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Asian vs Burmilla
Both are British cats of Burmese type; the Burmilla is a shaded or tipped, calmer, quieter cat, the Asian a livelier one.
Verdict
These two are close. Both are medium-sized, short-coated British cats of Burmese type that are affectionate, playful and sociable. The Burmilla came from a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese in 1981, has a shaded or tipped coat that sparkles and is calmer and quieter, with a slightly higher independence score. The Asian is livelier and a bit more vocal, and it comes in self, smoke, shaded and tabby varieties. Choose the Burmilla for the sparkle and the Asian for the pace.
Choose the Asian if
- You want a livelier, more active cat.
- You like a smooth, satiny coat in plain colours.
- You want the lightest grooming.
- You are happy with a more people-bound cat.
Choose the Burmilla if
- You want a shaded or tipped coat over a silver or golden undercoat.
- You want a calmer and quieter cat.
- You want a cat that copes a little better with time alone.
- You will brush a semi-long version if you choose one.
Where they are alike
Both are rare breeds with light shedding and good records with children and other pets. Both are happiest with their people close by.
Side by side
| Asian | Burmilla | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 8-15 lb (3.5-7 kg); males are larger | 7-13 lb (3-6 kg) |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Fine, short, satiny coat with a glossy sheen | Short, fine coat that is shaded or tipped with colour over a silver or golden undercoat; a semi-long version exists |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 2014 |
| How common | Very rare | Rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 2 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 3 |
| 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 fine, short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmilla. |
| Suits | A home that wants a lively, people-focused cat with a sleek coat and little grooming. | A household that wants an affectionate, playful cat with a striking coat and moderate grooming needs. |
| 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 wants a cat that is easy to find, or a very quiet, sedentary pet. |
| 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