Burmese Cat

Detailed History of the Burmese Breed

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 Cat Personality: Temperament and Behavior

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.

Training and Socialization of the Burmese Cat

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.

Pros and Cons of the Burmese Cat Breed

Grooming the Burmese Cat: Coat Care and Other Aspects

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.