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Burmese are intelligent and loyal cats, easily distinguished by their bright golden eyes and their silky coat. 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 an endearing irresistible appeal – it is no wonder that they are one of the world’s most popular breeds. They are typically gentle, affectionate and they will want to spend as much time as possible with you. They are also less vocal than some of the other Oriental breeds.
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. If they are trained from kittens, many will happily play fetch with a toy. And like dogs, Burmese cats don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.
Did You Know?
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
Burmese cats are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. 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.
Their outgoing and fearless personality also makes them better suited to an indoor life where they are safe from the dangers of the outside world.
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.
Be warned though of the irresistible charm of the Burmese cat – one is never enough!
Have you ever met a Burmese cat? Please share your experiences in the comments below.
Image: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr
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.