Inquisitive, talkative, and very affectionate. That’s the Burmese cat in a nutshell. This cat originally comes from the Far East but actually enjoys being anywhere as long as there are loving people. Learn all about this lovely cat breed here!
In this blog:
- Where does the Burmese cat come from?
- The personality of a Burmese
- What does a Burmese cat look like: appearance and coat
- Inherited diseases and conditions of a Burmese
- How long does a Burmese cat live?
- Caring for a Burmese
- Buying a Burmese (kitten)
Where does the Burmese come from?
Burmese cats originally come from Burma, which is now called Myanmar. We know that much, but not many details are known about the breeding history of this beautiful cat breed. However, that’s not a big deal because we do know many other interesting things about these cats. For instance, Burmese cats were once temple cats. They were considered sacred cats and were worshipped by monks and wealthy (and very important) individuals.
Sometime in the 1930s, a doctor brought a light brown Burmese to San Francisco in the United States. No one had ever seen a cat breed like this before, so various scientists and breeders pondered the question: What kind of cat is this? Although the cat resembled a somewhat darker Siamese, it was indeed a different breed. The cat was crossed with a seal point Siamese. The son born from this crossbreeding gave birth to dark brown kittens, and these are the original ancestors of the Burmese as we know them today.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association officially recognized the Burmese cat in 1936 as a cat breed. However, this recognition was revoked when some breeders started crossing the breed with Siamese cats. But thanks to a group of other breeders who kept the breed pure, the Burmese cat was officially recognized again in 1954. The breed standards have not changed since then.
The personality of the Burmese
Like any other Oriental cat breed, the Burmese is an incredible chatterbox. “Talkative” is high on the list of characteristics. But there’s more to tell! Burmese cats are quite special. They form strong attachments to their owners and are endlessly loyal. Furthermore, these cats are super intelligent, curious, agile, and active – and they remain so even in their old age. They also crave attention and aren’t shy about asking for it!
Because Burmese cats are so active, they are absolutely not suited to be indoor-only cats. These cats need stimulation and space to move around. If you want a cat of this breed, make sure you have a secure outdoor area where your cat can climb, play, and explore the surroundings. And not to forget: play with your cat at least three times a day because it makes them very happy!
Useful tip: Burmese cats don’t like to be alone and require a feline companion. So, this cat breed is not suitable to be the only cat in the house.
How a Burmese Cat Looks: Appearance and Coat
Burmese cats are elegant and beautiful, with a distinct Oriental appearance. They are of average size, have a muscular body, and a short tail. Burmese cats have round, large eyes, often in shades of yellow or gold. Their head is wedge-shaped, with full cheeks and a short snout. Their legs are also somewhat shorter than average.
Their coat is soft, short, and dense, with a beautiful sheen. It can come in various colors, including blue, brown, chocolate, red, lilac, cream, and cinnamon. Silver and fawn coat colors have been introduced and recognized more recently. While rare, there are also Burmese cats with brown or chocolate tortoiseshell patterns.
Diseases and Conditions in Burmese Cats
It’s incredibly unfortunate, but Burmese cats have a high risk of several hereditary (and unique) conditions. Here is a list of them:
Brachycephaly: The Burmese has a flat snout, which can lead to issues like watery eyes, breathing difficulties, and dental problems.
PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) and Kidney Failure: Burmese cats are more prone to PKD than other breeds, which can lead to kidney failure, characterized by weight loss and weakness.
Hypokalemic Myopathy: This is an inherited muscle disease commonly seen in Burmese cats, causing sluggishness and weakness. Fortunately, there’s a treatment available, but it’s better to insist on a DNA test when dealing with a breeder.
Two Types of Cancer: Burmese cats are highly susceptible to two types of cancer, lymph node cancer, and tumors that grow in specific immune cells. Both are severe and require immediate treatment by a specialist.
FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis): FIP is caused by a virus and is more common in Burmese (and other purebred cats) than in “ordinary” cats. Unfortunately, this disease is incurable.
Diabetes: While any cat can develop diabetes, it is more common in many cat breeds, including Burmese. This may have a hereditary component.
Burmese Head Defect and Gangliosidosis: This condition specifically occurs in Burmese kitten, causing them to be born with a malformed head. Fortunately, there are now reliable DNA tests available, reducing the number of cases significantly.
How Long Does a Burmese Cat Live?
Despite the health issues mentioned above, a Burmese cat can live a relatively long life, up to 17 years. However, it’s crucial to provide proper care and regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being.
Caring for the Burmese
Burmese cats have minimal undercoats, so frequent combing or brushing is not necessary as they rarely develop mats. However, they do enjoy being brushed, so it’s a good idea to give them a monthly grooming session. Playing and providing ample love and attention are important for this breed. Therefore, regular playtime and providing a good cat tree for climbing and scratching are essential.
When choosing a cat as a pet, it’s important to take good care of the animal. This involves annual veterinary check-ups (immediate visits if your cat falls ill), providing a safe home, offering healthy food, and fresh water daily. Additionally, you should ensure:
- Adequate clean litter boxes with good cat litter
- Comfortable cat beds for sleeping
- Protection against fleas and other parasites
Buying a Burmese (Kitten)
A Burmese cat is a delightful and sociable pet. This breed is affectionate, active, and loves its family. If you believe this breed is a good match for you and have the financial means to care for them, including veterinary care, proper nutrition, and other essentials, a Burmese might be a great addition to your home. When purchasing a Burmese, it’s best to contact a breed association and ask for a reputable and recognized breeder. Never buy a purebred cat from websites like Marktplaats or eBay, or from a backyard breeder. Additionally, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue, as there are many lovely cats waiting for a caring owner.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or behavior expert. All content, information, and tips in this blog are meant for inspiration and have an informational purpose. If your cat has issues or problems, and you are unsure about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or behavior specialist.
