Burmese cats are amiable, clever felines who enjoy both running around the home and cuddling on the couch. They're also known for playing a good game of fetch and don't like being left alone for lengthy periods of time. In fact, some people compare Burmese cats to feisty puppies!
The Burmese cat breed has short, silky fur that varies in color based on the type of Burmese cat selected. This is because the breed has two unique varieties: the American Burmese and the British (European) Burmese.
Origin of Burmese Cats
While the Burmese appear to have originated in Asia, they were really developed as a breed in America. Early in the twentieth century, an American sailor returned home with a small souvenir from Burma: a wide-eyed, walnut-brown cat named Wong Mau.
The sailor handed Wong Mau to Dr. Joseph Thompson, a Siamese breeder who was instantly smitten by the cat. He bred her with a Siamese, and we now have Burmese. The International Cat Association officially recognized the Burmese breed in 1979.
To connect with Burmese cat personality and temperament, while the Burmese were not as chatty as their forefathers, they did inherit a desire to be heard. They are not bashful in expressing their needs. When they require your attention, they will let you know with a grumble.
Personality and Temperament
Anyone who loves the Burmese cat breed will agree that they have adorable personalities. When these social butterflies interact with their owners, they dial up the charm to the max.
If you're looking for a lap cat, the Burmese cat will gladly accommodate. They have excellent snuggling skills and prefer to be in the presence of their owners. According to the CFA, Burmese cats have puppy-like characteristics that they maintain from kittenhood to adulthood.
The Burmese are endlessly interested and have a habit of getting into stuff. They enjoy investigating their owner's activities from a high vantage point, generally on their owner's shoulders. When considering adding a Burmese cat to your family, be prepared for an enthusiastic and engaged playmate whose primary objective is to participate in common household activities.
So, don't let these cats outside. Burmese cats are extremely trusting creatures with minimal survival skills, making them a prime prey for predators. Furthermore, unlike many of their timid feline counterparts, Burmese cats are not terrified of strangers. Keeping them indoors keeps these delicate creatures safe from catnapping and larger animals that could hurt them.
Appearance and Colors
The Burmese cat breed has two primary breed criteria. The first is the British (traditional) variety, which has a slim body, wedge-shaped head, and huge, pointed ears. The second type is the American (current), which is stockier with a larger skull and round eyes.
Burmese owners like the breed's modest grooming requirements. Their short, silky coat sheds minimally and only requires occasional brushing. CFA recognizes the following coat colors:
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Sable: Rich, dark brown
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Champagne: Warm beige
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Platinum: Pale gray
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Blue: Medium gray with fawn undertones
Burmese cats often have yellow eyes, but cross-breeding with Siamese cats can result in blue-eyed beauties.
These kitties are heavy hitters. Burmese cats may appear sleek and small, but their size is deceptive. They are heavier than they appear due to their compact and muscular frame. This feature has led to them being referred to as "bricks wrapped in silk."
Health and Lifespan
Burmese cats have a relatively lengthy life expectancy compared to other purebred cats in the feline kingdom, which is determined by a variety of factors including genetics, health, regular veterinarian Burmese cat care, neutered or spayed status, lifestyle, body weight, and others. Indoor felines can live longer lives on average, up to 17 years, compared to only 2-5 years for outdoor cats. According to recent research, indoor-only cats can live an average of 9.43 years, but outdoor cats live an average of 7.25 years.
Burmese cats are a fairly healthy breed. We've already discussed some of the elements that can influence a cat's longevity, and we'll go over some of them in greater detail. Some aspects can be directly influenced, such as selecting a kitten from a reputable breeder who has undergone the proper health testing, maintaining preventative veterinarian health care, and providing a comprehensive and balanced food. With all of this in mind, you may have your pet by your side for more than 20 years.
Care and Grooming
People love the Burmese cat breed because they are easy to care for. Even inexperienced owners can enjoy this breed. However, there are several details you should be aware of.
Care for ears, nose, and eyes
Burmese cats have weak eyes, which are prone to severe tearing. To avoid problems, clean them regularly with a cotton pad or ball saturated with a gentle antiseptic.
The nose also demands attention. Burmese cats frequently experience nasal congestion as a result of their unusual facial form. Make sure they can breathe freely and that their nasal passages are clear.
Inspect your ears once a week and remove any excess wax with a cotton pad. If the Burmese kittens scratches or touches its ears with its paws, see a veterinarian. Ear mites could be the cause.
Coat care
What should I use to brush a Burmese cat? Use a special rubber or silicone glove, or a standard brush. After brushing, wipe the coat with a chamois or silk towel to add gloss. Increase the frequency of this procedure before concerts.
To maintain a smooth and shiny coat, professional breeders utilize a furminator, a grooming instrument that eliminates dead hair during shedding. However, this is unnecessary because the Burmese cat breed rarely shed.
Claws and teeth
Burmese cats are genetically predisposed to gingivitis, so proper dental care is required. Examine and wash their teeth once a week. Pet stores have special brushes with small bumps that fit over your finger, as well as pet toothpaste, which is often scented to attract cats.
Don't use human toothpaste! It contains fluoride, which is toxic to cats. Remember that your pet cannot rinse or spit out the toothpaste after brushing.
Owners of the Burmese cat breed use a claw trimmer to cut their cats' claws once a month. This method demands competence. Trim 1-2 mm off the claw to avoid the fast. If you are having difficulty, consider hiring a groomer.
Bathing
Burmese cats do not require regular baths. Their fur is dirt-resistant, and the breed is naturally extremely clean.
Bathe your cat before shows or when it is visibly dirty, using a special shampoo no more than once every quarter. Insert cotton into the ears to keep water out. After bathing, towel-dry the fur and allow it to dry naturally.
Is a Burmese Cat Right for You
Burmese cats are friendly, clever, and very people-oriented pets. They thrive on interaction, prefer indoor living, and reward devoted owners with devotion, fun, and frequent participation in daily activities. If you want a low-maintenance Burmese cat personality, and you're willing to be their favorite human, a Burmese may be the right option.
Thinking about bringing home Burmese kittens? Before making a commitment, look into reliable breeders, consult with your veterinarian, and ensure that your lifestyle matches their social character.