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Asian vs Burmese
The Asian is a British cat related to the Burmese; it is very rare and a little calmer, the Burmese more affectionate and vocal.
Verdict
These two are very close. The Asian is a group of British cats related to the Burmese, and the two share a sleek, satiny short coat, an affectionate, playful nature, a dislike of being alone and a hypokalaemia item on their health lists. The Burmese scores a point higher for affection, play and voice, and is the more reliable with children. The Asian is very rare and comes in self, smoke, shaded and tabby varieties. The one thing that decides it is availability and coat variety.
Choose the Asian if
- You want self, smoke, shaded or tabby varieties.
- You want a slightly calmer voice.
- You live in or near the United Kingdom.
- You will accept a very rare group.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a very affectionate, playful cat that stays kittenish for years.
- You have young children, as it scores top marks with them.
- You enjoy a talkative cat.
- You want a breed with a CFA record since 1936 and a wider pool of breeders.
Where they are alike
Both have glossy short coats that need almost no grooming and both attach firmly to their people. Neither suits an owner who is away for long hours.
Side by side
| Asian | Burmese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 8-15 lb (3.5-7 kg); males are larger | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Fine, short, satiny coat with a glossy sheen | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1936 |
| How common | Very rare | Uncommon |
| Affection | 4 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to an Asian. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The very short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmese. |
| Suits | A home that wants a lively, people-focused cat with a sleek coat and little grooming. | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away much of the day, or who expects to find an Asian easily outside the United Kingdom. | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026