Burmese Cat

The history of the modern Burmese cat is closely tied to one special feline named Wong Mau. This small, walnut-brown cat with darker markings 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 a dark variant of a Siamese cat, but Dr. Thompson suspected she was something unique.

To test his theory and establish a new breed, Dr. Thompson, with the help of University of California geneticists and prominent breeders (Virginia Cobb, Billie Gerst, Clyde Keeler), began a breeding program. Since no other cats like Wong Mau were available, she was bred with a seal-point Siamese cat. The resulting litter produced three types of kittens: some resembled Siamese, some were like Wong Mau (hybrids), and others were a solid dark brown without markings—these were the first true Burmese cats.

The breed was first recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1936. However, due to excessive outcrossing with Siamese cats (because of the small number of purebred Burmese), the breed’s type started to become diluted. The CFA suspended registration in 1947, only to reinstate it in 1953 after breeders were able to prove three generations of purebred Burmese without any Siamese ancestry.

In 1949, the first Burmese cats arrived in the UK, where a slightly different breed type began to develop. Over time, two main standards emerged:

• American (Contemporary) Burmese: A more compact, stocky cat with a rounded head, a short muzzle, and widely spaced, round eyes.
• British / European (Traditional) Burmese: A more moderate, elegant type with a wedge-shaped head (with soft contours), almond-shaped upper eye lines, and a slightly longer body. This type is more common in Europe and Australia. The European standard also recognizes more colors (red, cream, and tortie).

It’s worth noting that Burmese cats played a key role in the creation of other breeds, such as the Bombay cat (by crossing with a black American Shorthair) and the Tonkinese cat (a result of crossing the Burmese and Siamese breeds, similar to the original Wong Mau).

The Burmese is a medium-sized cat with surprisingly heavy weight for its size, earning it the nickname, “a brick wrapped in silk.” Their appearance combines strong musculature with undeniable elegance.

The physical description can vary slightly depending on the standard (American vs. European), but the core traits are as follows:

1. Head: The European type has a short, blunt wedge with broad cheekbones and a rounded forehead. The muzzle is well-developed but not pointed. The American type has a distinctly round head from all angles, with a short muzzle and a noticeable “stop” (the transition from forehead to nose).
2. Ears: Medium-sized, broad at the base, and slightly rounded at the tips. They are set fairly wide apart and tilt slightly forward.
3. Eyes: Large, expressive, and set wide apart. The upper line of the eye is slightly oriental (almond-shaped) in the European type, while the bottom line is rounded. In the American type, the eyes are completely round. The eye color is shades of yellow and gold; the richer, the better. Green eyes are considered a fault.
4. Body: Medium in size, muscular, compact, with strong bone structure and a well-developed, rounded chest. The back is straight. The American type is more cobby and “rounded” overall.
5. Paws: Proportional to the body, quite slender (especially in the European type), with neat, oval pads.
6. Tail: Straight, medium length and thickness, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.
7. Coat: Very short, fine, and lying close to the body, with almost no undercoat. It feels incredibly soft and silky, similar to satin, and has a characteristic glossy sheen.

Burmese Cat Colors

Traditionally, four main colors are recognized in the American standard. The European standard recognizes a wider palette.

A distinctive feature of the Burmese coat is that the underside of the body is always a bit lighter than the back and legs, but without sharp contrasts or markings (with the exception of torties). Kittens are born much lighter, and their final color develops gradually.

The Burmese cat’s personality is arguably its most attractive trait. They are often described as “extroverted cats” or “cats with a dog-like personality” because of their incredible sociability, devotion, and need for human attention.

• People-Oriented: Burmese cats love to be the center of attention. They want to be involved in all aspects of family life, follow their owners from room to room, greet them at the door, and love to sit on laps or simply be nearby. They are true “Velcro cats.”
• Need for Company: Loneliness is their greatest enemy. Burmese cats handle long periods of a owner’s absence poorly and can suffer from separation anxiety. They are best suited for a home where someone is usually around or where there is another cat or dog for company.
• Playful and Energetic: They remain playful and active throughout their lives, not just as kittens. They love interactive games, “hunting” toys, and can even learn to play fetch.
• Intelligent and Curious: Burmese cats are very smart and clever. They are quick learners and can figure out how to open doors and cupboards. Their curiosity knows no bounds, so it’s important to cat-proof your home by hiding dangerous objects.
• Vocal: Burmese cats are quite “chatty” and love to communicate with their owners using a variety of sounds. However, their voice is typically softer and more pleasant than that of their Siamese ancestors.
• Friendly and Trusting: They are generally good with strangers and quickly warm up to them. They get along well with children (if handled gently) and other pets, especially if raised together. Important: Their trusting nature can make them vulnerable outdoors, so keeping them as indoor-only pets is highly recommended.
• Gentle Nature: Despite their energy, Burmese cats are very gentle and rarely use their claws when playing with people.

