5 Essential Things to Know About Burmese Cats: A Complete Guide

Key Characteristics of Burmese Cats

Burmese cats are known for their compact and muscular bodies, making them surprisingly heavy for their size. Their large, expressive eyes and sleek coats add to their distinctive appearance. Here’s a closer look at what makes Burmese cats unique:

• Weight: 8–12 pounds
• Life Expectancy: Around 15 years
• Coat: Short, glossy, and single-layered. It may appear pointed in young Burmese cats but darkens over time.
• Common Colors: Sable, champagne, platinum, and blue.
• Other Colors: Sepia, lilac, chocolate, red, and cream.

This breed’s strong build and beautiful coat make Burmese cats a standout among cat lovers.

Where Burmese Cats Came From

The history of Burmese cats is both fascinating and full of debate. The first Burmese cat is believed to have been a cat named Wong Mau, given to Dr. Joseph G. Thompson of San Francisco in 1930 by a sailor returning from Asia. Some theories, however, suggest that Dr. Thompson brought Wong Mau directly from Burma to the United States.

• Although Wong Mau resembled a dark Siamese to many, Dr. Thompson believed she was a unique breed. To explore this further, he bred her with a Siamese cat to extend the breed line. Many experts now believe that the original Burmese was a crossbreed between a Siamese and a Burmese.

The first Burmese kitten, a blue Burmese named Sealcoat Blue Surprise, was born in England in 1955.

• The breed was officially recognized by The International Cat Association in 1979, marking an important milestone in the breed’s development.

How Friendly Are Burmese Cats?

Burmese cats are known for being devoted and tolerant. In fact, much like Ragdolls, Burmese cats have even been known to allow people to dress them up.

• Burmese cats are incredibly people-oriented, often following their humans from room to room. This makes them ideal for families with children, and they generally tolerate a home with dogs.

These social cats enjoy playing fetch, which gives them a dog-like quality. However, because they are so social, Burmese cats can experience loneliness or separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.

• If your family’s routine keeps your cat alone frequently, it’s a good idea to get another Burmese to provide companionship.

Are Burmese Cats the Right Cat for You?

Exercise Needs of Burmese Cats

MEDIUM: Burmese cats are naturally playful and thrive when they have a variety of toys to keep them entertained. Their energetic nature means they need regular playtime to stay happy and healthy.

• Despite their playful attitude, Burmese cats are fearless and often unaware of potential dangers. For this reason, it’s best not to allow your Burmese to go outdoors.

Keeping your Burmese indoors also helps protect them from being lost or stolen. Many people would love to have such a cherished breed without paying for it, so indoor living is the safest option.

Grooming Needs of Burmese Cats

LOW: Burmese cats are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. A weekly brushing is usually enough to remove loose hair and dead skin, keeping their short coat healthy.

• In addition to brushing, it’s important to provide your Burmese with scratching surfaces. This helps them satisfy their natural urge to scratch while maintaining their nails between clippings.

By following this simple routine, you’ll help keep your Burmese comfortable and well-groomed.

Health Problems of Burmese Cats

LOW: Burmese cats are generally healthy with no significant breed-specific health concerns. However, since Burmese cats have been crossed with Siamese cats in the past, it’s important to be aware of health conditions common to the Siamese breed.

Some health issues that may arise include:

• Respiratory problems (chronic bronchial disease)
• Crossed eyes
• Kinked tail
• Bladder stones
• Eye problems (glaucoma and retinal atrophy)
• Heart problems
• Cancer

While these conditions are rare, they are worth keeping in mind if your Burmese cat has Siamese lineage.

This video features Ozzy demonstrating this breed’s affection and following habits:

Where to Adopt a Burmese Cat

Purebred Burmese cats sometimes find their way into shelters and rescues, so it’s a great idea to begin with an adoption search before considering other options.

• If adopting isn’t possible and you’re considering buying from a breeder, make sure the breeder is knowledgeable about the breed and is not operating a kitten mill.

When evaluating a breeder or rescue, ensure that the cats and kittens are friendly, and clean, have access to fresh water, and have enough space to move around and play. Their living areas should also be free of insects and unpleasant odors like ammonia, urine, rotting food, or feces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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