Burmese Cat Breed

The Burmese thrives on companionship with her humans and other cats. Like her Siamese ancestors, she enjoys conversation, but has a much softer, sweeter voice.

Temperament

She’s energetic, curious and playful well into adulthood and loves interactive toys and learning new tricks. She loves to give and receive attention, so expect her to follow you around, sit on your lap and snuggle next to you in bed. Guests will be surprised by her outgoing, dog-like nature.

Characteristics

Their compact body is solid and muscular with a rounded head and sweet, expressive eyes. Their ears are medium sized, with rounded tips that tilt slightly forward.

Lifespan

10 to 16 years

Colors

The original Burmese cat was sable, a solid, dark brown color. Newer lines of Burmese come in several other shades, including blue, champagne and platinum, and some associations even permit tortoiseshell, lilac and red to be shown. Sable kittens’ coats darken as they mature and all colors have green or golden eyes, depending on their coat color.

Shedding

Shedding is minimal and weekly brushing will keep your Burmese cat’s coat healthy and shiny by removing loose hair and redistributing skin oils.

Health

Burmese cats are prone to gingivitis and are sensitive to anesthesia. Other diseases and deformities have been seen in the breed, including:

• Corneal dermoid
• Orofacial pain syndrome
• Congenital peripheral vestibular disease
• Craniofacial abnormalities
• Hypokalemic polymyopathy
• Flat-chested kitten syndrome
• Kinked tail
• Elbow osteoarthritis
• Diabetes
• And more

Choosing the Best Food for Burmese Cats

When it comes to feeding your Burmese cat, choose a complete and balanced cat food like Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice Formula to support her playful and active nature. Indoor cats may need a specially formulated food to help maintain a healthy weight and control hairballs, so Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Indoor Turkey & Rice Formula may also be a good choice.

To explore other products for your Burmese, see our Product Selector.

Choosing the Best Food for Burmese Kittens

Your Burmese kitten needs a complete and balanced kitten food with all the nutrients essential to her growth and development. During her first year, select a kitten food like Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Kitten Chicken & Rice Formula to support her maturation into adulthood.

History

Dr. Joseph Thompson brought the first Burmese cat to America in 1930. Her name was “Wong Mau” and she was bred with Siamese cats. Through selective breeding, Thompson was able to achieve the sable coat color and isolate it for further breeding.

The breed was registered with the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1936, but registration was suspended in 1947 because Siamese cats were still being used in breeding programs. Once this practice was eliminated, registrations resumed in 1953. The Burmese cat was accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979.

Facts

• The Burmese cat resulted from a cross of the Siamese with the “copper cat” of Burma (present-day Myanmar).
• They may have been kept by priests in temples and palaces.
•  The Burmese was one of the original breeds accepted by TICA.