What is a Burmese Cat?

The Burmese is a breed of cat that originated in Thailand, once called Siam. There are two types of Burmese breeds: the British and the American. The American Burmese cat has a shorter nose and bulkier shape than the British Burmese. The British Burmese's face is also more angular in shape. Both types of Burmese have short, but luxurious coats that don't shed much and don't need a lot of grooming.

Coat colors for the Burmese cat include sable (brown in the United Kingdom), champagne (chocolate in the United Kingdom) and platinum (lilac in the United Kingdom). Other color possibilities include red, cream and tortoiseshell. The American Cat Fancier's Association recognizes sable, champagne, platinum and blue Burmese colorings. The first Burmese cat color was sable and then the blue Burmese cat was developed in England in 1955. Yellow eyes are associated with the Burmese breed, but due to the high amount of Siamese genes involved in the breed, blue eyes and green eyes are still fairly common.

The Burmese cat is a sturdy breed, but are not outdoor cats at all since their natural outside instincts are considered limited. The breed in general is quite healthy, but one health condition especially associated with the Burmese is Cherry Eye. Cherry Eye occurs when glands behind the third eyelid swell up and cause frequent blinking, tearing, redness and dryness. The condition is usually much more common in dogs than in cats.

The general disposition of the Burmese cat is said to be highly social and energetic. They may demand a lot of attention. Some Burmese cats communicate with people vocally and their voices are not as harsh sounding as the Siamese cat’s yowl. The Burmese breed is said to remain quite energetic and playful as they age. The Burmese cat may do well in homes with well-behaved children and are known to be loyal to their human companions.

The Burmese cat originated from Burma (now Myanmar) and was brought to the United States in the 1930s. Dr. Joseph Thompson imported a small, walnut-brown female cat named Wong Mau, who is considered the matriarch of the breed in the West. Through selective breeding, the unique characteristics of the Burmese were developed and standardized.

Burmese cats are known for their compact, muscular bodies, large expressive eyes, and short, fine coats that come in a variety of colors such as sable, champagne, blue, and platinum. They have a distinctive round head with a short muzzle, which gives them a sweet, kitten-like appearance throughout their lives.

Burmese cats are renowned for their affectionate and sociable nature. They are often described as "dog-like" due to their tendency to follow their owners around and their desire for interaction and play. They are highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train, and they thrive on companionship, making them excellent pets for families and individuals alike.

Like many purebred cats, Burmese can be prone to certain hereditary health issues. These may include craniofacial defects, hypokalemia (low blood potassium), and heart problems such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Regular veterinary check-ups and responsible breeding practices can help mitigate the risk of these conditions.

Burmese cats have short, silky coats that require minimal grooming. A weekly brushing is typically sufficient to remove loose hair and maintain their coat's natural sheen. They also benefit from regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care to prevent common issues like periodontal disease.

Burmese cats are known for their longevity, with many living well into their teens and some reaching their early twenties. According to breed experts, the average lifespan of a Burmese cat is around 16 to 18 years, provided they receive proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and live in a loving, stress-free environment.