Compare
Burmese vs Siamese
Close in devotion and play; the Siamese is the louder of the two, while the Burmese is slightly quieter and scores higher with children.
Verdict
Both are affectionate, clever shorthairs with almost no grooming needs, and both rate 1 for independence. The one thing that decides it is voice and family fit. The Siamese rates 5 for voice and talks constantly, while the Burmese rates 4 for voice and scores 5 for children against the Siamese's 4. The Burmese weighs about 9 to 13 lb, and the Siamese 6 to 12 lb. Choose the Burmese for a family with children and the Siamese for an owner who wants the loudest, most talkative companion.
Choose the Burmese if
- Your household has children, since it scores 5 against 4.
- You want a slightly quieter cat, with voice at 4.
- You want a medium cat of about 9 to 13 lb.
- You are home a lot and want a playful cat, with play at 5.
Choose the Siamese if
- You want a cat that talks and follows you about, with voice at 5.
- You want a clever, athletic cat that rates 5 for intelligence.
- You prefer a lighter build, at 6 to 12 lb.
- You can give it attention all day.
Where they are alike
Both cats rate 1 for grooming and 2 for shedding, and both do poorly with long hours alone. Each lists a few conditions for the vet to watch.
Side by side
| Burmese | Siamese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain | Thailand (formerly Siam) |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat | Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body, with no undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1936 | Championship breed since 1906 |
| How common | Uncommon | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| 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 | 4 |
| 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 or family at home often who enjoys a cat that talks, follows them about and wants to be involved in everything. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a quiet cat, or a household that cannot give a lot of attention. |
| 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