{"id":15176,"date":"2015-01-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-01-21T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=15176"},"modified":"2025-05-27T19:49:28","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T16:49:28","slug":"burmese-cat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-burmese-cat","title":{"rendered":"Burmese Cat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Original breed name: Burmese<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Burmese cat, or simply Burmese, is an exceptionally sociable and people-oriented breed, combining elegance, playfulness, and a deep affection for its family. These cats are renowned for their unique “dog-like” character, intelligence, and silky, short coat that requires very little grooming. A Burmese makes a wonderful companion for active individuals and families prepared to give it plenty of attention, as loneliness is what this breed finds hardest to bear. Its gentle behaviour, curiosity, and willingness to be involved in all household activities make it a favourite with many. You can explore more about fascinating breeds like the iconic British Shorthair<\/a> or the striking Bengal cat<\/a>, and indeed the Burmese itself; find out more on Tvaryny<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Burmese Cat: A Brief Breed Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Burmese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Characteristic<\/th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Origin<\/td>Burma (modern-day Myanmar) \/ USA<\/td><\/tr>
First mentioned \/ Recognised<\/td>~1930 (arrival of Wong Mau); 1936 (first CFA recognition, later temporarily suspended)<\/td><\/tr>
Lifespan<\/td>12\u201318 years (average 10\u201315)<\/td><\/tr>
Height at withers<\/td>25\u201330 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/td>Females 3.5\u20135 kg; males 4.5\u20136.5 kg (feel heavier than they look \u2013 often called ‘a brick wrapped in silk’)<\/td><\/tr>
Temperament<\/td>Sociable, loving, playful, intelligent, inquisitive, energetic, ‘talkative’<\/td><\/tr>
Grooming<\/td>Minimal (once a week is sufficient)<\/td><\/tr>
Activity Level<\/td>High<\/td><\/tr>
Vocalisation<\/td>Moderate (voice softer than a Siamese)<\/td><\/tr>
Compatibility with Children<\/td>Very good<\/td><\/tr>
Compatibility with Other Animals<\/td>Good (with proper introduction)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Detailed History of the Burmese Cat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The history of the modern Burmese breed is closely linked to a single cat named Wong Mau<\/strong>. This small, walnut-brown cat with darker points was brought from Rangoon (Burma, now Yangon, Myanmar) to San Francisco in 1930 by Dr Joseph C. Thompson. Initially, Wong Mau was thought to be simply a dark variant of the Siamese cat, but Dr Thompson suspected she represented something unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To test his theory and establish a new breed, Dr Thompson, with the help of geneticists from the University of California and notable breeders (Virginia Cobb, Billie Gerst, Clyde Keeler), began a breeding programme. As there were no other cats similar to Wong Mau, she was mated with a seal-point Siamese. The resulting litter produced three types of kittens: some resembling Siamese, some resembling Wong Mau (hybrids), and some a solid dark brown colour without points \u2013 these were the first true Burmese cats. These early efforts were pivotal in defining the breed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The breed was first recognised by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1936. However, due to excessive outcrossing with Siamese cats (owing to the small number of purebred Burmese), the breed type began to become diluted, and the CFA suspended registration in 1947. Registration was only reinstated in 1953 after breeders demonstrated three generations of purebred Burmese without Siamese admixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1949, the first Burmese cats arrived in Great Britain, where a slightly different type of the breed began to develop. Over time, two main standards emerged:<\/p>\n\n\n\n