I’ve always had a soft spot for Burmese cats. Their shiny coats and beautiful eyes are hard to miss. But are Burmese cats good family pets? Based on my years of experience working with cats, I can confidently say that Burmese cats are fantastic options for families. They’re playful, affectionate, and are generally very easy to acclimate to different family dynamics. Here’s a look at why Burmese cats are likely the ideal fit for your family.
Burmese Cat Breed Overview
The Burmese is another breed of cat that I’ve become very familiar with and fond of after years of working with cats. These cats are very elegant in appearance and have a few key distinguishing features, including:
- Medium-sized, muscular build
- Large, expressive eyes (typically gold or yellow)
- Short, fine coat
- Rounded head with a short, snub nose
Burmese cats are starting to pick up traction with cat lovers everywhere. In fact, they were the 16th most popular pedigreed cat breed in the US according to 2020 CFA statistics. This doesn’t surprise me at all based on their delightful temperament.
While you’ll see some variance from one Burmese to the next, these cats are known to be a bit more tiny than other breeds of cats. They typically live to be 16-18 years, assuming they’re properly taken care of. Males usually tip the scales at 8-10 pounds, while females weigh in at 6-8 pounds. Given their smaller size, these cats are perfect for any type of living situation.
What really makes the Burmese cat stand out is the unique blend of physical attributes and personality. Their coats are short and feel like satin to the touch. Their eyes are truly captivating and seem to look deep into your soul. Needless to say, these cats melt your heart from the first time you meet one.
Burmese Cat Colors and Coat
Burmese cats have beautiful coats that are available in several different colors. In the US, there are four primary colors:
- Sable (a luscious dark brown)
- Champagne (a cozy beige)
- Platinum (a soft gray)
- Blue (a medium gray with a silver hue)
In the UK and elsewhere in Europe, you can also find red, cream, and tortoiseshell Burmese cats as Europe recognizes different colors. I find this difference in color standards interesting because it demonstrates how breeds can vary by region.
The Burmese coat is short, fine, and feels soft and silky to the touch. It’s close-lying to the body, which gives the breed a sleek appearance. Their coats are low-maintenance, requiring little grooming. A weekly brush should be more than enough to keep their coat looking its best.
The Burmese cat color is all thanks to genetics. The genes that determine their coat color are quite interesting and are responsible for diluting black pigment to create the range of colors we see today. It’s also interesting that these genetics are what makes the Burmese cat look the way it does.
History and Origin of Burmese Cats
The history of the Burmese cat breed is a story of the profound impact a single cat can make. All modern Burmese cats can trace their lineage back to a single cat named Wong Mau, who arrived in the United States during the 1930s. Dr. Joseph Thompson, the father of the Burmese breed, noticed her unique appearance and decided to start a breeding program.
Wong Mau was the foundation cat used to create the Burmese breed. Dr. Joseph Thompson bred her with Siamese cats in an effort to preserve her unique characteristics and traits and create an entirely new breed. This selective breeding process required many generations of cats to establish the breed we know today.
The Burmese breed received official recognition from the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1957. This moment was a defining time for the breed, as it established the years of hard work poured into creating these incredible cats.
The breed standard for the Burmese cat has changed over the years as breeders have carefully developed the breed. The early Burmese cats looked quite different from the cats we now recognize as Burmese. Breeders worked to refine the breed to more closely align with their vision. They wanted cats with a more rounded head and more expressive eyes, which is exactly what you see in the breed standard today.
Personality and Temperament of Myanmar’s Feline Breed
Burmese cats have the purrfect personality to match their stunning appearance. In my opinion, these cats are:
- Extremely loving and people-focused
- Very intelligent and inquisitive
- Playful throughout their entire adult life
- Vocal, though not excessively noisy
These cats are just happiest when around people. They’ll trail you through your home because they want to participate in everything you do. A Burmese cat will also likely be curled up in your lap or snuggled next to you when you sleep.
They’re also smart, so you can train them to do tricks, solve puzzle toys, and even fetch. They love mental stimulation, so providing it makes them even happier and prevents them from becoming bored.
Burmese cats typically also get along well with children and other animals. Given their playfulness, they’re excellent playmates for kids, and they’re usually tolerant and gentle during play. However, always supervise any cat or other pet when with a young child.
As for other animals, most Burmese cats don’t particularly care. They raise fits as well as other animals when you provide them with mental stimulation and affection.
However, their friendly nature means they don’t tolerate being alone for long periods. Therefore, if you want a Burmese cat, make sure you can give it the attention it requires.
