Burmese cat: everything you need to know

Notoriously loving, affectionate, sociable… There's a LOT to shout about when it comes to the Burmese cat! 

Originating from Burma (yep, no prizes for guessing where they got their name from…), these little cuties were officially recognised by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1936. Soon after, Burmese cats took the feline world by storm and now, are a much loved companion for cat enthusiasts everywhere. Rumor has it, they even go down famously with Hardcore Dog Fans… (just don’t tell the canines we said that). 

So, whether you’re the doting pet parent to one of these wonderful cats or you’re simply looking to brush up on your feline fact sheet, sink your claws into this guide and discover (almost) everything you need to know about these beloved Burmese beauts…  

Burmese breed characteristics

Notepads at the ready! From origins to personality to grooming, here are the main Burmese cat characteristics: 

Origin: The Burmese originated in Burma, and most Burmese can be traced to one specific cat named Wong Mau. She was brought from Burma to San Francisco in 1930, and bred with a seal point Siamese named Tai Mau to create the modern Burmese we know and love today.

Size: Burmese cats are a medium sized breed. Compact and stocky, a fully grown fluff will typically weigh between 8-12 pounds. 

Character: Burmese are notoriously friendly, affectionate and sociable - think your new feline BFF. 

Health needs: In general, Burmese cats are in pretty good health, but there are some conditions these little cuties are more susceptible to, such as feline orofacial pain syndrome and diabetes mellitus (more on that later). 

Grooming: Good news! Burmese have a short coat which is less prone to shedding, making them a seriously low-maintenance moggy. They need little more than regular combing during shedding seasons to keep them tip-top.

Intelligence: These fluffy little Einsteins are highly intelligent and quick to learn. 

Lifespan: 16-18 years.

Burmese cat breed guide:

Burmese looks & appearance

The Burmese is best identified by its expressive eyes - you only need to peer into those beautiful peepers to understand why they are so well loved amongst feline fans. But here’s something you might not have known: there are actually two Burmese cat breeds: the American Burmese, and the European Burmese. 

That said, there’s little that sets these two cuties apart - even most cat registries don’t differentiate between the two. The main difference comes down to their body shape: the European tends to be slightly svelter than his American cousin, with low set ears. On the other paw, the American has a more rounded head and compact, stocky stature.  

Colours

Many people think Burmese are exclusively brown cats - but that’s not the case at all! While many do rock a solid brown colour (or dark brown), there’s a real range of Burmese cat colours including sable, champagne, blue, platinum/lilac, red, cream and fawn. 

The European Burmese has also been known to sport a striking tortoiseshell pattern. If you have a Burmese kitten, you may also notice dark shading on their points, that will typically disappear as they age. 

Burmese cat size

The Burmese is a medium sized cat, with a strong, muscular and compact body. Should you pick up one of these Burmese beauties, you may be surprised at just how heavy your hardy little feline is - indeed, owning a Burmese could just double up as a great upper arm workout! 

Thanks to their muscular bodies and silky, glossy coats, our Burmese buddies have even earned themselves the nickname "brick wrapped in silk". We'll let you decide if that's a compliment or not...

Burmese cat personality

One thing cat lovers and dog lovers alike can agree on? The personality of Burmese cats is next to none. 

They are notoriously loving, affectionate and highly sociable. So much so, they’ve earned themselves a reputation as being one of the friendliest cats around, and are even said to have a 'dog like' personality. They get along well with children and other pets, too. 

Burmese are extremely playful - especially Burmese kittens -, and love their daily playtime, but equally are happy to hang out with you on the sofa. As long as their human is around, they’re pretty happy.  

Due to their strong loyalty and people-loving nature, Burmese don't relish being left alone for long periods of time - so if you're planning a trip away, it's a good idea to find a cat sitter to keep your Burmese bud company while you’re away.

Burmese cat health 

While the Burmese cat is fairly healthy, there are a couple of things to watch out for if you’re the doting pet parent of one of these fine felines. 

Burmese cats are more predisposed to diabetes mellitus than other breeds, so it’s important to look out for any signs of weight loss, increased thirst or urination, or lethargy. 

Likewise, these little cuties are more susceptible to feline orofacial pain syndrome - a disorder in cats that causes oral discomfort and facial pain. The telltale signs to look out for here include exaggerated licking and chewing or pawing at the mouth. 

Other than that, Burmese can be prone to piling on the pounds. So, it's important to keep a close eye on their feeding habits to avoid obesity and any other weight-related issues.

Getting a Burmese cat

Thinking of welcoming a new Burmese buddy into your home? Exciting times! 

The first place to look is at local rescue or adoption centres. We know it can be tempting to search for a breeder - especially if you have your heart set on a beautiful Burmese (and who could blame you?). But, not all breeders are not all reputable and it can be difficult to regulate and know who to trust. 

Plus, there are so many feline friends in need of a home up and down the country! So, it’ll only be a matter of time until you find your perfect pal. 

Your common cat questions, answered

Ever wondered why cats purr? Or why your kitty companion prefers your Amazon delivery box to their fancy (and probably pretty spenny) cat bed? You're not the only one. Find out the answers to all these common cat questions and more.