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Burmese vs Singapura
Both are lively, people-loving shorthairs; the Singapura is a tiny, quieter, rarer cat, the Burmese a medium, talkative one.
Verdict
Both are playful, affectionate short-coated cats that want company and need almost no grooming. The one thing that decides it is size and voice. The Singapura is a tiny cat of 4 to 7 lb that rates 2 for voice and 5 for apartment living, and it is rare. The Burmese is a medium cat of 9 to 13 lb that rates 4 for voice. Choose the Singapura for a small, quieter cat in a small home and the Burmese for a bigger, chattier one.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a medium cat of about 9 to 13 lb.
- You want a talkative cat, with voice at 4 against 2.
- Your household has children, since it scores 5 against 4.
- You want a breed that is easier to find, uncommon rather than rare.
Choose the Singapura if
- You want a tiny, lively, people-loving cat for a small home.
- You want a quieter cat, with voice at 2.
- You want a coat that sheds almost nothing, rated 1 against 2.
- You are happy to wait for a kitten.
Where they are alike
Both cats rate 1 for grooming and 2 for independence or lower, and both are good with children. Each lists a few conditions for the vet to watch, so ask your vet and the breeder about screening.
Side by side
| Burmese | Singapura | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain | Singapore, developed in the United States |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Typical weight | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger | 4-7 lb (1.8-3.2 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat | Very short, fine, close-lying coat with ticked bands |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1936 | Championship breed since 1988 |
| How common | Uncommon | Rare |
| Affection | 5 | 4 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 4 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 1 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 1 | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 5 |
| 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 household that wants a tiny, lively, people-loving cat in a small home, and is happy to wait for a kitten. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. | Anyone out for long hours, anyone who wants a large lap cat, or a home with rough handling. |
| 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