Compare
Burmese vs Oriental Shorthair
Both are devoted, vocal shorthairs that hate being alone; the Oriental Shorthair is the more talkative and the slimmer, the Burmese the better with children.
Verdict
These two are close. Both are affectionate, clever shorthairs with a coat that needs almost no grooming, and both rate 1 for independence. The one thing that decides it is voice and family fit. The Oriental Shorthair rates 5 for voice and talks constantly, and it scores 4 for children. The Burmese rates 4 for voice, scores 5 for children, and stays kittenish for years. Choose the Burmese for a family with children and the Oriental Shorthair for a person who is home all day and enjoys a running conversation.
Choose the Burmese if
- Your household has children, since it scores 5 against 4.
- You want a slightly quieter cat than the Oriental, with voice at 4.
- You want a medium cat of about 9 to 13 lb.
- You prefer a small home, with apartment living at 4 against 3.
Choose the Oriental Shorthair if
- You are home most of the day and want a clever, vocal cat.
- You want a slender cat, with males about 8 to 12 lb and females under about 8 lb.
- You rate intelligence highly, at 5 against 4.
- You will play with it daily.
Where they are alike
Both cats rate 5 for affection and play, 2 for shedding and 1 for grooming. Each is an uncommon breed that does poorly with long hours alone.
Side by side
| Burmese | Oriental Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain | United States and Europe, from Siamese stock |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger | Males about 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); females under about 8 lb (3.6 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years | Often reported as 12-15 years; few studies |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat | Short, fine, close-lying coat on a long, tubular body |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1936 | Championship breed since 1977 |
| How common | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The very short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmese. | — |
| Suits | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. | A person who is home much of the day and wants a talkative, athletic, affectionate cat and will play with it daily. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. | A quiet home, or anyone who is away for long hours, since this cat dislikes being alone. |
| Registries that recognise it |
|
|
| Health conditions to watch |
|
|
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