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Burmese vs Burmilla
Related shorthairs; the Burmese is a talkative, devoted cat, while the rarer Burmilla is calmer, quieter and more independent.
Verdict
These two relatives look alike in size and coat. The one thing that decides it is temperament. The Burmese rates 4 for energy, 5 for play, 4 for voice and 1 for independence. The Burmilla rates 3 for energy, 2 for voice and 3 for independence, so it is calmer and quieter. The Burmilla is rare and has a shaded or tipped coat over a silver or golden undercoat. Choose the Burmese for the lively cat and the Burmilla for the easygoing one.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a playful, talkative cat that stays kittenish.
- You are home a lot, since independence is 1.
- You want a very short, glossy coat that needs almost no grooming.
- You want a breed that is easier to find, rated uncommon rather than rare.
Choose the Burmilla if
- You want a calmer, quieter cat, with energy at 3 and voice at 2.
- You want a striking shaded or tipped coat, with grooming at 2.
- You are out for part of the day, since independence is 3.
- You can find a breeder, as the breed is rare.
Where they are alike
Both cats are affectionate, short-coated and medium-sized, with weights of 9 to 13 lb for the Burmese and 7 to 13 lb for the Burmilla. Both score 4 or higher for children and shed lightly.
Side by side
| Burmese | Burmilla | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain | United Kingdom |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger | 7-13 lb (3-6 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years | — |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat | 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 1936 | Championship breed since 2014 |
| How common | Uncommon | Rare |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 2 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The very short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmese. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The fine, short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmilla. |
| Suits | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. | A household that wants an affectionate, playful cat with a striking coat and moderate grooming needs. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. | 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