Burmese

Overview

The Burmese is a medium-sized, solid, sleek cat with copper-coloured eyes and a personality that owners universally describe as "people-obsessed." Originally developed in the United States from a single brown female imported from Burma (modern Myanmar) in the 1930s, the modern Burmese combines a velvety short coat with one of the most affectionate, dog-like temperaments in cat breeds.

History & Origins

A small brown female named Wong Mau was brought from Burma to San Francisco in 1930 by Dr Joseph Thompson. She was bred with a Siamese to produce a foundation programme. The original "sable" (dark brown) Burmese eventually became distinct from the Siamese and was recognised by CFA in 1936. Other colours were developed through further breeding.

Two distinct types now exist. The American (Contemporary) Burmese has a rounder face, shorter body, and shorter muzzle. The European (Traditional) Burmese has a more moderate appearance with a slightly longer face. American Burmese has been linked to a head defect (Burmese head defect - a lethal craniofacial abnormality from extreme breeding); reputable breeders test against it.

Appearance

Medium-sized, surprisingly heavy for its size ("brick wrapped in silk"). Adults weigh 3.5-6 kg (8-13 lb).

Key features:

• Coat: very short, fine, glossy, satin-textured, close-lying.
• Colour: sable (rich dark brown, most iconic), blue, champagne, platinum, red, cream, tortoiseshell, lilac.
• Eyes: large, round, brilliant copper or gold.
• Head: rounded in American type; modified wedge in European type.
• Body: compact, muscular, surprisingly dense. The breed feels much heavier than it looks.
• Tail: medium-long, straight, tapering slightly.

Temperament & Character

Affectionate, people-oriented, and intensely social. The Burmese is one of the most demanding cats for human attention - many follow their owners constantly, sit in laps, and demand participation in every activity.

The breed is intelligent, playful into old age, and vocal in a softer way than the Siamese. Most Burmese are excellent with children, friendly with strangers, and tolerant of other pets.

The Burmese does not tolerate being alone for long. Many owners get a second cat (often a second Burmese) for company.

Care

Coat & Grooming

Very low-maintenance: weekly rub-down with a soft cloth or rubber mitt. Sheds minimally.

Clean ears monthly. Trim claws every 2 weeks. Brush teeth daily.

Exercise & Enrichment

Moderate-to-high. Provide cat trees, interactive wand toys, puzzle feeders. The breed is playful well into adulthood.

Health & Lifespan

Average lifespan is 14-18 years.

Common concerns:

• Burmese head defect - a lethal craniofacial defect in American type. Reputable breeders DNA-test.
• Hypokalaemic polymyopathy - DNA test.
• Diabetes mellitus - elevated rates.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Flat-chested kitten syndrome.
• Gingivitis - universal without dental care.
• Glaucoma.

Feeding & Nutrition

60-80 g per day. Burmese maintain weight easily and are prone to diabetes; measured low-carb meals help.

Living With

Multi-cat households

Excellent with other cats, especially other Burmese.

Indoor vs outdoor

Indoor-only or supervised outdoor. The breed's affection toward strangers makes outdoor wandering risky.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extraordinarily affectionate.
• Dog-like personality.
• Long-lived.
• Very low grooming.
• Trainable.

Cons

• Cannot tolerate being alone for long.
• Diabetes risk.
• Burmese head defect in some American lines.
• Vocal and demanding.
• Premium prices.

Best Suited For

• Households home most of the day.
• Multi-Burmese homes.
• Active families wanting an interactive cat.
• Allergy-sensitive owners (with caution).

Not suited for working households without coverage or owners wanting an independent cat.