Burmese are intelligent and loyal cats with a dog-like personality who crave human affection and company.
History and origins
Burmese cats have a rich history that can be traced back to their origins in Southeast Asia. They are thought to have existed in the region for centuries, where they were revered as companion animals in monasteries and royal courts. It was believed they brought good luck and prosperity. The modern development of the Burmese breed, began in the 1930s when Dr. Joseph Thompson who was stationed in Burma with the US navy, encountered a small, walnut-brown cat named Wong Mau. Recognising her unique qualities, he brought Wong Mau back to the United States.
Once in the US, Wong Mau was carefully bred with a Siamese cat with the support of geneticists Virginia Cobb and Billie Gerst. This breeding program aimed to preserve Wong Mau’s distinctive traits while refining the breed’s characteristics. The result was a breed known for its muscular build, rounded features, and a spectrum of coat colours. Breeding efforts were meticulous, focusing on maintaining the Burmese’s loving and affectionate temperament, which has since become a hallmark of the breed.
Physical characteristics
The Burmese cat is medium-sized, compact, and muscular with a stocky build and heavy bones. This gives them a weight that feels much heavier than they appear when picked up. Whilst they are a solidly built cat, they are well-proportioned, with large, round heads, and thick, straight tails. Their ears are wide and alert, and paired with round watchful eyes in shades of golden, yellow or green that always look slightly surprised.
Their coat is sleek and smooth with a silky sheen. Originally, Burmese were only bred as a rich sable brown colour, but as a result of selective breeding they are now available in various colours including cream, chocolate, blue (soft blue-grey with a silver sheen), and lilac (a pale dove grey colour).
Burmese cat personality
Burmese are social, outgoing and inquisitive cats with irresistible appeal – it is no wonder that they are one of the world’s most popular breeds.
They are typically gentle, affectionate and they like to spend as much time as possible in the company of their human companions, forming deep bonds with their owners. They constantly crave human attention, whether that is the warmth of your lap, gentle strokes of your hand or the opportunity to climb up onto your shoulder. Burmese often assume in fact, that your shoulder is the best place to assist with household tasks or view what is going on in the world.
Many owners of Burmese cats comment that they sometimes act more like dogs than cats. They will greet you at the front door when you come home, follow you around the house as you move from room to room and stay by your side and keep you company when you are unwell. They are less vocal than their Siamese cousins, preferring to express their affection and contentment through their physical presence and subtle gestures.
Burmese are naturally curious and enjoy interactive play or games such as puzzle toys that test their intelligence. If they are trained as kittens, many will happily play fetch with a toy or walk on a leash. And like dogs, Burmese cats don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.
As people-oriented cats, Burmese make ideal family pets and companions. Keeping them happy and content is as easy as ensuring that you shower them with constant love and attention and involve them in family life.
Interesting facts
- Modern Burmese cats descended from one cat named Wong Mao, a female walnut brown Burmese who was brought from Burma (now known as Myanmar) to San Francisco by Dr Joseph Thompson in the 1930s.
- Burmese are often described as ‘a brick wrapped in silk’ which is a reference to their solid, muscled body and smooth, glossy silky coat.
Caring for your Burmese cat
When it comes to grooming, Burmese are low maintenance. Their short, satin-like coat requires a brush once a week to remove loose hairs but this can also be achieved with daily stroking and petting.
Burmese cats are generally healthy, but they can be susceptible to certain inherited conditions including hypokalaemia (low potassium) which can impact the muscular and nervous system, cranial deformities affecting respiratory health and corneal dystrophy which can affect vision. These issues are relatively rare, and breeders usually screen for genetic conditions to minimise their occurrence but it is useful for potential owners to be aware of these.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian will help keep your Burmese cat healthy. Routine healthcare should include vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and preventive treatments. Discuss any breed-specific health concerns with your veterinarian to ensure early detection of potential health issues.
Before welcoming a Burmese cat into your life, please research the breed to ensure they are a good match for your family and lifestyle. Remember, responsible pet ownership is a lifelong commitment.
I am sitting here with my chocolate Burmese Murphy reading this. He loves being involved in everything and enjoys riding over my shoulder. A very loving cat who is also a great hunter and lover of his outdoor world. He sleeps in bed under the covers each night as he thinks he is a human.