A Burmese cat is not just a pet; it’s a full-fledged family member that requires attention, love, and companionship.

While Burmese cats are generally a healthy breed with a good lifespan (12-18 years), they are prone to some specific genetic and other health conditions.

Genetic Diseases

• Burmese Head Defect (BHD): A severe congenital deformity of the skull and face, incompatible with life. It was more common in American lines of the contemporary type. Thanks to the development of a genetic test, responsible breeders have been able to significantly reduce or completely eliminate this issue from their breeding lines. It’s crucial to ask breeders if the parents of a kitten have been tested for BHD.
• Familial Episodic Hypokalemic Polymyopathy (FEHP): A hereditary condition that causes episodes of muscle weakness due to low potassium levels in the blood. Symptoms can range from mild weakness to the inability to hold their head up or walk. Treatment involves potassium supplements in the diet. A genetic test is available to identify carriers.
• Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome (FOPS): Episodes of painful sensations in the mouth and face area that cause the cat to excessively lick, chew, and rub its face. This is often triggered by stress or the eruption of adult teeth. The exact cause is unknown, and treatment is symptomatic.

Other Common Problems

• Diabetes Mellitus: Burmese cats have an increased predisposition to developing type 2 diabetes, especially if they are overweight. It’s important to monitor their weight and ensure they have a balanced diet.
• Gingivitis and Gum Disease: Like many cats, Burmese can suffer from gum problems. Regular oral care (teeth brushing, vet check-ups) is essential.
• Obesity: Despite being active, with improper nutrition and insufficient exercise, Burmese cats can gain excess weight, which increases the risk of diabetes and other health issues.
• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): Some studies indicate a possible increased susceptibility of Burmese cats to developing FIP, although this disease can affect any breed.

Prevention

To maintain a Burmese cat’s health, it’s important to:

• Choose a kitten from a responsible breeder who tests their animals for genetic diseases (BHD, FEHP).
• Ensure regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite control.
• Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and sufficient physical activity.
• Pay attention to oral hygiene.
• Provide a safe environment and minimize stress.

Grooming a Burmese cat is one of the easiest tasks thanks to its unique coat.

• Coat Care: The short, silky coat with almost no undercoat requires minimal grooming. A quick rub down with your hand, a damp cloth, or a special rubber grooming mitt once a week is enough to remove dead hairs and enhance its natural shine. Some owners use a piece of chamois or silk for “polishing.” Brushing is generally not needed, and furminators can damage the delicate coat structure. Shedding in Burmese is very minimal.
• Bathing: Not required on a regular basis, only in cases of severe soiling or before a show. Use only a specialized cat shampoo.
• Nail Care: Like all domestic cats, Burmese need their nails trimmed regularly (approximately every 2-3 weeks) with special cat nail clippers. A scratching post is a must-have.
• Ear Care: Periodically check the ears for dirt or signs of inflammation. Clean only the visible part of the ear flap with a damp cotton ball or a special ear lotion if necessary.
• Eye Care: Burmese eyes usually don’t need special care. Just watch for cleanliness and the absence of excessive discharge.
• Dental Care: Due to their predisposition to gingivitis, regular oral hygiene is extremely important. Ideally, brush their teeth daily with a special cat toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also use special dental care foods or treats to prevent tartar buildup. Regular veterinary check-ups are necessary.

Burmese cats are among the smartest and easiest to train of all cat breeds. Their intelligence, curiosity, and desire to please their owner make the training process interesting and effective.

