A skilled climber and jumper, the Burmese delights in receiving admiration from its owner but may encounter difficulties in harmonizing with other cat breeds.
APPEARANCE
Size: Medium – Large
Weight: 4 – 5+ kg
Coat Length: Short
Coat Colour: Sable, Champagne, Blue, Platinum, Lilac, Fawn, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Tortoiseshell
Eye Colour: Gold Yellow
Grooming: Low
Longevity: 9 – 13 years
Attention Needs: Moderate – High
RECOGNITION: ACF, ANCATS, CCCA
VARIATIONS: Burmese & Burmese (American).
The Burmese cat stands out among feline breeds due to its adherence to two distinct breeding standards, a result of notable differences between the Burmese (originally the British Burmese) and the American Burmese. These are commonly referred to as “traditional” and “contemporary,” respectively. American Burmese cats exhibit a robust and stocky physique, characterized by a broad chest, head, and a shorter muzzle. In contrast, Burmese cats tend to have a leaner and more athletic build, and they enjoy greater popularity in Europe.
History of the Breed
In 1930, Dr. Joseph C. Thompson brought a cat named Wong Mau from Burma to the United States. This feline had a deep brown colour, and many enthusiasts initially believed she might be a very dark Siamese. Dr. Thompson, however, disagreed, and he, along with like-minded breeders, chose to breed Wong Mau to ascertain her true breed. Wong Mau marked the origin of the Burmese breed.
The kittens of Wong Mau seemed to confirm Dr. Thompson’s hypothesis. When bred with a Siamese, the resulting kittens appeared to be hybrids of Burmese and Siamese, as well as pure Siamese. Breeding those resembling Burmese/Siamese hybrids together yielded deep, dark Burmese kittens. The darker Burmese cats consistently produced similar offspring, affirming that Wong Mau was indeed a hybrid of the Siamese and an unidentified dark-coloured cat.
Unfortunately, the breed’s popularity led to the appearance of hybrids in the show hall in 1947 instead of pure Burmese. Displaying hybrids violated the show rules of the Cat Fanciers’ Association, leading to the withdrawal of Burmese recognition. It was not reinstated until 1953 after the Burmese Cat Society of America assured registries that such violations would not recur.
Appearance
The Burmese is of medium size, yet when lifted, it feels notably heavier than its appearance suggests. With a stocky and somewhat compact build, it is muscular with robust boning.
Roundness characterizes the Burmese from head to toe. The head, ears’ tips, eyes, chin, and even the feet exhibit a rounded shape. This breed possesses both a solid appearance and feel, reflecting considerable strength.
The Burmese’s coat is short and shiny. Although kittens may exhibit darker shading on the points, this tends to disappear with age, resulting in a rich colouration in any of the accepted hues.
While the accepted colour range for Burmese has expanded in recent years, the majority still showcase the traditional deep brown (sable) colour.
Personality
Young Burmese are lively and inquisitive, adapting easily to changes. As they age, some Burmese may become more placid, showing a preference for observation rather than active participation.
Regardless of age, they enjoy observing the world around them, often choosing a window as their favourite spot. While Burmese cats get along well with each other, their compatibility with other breeds may vary.
Living With Burmese
Burmese excel in climbing and jumping, necessitating the provision of cat trees and perches. Monitoring their nutrition is crucial to prevent obesity, especially if they lack sufficient exercise.
Although adult Burmese are calm, they retain a playful demeanour, relishing their daily playtime. They cherish being adored by their owner, enjoying stomach rubs and affectionate petting. Daily petting sessions are a necessity for any Burmese.
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