Burmese

Coat and looks how to spot one

very short, fine, glossy single coat with a satin finish

The coat lies close against the body, feels like satin and sheds very little. Colour is solid and even, fading gently towards the belly; kittens can show slightly darker points that blend in as they grow up. Beneath it is a compact, muscular cat with solid bones, so it feels much heavier than it looks. Two looks exist: the American type is rounder, with a broad head, short muzzle, round eyes and rounded paws, while the British/European type is a little more slender, with a gently wedge-shaped head, slightly almond eyes, longer legs and oval paws. Eyes are gold to yellow, or green-tinged in some colours.3612

Personality what they are like

Burmese are all about their people. They follow family members from room to room, join in with whatever is happening, and curl up on any free lap, which is why they are nicknamed Velcro kitties. They keep a kitten's playfulness for years, and many learn to play fetch or tag. They are chatty, but their voices are softer and sweeter than a Siamese's. Confident, curious and quick to learn, they tend to be great with considerate children and family dogs. Younger cats are bouncy and adventurous, while some mature into calmer watchers who still love a belly rub.31624

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. An athletic, acrobatic cat that needs daily play sessions, plus cat trees and perches for climbing and jumping. Puzzle games and trick training suit its sharp mind.425

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very easy. A weekly going-over with a rubber brush lifts loose hair and polishes the coat; stroking by hand or wiping with a chamois adds extra shine. Baths are rarely needed. Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations round out routine care.326

Home where they are happiest

Needs plenty of room and stimulation. Purina UK recommends secure outdoor access, such as a covered run or cat-proofed garden, rather than a strictly indoor life, because this curious breed likes to explore. Indoors, provide climbing trees, high perches and a good supply of toys.54

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A strict carnivore that needs a complete, balanced cat food. Adjust portions for age and activity, since energetic young Burmese and older cats have different calorie needs.5

Company who they like around

Very high. Burmese depend on human company more than most breeds and are not happy left alone for long days; they suit homes where someone is around a lot, or where another cat can keep them company. They usually get on well with other cats, especially other Burmese, and with respectful children.1543

The story where it all began

Brown cats of this type lived in Southeast Asia long before the breed had a name. The story of the modern Burmese starts in 1930, when a small walnut-brown female called Wong Mau was brought from Burma to San Francisco and ended up with Dr Joseph C. Thompson. He saw that her body was different from a Siamese and set up a breeding programme, pairing her with a seal point Siamese called Tai Mau and then with her own offspring. The solid dark brown kittens bred true and became the foundation of the breed. CFA began registering Burmese in 1936, but so much Siamese blood was being used that it suspended recognition about ten years later. After breeders tightened up their programmes, CFA reinstated the breed permanently in 1954, a US judging standard followed in 1958, and championship status came in 1959. Purebred Burmese reached Britain after the Second World War; British breeders, working with cats of varied build including American imports, had three generations by 1952, when the GCCF recognised the breed. The first blue Burmese kitten was born in England in 1955, and red, cream, tortoiseshell, chocolate and lilac followed over the next decades. Over time American and British breeders developed noticeably different standards, a rare split among pedigree cats: the rounder American type and the slightly more slender British or European type. TICA recognised the Burmese as one of its founding breeds in 1979. The Burmese has also helped create other breeds, including the Bombay and the Burmilla.1362

Recognised by the official bits

CFA

Registered from 1936; recognition later suspended and permanently reinstated in 1954; championship status 1959. CFA accepts sable, champagne, blue and platinum3

GCCF

Recognised 1952; Section 5 (Burmese), Group 1; 10 standard colours2

TICA

One of TICA's original recognised breeds, June 19796

FIFe

Fully recognised, Category 3 (follows the British/European type)7

WCF

Has a breed standard1