Burmese cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Burmese

The modern Burmese began with a single cat. Joseph Cheesman Thompson brought a brown female called Wong Mau from Burma to San Francisco in 1930, and she became the foundation of the breed. American and British breeders developed it separately from there. The CFA recognised the breed in 1936, suspended it for about a decade, and lifted the suspension permanently in 1954. The GCCF had recognised the breed by 1952.

Two types have emerged. The American type is stockier, with a rounder head and round eyes. The European, or traditional British, type is slimmer, with a longer body and a wedge-shaped head. Most registries treat them as one breed, though the CFA lists the European Burmese separately.

The cat is medium in size but heavy for its looks, often described as a brick wrapped in silk. The coat is very short and shiny, and the original colour is a dark brown, called sable in the United States. Blue, chocolate and lilac are standard, and other registries accept red, cream and tortoiseshell. Eyes are gold to yellow. Males commonly weigh around 9 to 13 pounds.

Temperament and living with one

Burmese are famously people-oriented. They follow their owners, sit on laps and insist on joining in. They stay playful into adulthood, enjoy fetch and learn tricks. They have a persistent, soft voice and use it to ask for attention.

They are good with children and other pets, especially other Burmese and sociable cats. They do not tolerate being alone for long periods, and boredom can lead to noise or mischief. Plan for company and daily play.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat needs only a weekly rub with a rubber mitt or a soft brush. Check the teeth, ears and nails.

Feed a complete diet in measured portions. Burmese are solid cats and can gain weight, which increases diabetes risk. Provide cat trees, puzzle toys and several play sessions a day.

Health

Burmese often live long, and a UK vet-records study found one of the highest average lifespans among breeds, though the sample was small. Known problems include hypokalaemia, a low blood potassium that causes muscle weakness, which is linked to a recessive gene. A fatal craniofacial defect has been traced to a gene variant in some American lines, and breeders can test for it. Diabetes mellitus is more common in the breed than in cats overall. Ask a breeder about test results, and keep the cat lean. Weakness, a drooping head or increased thirst call for a prompt vet visit.

Is it right for you?

The Burmese suits a household that wants a devoted, talkative companion and can be around much of the day. It does less well with long hours alone. For a black cat with a similar temperament see the Bombay, and for a calmer relative see the Burmilla. For a mix of Burmese and Siamese traits, look at the Tonkinese.