Burmilla

Important: The Burmese cat passed on its energy and sociability to the Burmilla, whilst the Persian cat contributed its exquisite silvery, ‘veiled’ coat.

The story begins in 1981: in the county of Surrey, a lilac tortoiseshell Burmese cat named Faberge and a silver Chinchilla Persian named Sanquist had an accidental meeting in the cattery of Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg. Four kittens with an interesting new colour were born from this unplanned union. Impressed by the beauty of the kittens, the Baroness initiated a breeding programme: Burmese cats were crossed with Chinchillas, carefully selecting animals with contrasting eye lining and a pure silver undercoat.

Over the next 10 years, British felinologists established a stable genotype, described the standards (shorthaired and semi-longhaired varieties), and developed popular colours such as black shaded silver, blue shaded silver, and chocolate tipped. In 1994, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognised the Burmilla as a distinct breed, after which its popularity spread to Europe, Australia, and North America.

The intensity of the colouring is regulated by two genes: the Inhibitor I gene (which whitens the base of the hair shaft) and the Agouti A gene (responsible for the zonal distribution of pigment). Together, they create either a shaded or tipped (veiled) effect. The most common variations are listed below:

Interestingly: the evenness of the colouring is assessed by blowing the fur against the grain; the shading should blend smoothly, without any harsh patches.

• Body – medium-sized, muscular, with a broad chest.
• Head – a soft wedge shape; cheeks are more pronounced in toms, smoother in queens.
• Ears – large, tilted slightly forward, with rounded tips.
• Eyes – large, almond-shaped; colour ranges from yellow-green to emerald green.
• Nose – medium length, with a slight break; the nose leather is often a pinkish-coral shade.
• Tail – medium length, tapering gradually to the tip.
• Coat – silky, lying close to the body; the undercoat is dense but not as fluffy as a Persian’s.

The Burmilla strikes a ‘golden balance’ between activity and restrained aristocracy. They can play with children for hours and then spend the evening purring quietly on their owner’s lap. Characteristic traits of the breed include:

1. Friendliness. These cats willingly interact with strangers and usually get along well with other animals.
2. High adaptability. They quickly get used to a lead, car journeys, or moving house.
3. Playful intelligence. They enjoy puzzle feeders, interactive tracks, and laser pointers.
4. Moderate ‘voice’. They miaow softly, reminiscent of a melodious chirp.

Tip: If an active dog already lives in the home, provide the Burmilla with vertical spaces to minimise territorial conflicts.

Thanks to the broad gene pool from the Burmese-Persian mix, the breed doesn’t have critical hereditary mutations; however, regular screening is the best investment in your pet’s long and healthy life.

Grooming a Burmilla is straightforward, yet it still includes:

• Brushing – once a week with a silicone glove; twice a week during moulting season.
• Bathing – no more than once every 2 months; the cat is not afraid of water, but over-drying the coat can dull its shine.
• Eye cleaning – gently wipe the corner of the eye with a lint-free cloth.
• Claws – trim every 14 days; scratching posts of various heights are essential.

The basic dietary formula is 60% animal protein, 30% fats, and 10% complex carbohydrates/fibre. Due to their Persian genes, the breed is prone to chronic kidney disease, so it’s necessary to:

• choose low-phosphorus foods (<0.9%) of super-premium or holistic quality;
• have a ‘Kidney Check’ reference panel (creatinine, SDMA) done every 6 months;
• add N-acetyl-DL-methionine (an acid that acidifies urine and reduces the risk of struvite stones) to their wet food.

Home-prepared diets based on raw turkey fillet and light beef by-products can be appropriate if the calcium-phosphorus balance of 1.2:1 is maintained with veterinary supplements.

Unlike most cats, the Burmilla quickly learns through clicker training. Choose a trick the cat can manage (like jumping through a hoop or ‘giving a paw’), associate it with a short command word, and immediately reward with a piece of freeze-dried meat. Five-minute sessions twice a day are better than one long session.

• In 1989, a unique line of the breed emerged with an almost black topcoat and white base; the kittens resembled smoky shadows.
• The first Burmillas in Australia cost more than a Ford Laser car – around $6,000.
• In 2016, the original Burmilla pair, Faberge and Sanquist, were immortalised as bronze figurines, which are kept in the GCCF museum in Bridgnorth.
• The level of the allergen Fel d 1 in Burmillas is often up to 40% lower than in the average domestic cat, making them more tolerable for some allergy sufferers.

Is the Burmilla suitable for a family with a young child?

Yes. The cat reacts patiently to a child’s noise and movement; the main thing is to provide a ‘quiet zone’ where the toddler cannot access.

How many kittens does a Burmilla have on average per litter?

Usually 4–5, rarely 6. Breeders note a high survival rate due to the kittens’ strong immune systems.

Is it true that the Burmilla doesn’t moult?

No. Moulting occurs twice a year, but the fur doesn’t matt and is easy to comb out.

What care does the semi-longhaired variety require?

Brushing twice a week and bathing every 6–8 weeks is sufficient. The coat doesn’t form matts if this schedule is followed.

The Burmilla is a harmony of refined appearance and friendly character. If you are looking for a true companion who equally values active games and quiet evenings, this breed will be an ideal choice. In return for proper nutrition, regular veterinary checks, and emotional engagement, your Burmilla cat will give you years of devotion and the unparalleled silvery sheen of her coat.