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Burmilla vs Tiffanie
Close relatives in nature and size; the Tiffanie has the semi-long silky coat and needs more grooming, the Burmilla a short shaded coat.
Verdict
These two are close. Both are affectionate, easygoing, medium-sized cats that score 4 for affection, children and other pets, and both are rare. The one thing that decides it is the coat. The Burmilla has a short, fine, shaded or tipped coat that needs light grooming, though a semi-long version exists. The Tiffanie has a semi-long, fine, silky coat that needs a modest amount of brushing and sheds a little more. Choose the Burmilla for a short coat and the Tiffanie for a soft longhair with the same gentle character.
Choose the Burmilla if
- You prefer a short, fine coat with less brushing, grooming at 2 against 3.
- You want a coat that sheds a little less, rated 2 against 3.
- You want a cat that copes a little better alone, with independence at 3 against 2.
- You want a breed recognised by the CFA as a championship breed since 2014.
Choose the Tiffanie if
- You want a soft, semi-long, silky coat.
- You will brush it regularly for a modest amount of grooming.
- You are home much of the day, since independence is 2.
- You accept that it is rare outside the UK and not recognised by the CFA.
Where they are alike
Both cats weigh roughly 6 to 13 lb and have a calm, adaptable nature, with voice at 2 and apartment living at 4. Neither has a breed-specific health watch-list on record, so ask your vet and the breeder what screening exists.
Side by side
| Burmilla | Tiffanie | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-13 lb (3-6 kg) | Roughly 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | Typically 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Medium |
| Coat | Short, fine coat that is shaded or tipped with colour over a silver or golden undercoat; a semi-long version exists | Semi-long, fine, silky coat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 2014 | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Rare | Rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 3 |
| Shedding | 2 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 2 |
| Trainability | 4 | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The fine, short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmilla. | — |
| Suits | A household that wants an affectionate, playful cat with a striking coat and moderate grooming needs. | A household that wants a gentle, adaptable longhaired cat with the Burmese character and a modest amount of grooming. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a cat that is easy to find, or a very quiet, sedentary pet. | Anyone who wants a very active or very quiet cat, or who needs a kitten easy to find outside the UK. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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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