Burmese cat has a long heritage of change and complicated history, spanning a hundred years, before coming into the breed that it is today, with its fierce enthusiasts exerting diligent efforts to keep the breed thriving. It is often referred to as the “brick wrapped in silk,” due to their compact and stocky build. This cat is vigorous and acrobatic, yet affectionate and intelligent, and an ever-present cat that would love to be by their owner’s side anytime around.
Origin of the Burmese Cat
As its name suggests, the Burmese cats hail from Burma (Myanmar), and legends view the cat as a sacred creature, celebrating it in monasteries and temples. In 1930, a feline named Wong Mau found its way from Burma to the United States through Dr. Joseph C. Thompson, who brought her to his home in San Francisco.
Other breeders deemed Wong Mau was only a dark Siamese, but Dr. Thompson taught otherwise. So, alongside like-minded breeders, they decided to breed Wong Mau to Siamese males, and the resulting litter appeared to be hybrids and one pure Siamese. They soon bred the hybrids and produced pure Burmese kittens, marking the beginning of the breed.
Physical Characteristics of the Burmese Cat
- Length: 15 to 18 inches
- Weight: 8 to 12 pounds (Males), 6 to 10 pounds (Females)
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 16 years
- Coat Color: Sable, blue, champagne, platinum
- Type of Coat: Short
- Eye Color: Yellow, Gold
Burmese cats are small to medium cats, with a short, fine, shiny coat, accentuated by a satin finish. The four colors of their fur recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association include
Sable, blue, champagne, and platinum. They have a stocky, compact build, very muscular, and boast a heavy boning structure. These cats are generally round, with its head, ear tips, eyes, and chin, all being round. Burmese are solid both in feel and appearance, are brimmed with much athleticism.
Burmese Cat Personality
Burmese cats are friendly and vocal felines. They like communicating but have a relatively soft and sweet voice compared to their Siamese ancestors. They yearn for attention and for human companionship, and that would stimulate their intellect. Thus, making them unfit for homes whose family members are mostly out of the house.
As furballs brimming with curiosity, expect them to survey all sections and corners of the house thoroughly. They are also athletic and playful, which will remain until adulthood. But, combine it with their brilliant minds, they can quickly learn fetch, few tricks, and walk on a leash.
However, these cats are ever-present and would love to take part in everything that their owners do, be it when watching the television, cooking in the kitchen, or reading the newspaper. These cats will sleep on their owners’ bed, curl in their lap, or sit beside their master waiting to be petted. Such demeanor is only ideal for those people who are open to losing their privacy in exchange for pure feline affection.
Caring for the Burmese Cat
Burmese cats’ short, fine, glossy, and silken coats require minimal grooming as they rarely shed excessively. Weekly grooming would suffice in removing dead hair, dander, and other debris, keeping their fur’s satiny appearance.
These furballs are highly active, and they would be most happy in busy homes. They require regular exercise and regular playtime to consume their high energy levels. As these cats adore jumping and climbing, cat trees and perches are excellent investments. Interactive and puzzle toys would also be great in stimulating them both physically and mentally.
Their energetic and playful personality begins from kittenhood and remains in adulthood, so they should only be kept by families ready to match their intense vigor.
As with other cat-friendly dogs pets, they are amenable in living with them, as long as the proper introduction has been observed. Meanwhile, children must be taught to treat these cats with respect and prevent them from grasping them forcibly.
Burmese cats crave form human attention, which is why they should not be left for an extended period. They are highly-adaptable and build strong attachments and loyalty with their owners, sometimes even compared to dogs’ relationships with humans.
In terms of health, Burmese cats are generally healthy. However, they are vulnerable to diabetes mellitus and hypokalemia. Regular check-ups are essential to detect any condition that may need addressing.
Burmese cats are athletic, playful, and loyal cats that can willingly match their energy and vigor. They would make an active and lovely home feel more complete.