Burmese Cat Breed Characteristics: A Friendly Guide

What makes the Burmese cat so special? Let’s dive into the world of these loving cats. Find out why they are loved by so many. They have unique looks and a sweet personality that makes them great friends.

The Burmese cat comes from Burma, now known as Myanmar. They were first made in the United States in the 1930s. They started with a cat named Wong Mau.

These cats are medium-sized and strong. They have short, shiny coats in colors like sable, champagne, platinum, and blue. But what really sets them apart is their loving and smart nature. They stay playful and sweet, making them perfect for families.

Introduction to the Affectionate Burmese Cat

The Burmese cat comes from the magical land of Burma, now Myanmar. They were once seen as sacred in temples and monasteries. The Burmese cat was made in the 1930s in the United States. A cat named Wong Mau from Burma was bred with a Siamese named Tai Mau.

This mix made kittens that looked like Siamese cats and others that looked more Burmese. The darkest brown kittens were used to make the Burmese breed. They were recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1936.

But, the breed was put on hold in 1946 because of mixing with Siamese cats. It was brought back in 1954. This led to the creation of the United Burmese Cat Fanciers and setting breed standards.

The Burmese cat is big and strong, sometimes over 13 pounds. There are American and British types of Burmese cats. They look different and have different heads. These cats make a special sound, not just a meow.

Burmese Cat Personality and Temperament

The Burmese cat is known for being very friendly and loving. They act like dogs because they love people so much. They even learn tricks and enjoy playing with their owners.

These smart cats love to talk to their families with soft sounds. They need lots of attention and can get sad if left alone. So, it’s important to spend time with them.

Burmese cats are very loving and enjoy being around people. They are playful, smart, and love people. This makes them great pets for anyone who loves cats.

Physical Traits and Appearance

The Burmese cat is a medium-sized breed. They weigh between 8 to 12 pounds. They have a strong, muscular body. Their coat is silky and glossy, making them look like a “brick wrapped in silk”.

Their head is rounded, with big, round eyes and a visible nose break. Their ears are medium-sized and well-spaced.

Burmese cats are often thought of as having a solid brown or dark brown coat. But, they actually come in many colors. These include sable, champagne, platinum, blue, and red, cream, and tortoiseshell patterns. All Burmese cats have short, fine, and shiny coats. These coats need little grooming.

Burmese Cat Colors and Patterns

Burmese cats have many colors and patterns. Big cat groups like the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and the International Cat Association (TICA) notice them. The CFA sees sable, champagne, platinum, and blue colors in these cats.

The GCCF sees 10 colors, including brown, blue, and red. They also see cream and different tortoiseshell patterns.

TICA lists many patterns, like sable brown and warm blue. They also list golden apricot and cream with apricot hints. Tortoiseshell patterns are very common in them.

These cats have short, fine coats that shine healthily and look glossy.

Lilac Burmese cats have a purplish color on their face, paws, and tail. Fawn Burmese cats have a dark mask. Red Burmese cats have lighter underbelly and chest colors.

Their back, ears, tail, and paws are copper. They often have a dark orange mark on their forehead. Cream Burmese cats are very blonde with pink noses and darker lines on their face.

Burmese Cat Breed Characteristics

The Burmese cat breed started with one cat named Wong Mau. He came from Burma (now Myanmar) to the United States in 1930. Wong Mau was bred with a seal point Siamese named Tai Mau. This mix led to kittens that looked like Siamese cats and others that looked more Burmese.

The darkest brown kittens were used to make the Burmese breed. This breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1936.

Today, the Burmese is known for its medium size, compact, and strong body. It has a short, fine, and shiny coat in colors like sable, champagne, platinum, and blue. These cats are loved for being friendly, smart, and playful.

The Burmese cat has round, expressive eyes and a muscular yet compact body. They are very energetic and love to play. They stay young and full of energy even as adults.

With their Burmese cat origin from Burma’s temples, the breed has become a favorite worldwide.

Grooming and Care Requirements

The Burmese cat has a short, fine, and shiny coat. They only need brushing once a week. This helps remove loose or dead hair and keeps their coat shiny.

They don’t shed much, so they are easy to take care of. A rubber brush is enough to keep their coat looking great.

They also don’t get tangles or mats easily. This means they don’t need a lot of grooming. But, it’s still good to trim their nails and give them scratching posts. This keeps their nails healthy and stops them from scratching furniture.

Most Burmese cats shed very little. But, some with light-colored coats might need more brushing. About 10-20% might need more brushing. And around 25% of those with light-colored coats might need more time grooming.

Keeping up with regular grooming can help prevent skin problems. These problems affect about 5-10% of Burmese cats who don’t get groomed enough.

Health Considerations for Burmese Cats

Burmese cats are usually healthy but can have some health issues. Owners and breeders should know about these. Familial episodic hypokalemic polymyopathy is a muscle problem that can make them weak. It can be tested for with DNA, and good breeders will show their cats are clear of this gene.

Burmese cats might also get cranial deformities, glaucoma, feline hyperesthesia syndrome, and kidney stones. They can get fat easily because they like to eat and don’t move much. This can lead to arthritis and diabetes.

To keep Burmese cats healthy, buy from breeders who test for health problems and offer health guarantees. Taking them to the vet often, giving them good food and exercise, helps keep them healthy. This also lowers the chance of burmese cat genetic disorders and burmese cat common health issues.

Adopting or Purchasing a Burmese Cat

When you want to get a Burmese cat, you have a few choices. First, look at local animal shelters. Sometimes, purebred Burmese cats end up there. You can also use Petfinder to find Burmese cats or similar breeds for adoption in more places.

If you want to buy a Burmese cat from a breeder, pick a good one. They should give you health and behavior info. The National Alliance of Burmese Breeders (NABB) helps find Burmese cat breeders near you. Burmese kittens cost about $600 to $1,000. Good breeders also offer a health promise.

Looking for a Burmese cat takes time and effort. It might take months to find the perfect one. But, it’s worth it for a loving, smart, and loyal friend.

Conclusion

The Burmese cat is a special and loved pet. It’s known for its unique looks and sweet personality. It comes from Southeast Asia and has become popular all over the world.

These cats have a strong body, a round head, and big eyes. They also have short, shiny coats in many colors. People love them for being very loyal, playful, and curious.

Burmese cats need lots of attention and interaction. They can be a bit tricky to take care of because of health issues. But, with good breeders and care, they can live a long and happy life with their families.