Charming Companions for Your Home
Burmese cats are a great fit for many families, as they are very adaptable to various living situations. Whether you’re in a small apartment or a large home, the Burmese cat will do just fine.
This breed does require daily playtime and some form of exercise. Interactive toys and cat trees are a must. Fortunately, Burmese cats are very playful and will often initiate playtime with their human family members. This ensures that they get the physical and mental exercise they need.
Burmese cats are fairly talkative. They have a soft, pleasant voice that they use to talk to their owners. While they aren’t as obnoxious as some breeds, they do enjoy chatting. Your Burmese cat will likely greet you at the door when you come home and remind you when it’s time for dinner.
Burmese cats are quick to adapt to new surroundings. They’re also quite curious and confident. Therefore, the Burmese cat is happy to make itself at home almost immediately. However, they do form strong attachments to their families. If you do need to make any significant changes, just be sure to do so gradually to keep your Burmese cat stress-free.
Feline Genetics: The Burmese Breed
Burmese cat genetics are interesting because they have two unique genetic populations: the European Burmese and the American Burmese. These populations have some variations in genetics and appearance.
The main genetic characteristic of a Burmese cat is the cb allele – a genetically recessive form of albinism that impacts their coloring. This gene is responsible for the specific coat colors you see in Burmese cats.
This gene essentially dilutes the black pigment in their coats, resulting in the sable, champagne, platinum, and blue colors that are common in the breed. It’s the interaction of this gene with other genes that produces the range of colors you see in Burmese cats.
Health Factors to Consider for This Asian Feline Breed
Burmese cats are generally a healthy breed. However, they are susceptible to several genetic conditions:
- Cranial deformities
- Endocardial fibroelastosis (a heart condition)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypokalemia (low potassium)
Hypokalemia is a major concern in Burmese cats. Scientific research has identified a specific gene mutation that causes this condition in the breed. Studies indicate that about 40% of Burmese cats in Australia carry the hypokalemia gene.
Regular health check-ups are important for Burmese cats. This should include testing for both hypokalemia and heart conditions. Catching either issue early can greatly help manage these conditions.
The best strategy to ensure your Burmese cat stays healthy is preventive care. This includes regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and dental care. A balanced diet and regular exercise also play a role in their health and wellness.
Caring for Your Burmese Cat
Proper care is essential to keep your Burmese cat healthy and happy. Burmese cats have unique dietary needs. It’s important to feed them a high-quality cat food suitable for their age and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to decide the best diet for your Burmese cat.
Burmese cats require minimal grooming. They have short coats that only need to be brushed once per week to remove loose hair and distribute oils from the skin. This weekly brushing also serves as a great bonding opportunity with your cat.
Burmese cats are active and require a lot of exercise. To keep them in good physical shape and prevent behavior problems, provide them with climbing structures, interactive toys, and playtime with you.
Regular veterinary care is also important. Annual check-ups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings are important steps to keep your cat healthy. Stay current on preventive care to identify any issues early.
Adopting or Purchasing a Burmese Cat
When purchasing a Burmese cat, look for reputable breeders or adoption centers. Look for breeders registered with cat fancier associations and ask to see health clearances for the cats.
When selecting a Burmese kitten, check that it looks healthy. Signs of a healthy kitten include clear eyes, a shiny coat, and alert behavior. The kitten should also be friendly and not afraid of people.
When speaking with the breeder or adoption center, ask about the kitten’s health and any testing that has been done. This will help ensure the kitten is healthy and well-socialized.
Keep in mind that owning a Burmese cat involves both initial and ongoing costs. You’ll need to purchase food, pay for veterinary care, and buy supplies. Additionally, your Burmese cat may require medical care throughout its life, so make sure you can afford to care for a new cat.
If you’re interested in other Asian cat breeds, you might want to learn about the Asian Leopard Cat. While not suitable as a domestic pet, it’s an interesting species that has influenced some hybrid breeds. For those looking for a more exotic domestic breed, the Oriental Shorthair shares some similarities with the Burmese in terms of intelligence and affection.
To Sum It Up
Burmese cats make excellent pets. They are affectionate, intelligent, and can adapt to most homes. Their unique background, lively personalities, and stunning looks make them one of the more interesting breeds of cats. By providing basic care, regular vet check-ups, and a loving environment, you can ensure your Burmese cat lives a long, healthy life. You’ll find they are loyal, playful friends that will bring happiness to your home for decades.
I’ve dedicated countless hours to caring for Burmese cats, and these cats really are something special. Their soft coats and stunning, soulful eyes are just irresistible. However, remember that each cat is an individual, so be patient, be observant, and show them lots of love, and you’ll develop a fantastic relationship with your Burmese cat.