• High Trainability: Burmese quickly learn house rules and are easily litter-trained and taught to use a scratching post. They can be taught various tricks: fetching toys, responding to their name, and performing simple commands (“sit,” “shake paws”). Some owners even successfully train their Burmese to walk on a leash.
• Training Methods: The most effective method is positive reinforcement—praise, affection, and tasty treats for good behavior. Sessions should be short (5-10 minutes), regular, and conducted in a playful manner to keep the cat interested. Punishment is ineffective and can only frighten the animal.
• Socialization: Early and proper socialization is very important. Introduce your kitten to different people, sounds, and environments. This will help them grow into a confident, calm, and friendly cat. Since Burmese get along well with other animals, they can be introduced to other cats or friendly dogs (under supervision and gradually).
• Managing Curiosity: Due to their high curiosity, Burmese can get into trouble (climbing into tight spaces, opening cupboards). It’s important to provide a safe home environment and give the cat enough “legal” entertainment and puzzle toys to channel its energy and intelligence in a positive way.

Burmese cats have a good appetite and, as mentioned, are prone to weight gain and diabetes. Therefore, proper nutrition is critical for their health.

• Food Quality: Choose high-quality, super-premium or holistic foods with a high content of animal protein (meat should be the first ingredient on the list) and a low content of carbohydrates, especially grains.
• Portion Control: This is the most important rule. Do not leave food out for free-feeding. Feed your cat 2-3 times a day with strictly measured portions according to its age, weight, activity level, and the recommendations of the food manufacturer or a veterinarian.
• Wet Food: Including wet food (cans, pouches) in the diet is very beneficial. It provides extra hydration (preventing kidney and urinary tract issues) and usually contains fewer carbohydrates than dry food.
• Raw or Home-Cooked Diet: This is an option, but it requires careful planning and consultation with a veterinary nutritionist to create a balanced diet. It will likely require the addition of vitamin and mineral supplements.
• Water: Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water.
• Treats: Give treats in very limited quantities, considering their caloric content in the total daily diet. Choose healthy options (for example, pieces of freeze-dried meat).
• Avoid Table Scraps: Human food can be harmful or even poisonous to cats.

• The Founding Mother: All modern Burmese cats worldwide are descendants of a single cat—Wong Mau.
• “A Brick Wrapped in Silk”: This nickname comes from the fact that they feel much heavier than they look due to their strong musculature and dense bone structure.
• Golden Eyes: Bright golden eye color is one of the breed’s hallmarks. Kittens are born with blue eyes that gradually change to yellow or gold over the first few months of life.
• Role in Creating Other Breeds: The Burmese became the foundation for developing the Bombay cat (resembling a mini-panther) and the Tonkinese cat (an intermediate type between the Siamese and Burmese).
• Two Types—One Breed? While the American and European standards describe slightly different appearances, most major cat registries consider them variations of the same breed. However, some organizations (like the CFA) do not allow inter-type breeding.
• Therapy Cats: Due to their gentle and friendly nature, Burmese cats are sometimes used in pet therapy programs.

Are Burmese cats hypoallergenic? No, like most cats, Burmese are not hypoallergenic. Although they have a short coat and shed minimally, the allergic reaction is caused by the Fel d 1 protein found in their saliva and skin secretions, not the fur itself.

Are Burmese cats good for families with children? Yes, Burmese are considered one of the best cats for families with children due to their patient, playful, and gentle nature. They generally handle the activity of children well, but it’s important to teach children to respect the cat’s personal space and handle it gently.

Do Burmese get along with dogs and other cats? Usually, yes. Burmese are very social, and with proper, gradual introductions, they coexist well with other cats and friendly dogs. Having a companion can even help them cope better with an owner’s absence.

How “talkative” are Burmese cats? They are quite vocal and love to “converse” with people, but their voice is usually quieter and softer than that of Siamese cats. They use a variety of sounds to express their needs and emotions.

Can you leave a Burmese alone for long periods? No, it’s not recommended. Burmese cats are very people-oriented and handle loneliness poorly. If you spend a lot of time away from home, this breed may not be the best choice, or you should consider getting a second pet for company.

What is the main difference between American and European Burmese cats? The main differences are in appearance: the American type is more cobby, with a round head and eyes; the European type is more elegant, with a wedge-shaped head and almond-shaped upper eye lines. The European standard also recognizes more coat colors.