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Burmese vs Siberian
The Burmese is a medium, short-coated, talkative cat that wants you home; the Siberian is a large, longhaired, sturdy family cat.
Verdict
Size and coat decide it. The Siberian is a large, sturdy cat of typically 8 to 18 lb with a thick triple coat that needs combing and sheds heavily, and it scores 5 for children and other pets. The Burmese is a medium cat of 9 to 13 lb with a very short coat that needs almost no grooming, and it rates 4 for voice. Choose the Burmese for a compact, talkative companion and the Siberian for a bigger, quieter family cat with room to climb.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a coat that needs almost no grooming.
- You are home a lot and enjoy a talkative cat.
- You want a medium cat that stays kittenish for years.
- You want a cat that is more affectionate, rated 5 against 4.
Choose the Siberian if
- You want a big, sturdy cat that suits a lively home.
- Your household has other pets, since it scores 5 against 4.
- You will comb a thick coat and accept heavy shedding.
- You want a quieter cat, with voice at 2, and one that copes better alone, with independence at 3.
Where they are alike
Both cats rate 4 or higher for energy and play, and both are good with children. Each lists a few conditions for the vet to watch.
Side by side
| Burmese | Siberian | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain | Russia |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Typical weight | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger | 8-18 lb (3.6-8.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years | 11-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Long |
| Coat | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat | Dense, water-resistant triple coat, thicker in cold months |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1936 | Championship breed since 2007 |
| How common | Uncommon | Common |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 4 |
| Shedding | 2 | 4 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| 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. | No breed is hypoallergenic. Some owners report fewer symptoms with Siberians, but there is no good evidence for it and individual cats vary. |
| Suits | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. | A family or a household with other pets that wants a sturdy, playful, sociable cat and will comb a thick coat. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. | A small flat with little room to climb, or anyone who cannot spend time grooming and playing. |
| 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