The burmese is a medium sized cat, with a rounded head and an elegant and well muscled body. The breed is not as big and strong as that of the British Shorthair nor as elegant and delicate as that of the Siamese.

The eyes are large and shiny and can have any shade of yellow, which often seems to vary depending on the type of light.

Temperament
Warm
Hypoallergenic
No
Origin
Thailand
Size
Medium
Colors
Various colors
Weight
4 – 6 kg

Learn more about the Burmese, from its history to its temperament and more.

The Burmese cat is a remarkable breed known for its elegant, muscular build and affectionate nature. Originating from Southeast Asia, these cats are characterized by their short, shiny coats and expressive eyes. They are sociable, playful, and often form strong bonds with their human companions, making them ideal pets for families and individuals.

Photos of Burmese

The breed standard

The Burmese cat breed is characterized by a medium-sized muscular body with a rounded head and a short, straight nose. They have large, expressive eyes, usually gold or yellow in color, and their coat is smooth, shiny, and close-lying.

These cats weigh between 3 and 5 kilograms, with females closer to the lower limit than males.

Weight evolution of the Burmese

Burmese Growth Table (Weight)

Age Female Male
Newborn 85 - 105 g 95 - 115 g
1 month 380 - 480 g 420 - 520 g
2 months 0.9 - 1.2 kg 1.1 - 1.4 kg
4 months 2.0 - 2.5 kg 2.3 - 2.8 kg
8 months 3.2 - 3.8 kg 3.8 - 4.4 kg
10 months 3.8 - 4.2 kg 4.4 - 4.8 kg
1 year 4.2 - 4.6 kg 4.8 - 5.4 kg
2 years 4.6 - 5.0 kg 5.5 - 6.0 kg

Character and behavior

Affection Level 5/5
Friendliness 5/5
Vocalization 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Emotional Sensitivity 5/5

This is one of the most sociable and people-oriented breeds of domestic cats. The Burmese enjoys forming very close bonds with its owners and other pets.

The Burmese is known as a cuddly, affectionate and cheerful cat that loves to be part of the family. They crave human contact, loving nothing more than to be involved in everything that is going on in their environment.

They are quite outgoing and extremely social by nature, and as such, they need to be kept busy to avoid boredom. They get along very well with children, which is another reason why they make such a wonderful family pet.

Loyal to their owners, they are sometimes called a “cat dog” because many enjoy playing fetch. They are very intelligent and can solve problems such as opening doors, which is why they are often very efficient.

Health

Strong
Little Very

Some diseases are characteristic of representatives of this breed:

  • Diabetes.
  • Hypokalemia.
  • All Burmese cats have a predisposition to diabetes. It is important to monitor the quality of food and the absence of sweets and starchy foods in the diet.
  • This breed has a difficult period of changing milk teeth. Because a new eruption is painful for them.
  • Burmese also often have breathing problems. Their shortened nose is the cause. Cats can have severe lacrimation, which is treated by rinsing the eyes with solutions (tea, herbs).
  • A characteristic disease in this cat is always hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood). To avoid it, it is important to carefully study its pedigree before purchasing a pet. It is important to periodically deworm the animal, otherwise a curious cat will develop worms.

Life expectancy

14
Years
to
18
Years
On average, with good care and proper nutrition

Calculate your Burmese cat's human age

A Burmese cat of X year(s) is approximately X years old in human years.

Cats age faster than humans, especially during their first two years of life. The first year is equivalent to about 15 human years, the second year adds about 9 more years, and each subsequent year equals approximately 4 human years.

Care and hygiene

Grooming needs
Low High

Being such a healthy cat with unique physical characteristics, the truth is that the Burmese is a cat that requires little care in terms of aesthetics and health. The most important thing is to follow healthy habits in terms of diet and exercise, and maintain basic hygiene to always be in the best conditions. It is also essential to visit the vet frequently, keep your cat’s vaccination and deworming record up to date and check its general condition.

A weekly brushing and rubbing with suede is enough to keep their coat in good condition with a good shine. Trim your Burmese kitten’s nails regularly and clean their ears if they appear dirty.

Living conditions

Good with Children
No Yes
Good with Pets
No Yes
Energy Level
Low High
Tolerance to Solitude
No Yes
Territorial Nature
No Yes

Burmese cats thrive in warm environments where they can interact closely with their owners. They prefer homes that offer plenty of vertical space for climbing and exploring. Ideally, they should have access to safe outdoor spaces or spacious indoor areas enriched with toys and scratching posts to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.

Price and budget

Price
Min Max
800$ 1,600$

The purchase price of a Burmese ranges between $800 and $1,600.

Annual Maintenance Cost
Min Max
400$ 800$

The annual maintenance cost of a Burmese ranges between $400 and $800.

Feeding

Daily Feeding Guide for your Burmese

For a Burmese at this age, the recommended daily portion is X.

These recommendations are based on premium dry food. Portions may vary depending on your cat's activity level, weight, and health condition. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

A balanced diet is essential for the health of a Burmese cat. It is recommended to use a high-quality commercial cat food that meets their nutritional needs, as well as regular feeding schedules to maintain a healthy weight. It is also important to monitor their water intake; providing fresh water daily helps prevent dehydration and promotes overall health.

Did you know?

One of the most striking curiosities of the Burmese cat is that its meow is different from that of other breeds. Its voice is a little hoarse and raspy, as if it were becoming hoarse from talking. The Siamese differ in this respect from their relatives, although in times of zeal their voice becomes more shrill and insistent.

If you think that this breed is the best fit for you, it is time to look for a specialized breeder, who can offer you all the necessary guarantees regarding their health and temperament. You will never acquire a cat through an individual or in a pet store, because its origin will be dubious, and it may not correspond to the breed you want to have. Do not hesitate, finding a corresponding Burmese cat breeder will take time and effort, but it will also be very comforting to have your new friend at home.

History of the breed

A dark brown cat, similar to the Siamese, was first brought to California from the Far East in the 1930s. Since there were no other Burmese in America at that time, he was passed to “Wong Mau” with a Siamese with dark brown distal markings. Through selective breeding, a new breed with black fur emerged, which we now know as the Burmese.

The Burmese cat was first recognized as a breed in North America, then arrived in Europe in the 1940s. Since then, breeding programs have developed a range of coat colors.