancient poems from Thailand, which is why it is considered to belong the deity. Monks who considered the breed sacred also kept the cats as companions.

A newly discovered breed in the United States

During a trip to Burma, Dr. Thompson met the ancestor of the current Burmese: Wong Mau. He fell in love with this cat and brought it back with him to the United States. After crossbreeding Wong Mau with a seal point Siamese named Tai Mau, seal point kittens and kittens that looked like Wong Mau were born. Wong Mau was later crossed with one of her brown kittens, Yen Yen Mau, and the Burmese cat came to be. However, it wasn’t until 1936 that this cat was recognized as a new official breed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. This breed arrived in Europe around 1940.

The Burmese cat’s personality

Its qualities

The Burmese cat is the ideal companion. This cat is affectionate and gentle. Its kindness and affection for its owner makes this cat breed popular. Burmese cats are also very cuddly with his owners. It loves lounging on its owner’s lap and asking for attention regularly.

The Burmese cat can adapt to many different types of environments. However, it prefers large spaces where it can play. In addition, this cat is a great jumper and climber. For this reason, it is best to have a home with a garden if you have a Burmese cat because it has a boundless energy. This cat hardly meows. It adapts well to children and strangers and is naturally curious and affectionate.

Are there any downsides of having a Burmese cat?

This cat breed loves being petted. It needs a lot of affection and always wants to be the center of attention. Additionally, this cat tends to snoop in its owner’s drawers and closets. If you are a neat and tidy person, this cat may not be for you.

The Burmese cat, a loyal and affectionate cat

This cat is very loyal. It shows its affection by staying close to its owner’s legs. It is not suitable for this cat to live alone or with a family that is often absent. This cat needs affection, caresses, and cuddles to stay happy and healthy. It prefers to play with someone rather than alone with toys. For this reason, this cat breed does well living with a family with children. This breed is considered the ideal companion for children because it can play with them at any time.

Physical characteristics of the Burmese cat

General

There are two types of Burmese cats: the European Burmese and the American Burmese. The American Burmese has a more rounded head and a stronger, more solid build than the European Burmese. The European Burmese, on the other hand, has a more triangular head and a lighter and more refined physique. Their ears and eyes are set wide apart.

The European Burmese cat and the American Burmese cat

The European Burmese is characterized by a more refined, yet elegant build. The American Burmese, on the other hand, has a more powerful and solid build. However, both varieties have gentle, affectionate, and playful personalities.

Eye color

According to breed standards, yellow to intense gold colored eyes are accepted for this breed . This breed is famous for its intense gold eyes. Green and blue eyes are not recognized.

Coat color

The official color of the Burmese cat is sable. Sable ranges from dark brown to light brown for the Burmese. The English, through crossbreeding, have brought out various shades and colors for the this Burmese cat’s coat. For example, this cat can be a “chocolate” color, which means that the coat has a chocolate color with tones that can be lighter. It can also be “lilac”, which is a mixture of soft gray, red and beige. There is also “cream sepia”, which is a shade close to beige, but with a color closer to the lightness of cream.

Grooming and health

Coat length

All Burmese cats have short hair. They also shed very little.

Grooming

In order to keep your Burmese’s short coat smooth and healthy, you should brush them once a week with a cat brush. As this breed is fond of affection and caresses, your cat will enjoy having their coat brushed.

Health

Unfortunately, this breed is prone to a few diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a disease that causes a severe potassium deficiency. This disease can be fatal.

Diet

As this breed is very active and playful, it uses more energy than other cats. For this reason, it is important to provide your Burmese cat with a healthy and balanced diet. More importantly, as this breed is prone to diabetes mellitus, it is best to be extra careful. Another good thing to know is that this cat has a particular liking for fresh foods such as fish.

Did you know?

Because of their gentle nature and fear of loneliness, these cats are considered to be among the most affectionate cat breeds in the world.