Burmese Kittens
Burmese History
Burmese cats have existed in countries such as Thailand, Burma and Malaya for hundreds of years and were exported in the early 1900's along with Siamese cats. The first known Burmese to be exported to America was Wong Mau – a brown feline who was bought by Dr. Joseph Thompson; a breeder particularly interested in cats from the Far East. Dr. Thompson loved Wong Mau's stunning brown coat and gentle nature and wanted to find a way of producing more like her. Unfortunately, there were no other Burmese cats in America so he mated her with the Siamese breed, this resulted in three different coat colours; brown, beige and pointed {darker areas on the pointed features}.
The breed became accepted by cat fancy associations throughout America, but then people began mistaking Burmese cats and kittens for badly coloured Siamese cats. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) stopped recognising Burmese as a pedigree breed until 1953. Like Siamese felines, Burmese were temple cats and their slender bodies resemble ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and drawings. Also, Burmese cats derived from Oriental cats mating with Siamese cats therefore it is understandable why so many people confused the two breeds.
It wasn't until nearly twenty years later (1949) that the first Burmese cats arrived in England, only three were brought over to begin with but more were imported later. The breed quickly became popular and like many other breeds around the UK, cat fanciers sought after them.
Burmese Appearance
Burmese cats are a medium build and most resemble the Siamese breed. They carry a lot of weight for their size and have quite a muscular appearance yet still appear elegant and graceful. Their coats are short and glossy (almost frosty looking) with a gorgeous velvety feel. Burmese cats can be found in a variety of colours including champagne, blue and sable (dark brown). The European Burmese however can be found in six additional colours as well; brown, chocolate, red, blue, lilac and cream and also (seal, blue, chocolate or lilac tortie). Their fur requires little grooming because it is so short and close-lying; Burmese cats can keep their coats looking beautiful and shiny all by themselves!
Burmese cats have a well rounded head that almost appears too small for their muscular bodies. Their eyes are large, expressive and oval shaped, tilting slightly inwards, eye colour ranges from creamy yellow to gold. Some Burmese cats have a dark brown (almost black) coat and bright cream (almost white) eyes and this contrast looks truly stunning. Ears are large and pointy with rounded tips and set quite far apart and nose is a medium size. The European Burmese has many of the same features as the Burmese, the main differences are the colour variations, a slightly narrower head and slightly longer body (European).
Burmese Character and Temperament
Burmese kittens are unbelievably playful and will get up to mischief whenever they can. They remain playful throughout adulthood and have a very high activity level. Burmese cats also have a very high intelligence level compared to many other domestic breeds, but still love to play and be involved in what you're doing. They are extremely affectionate towards their owners and are more than happy to be 'lap cats' if they think you are in need of the company. Burmese are people orientated and like to help you in your everyday tasks.
A difference between males and females has been recognised; if you want a cat that is inquisitive, active, highly playful and affectionate you should get a female. Male Burmese cats are much more chilled out. They are just as affectionate but like to relax more and only worry about one thing – their next meal! Neither male or female Burmese' like to be left on their own, they have a great need for attention and like nothing more than to snuggle up next to you on a warm cosy duvet.
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Burmese Lifespan
Burmese cats have an average lifespan of 15 years but many of these cats live until they are between 18 and 20 years old.
Average Litter Size
5 or 6 in a litter is thought to be about average but these cats can have many more than that, sometimes even up to 12 or 13!
Burmese Recognition
User Comments
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Who's a cheeky weeky little boyyyyy????? Sweet
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Our big chocolate Burmese, Milo, sadly passed away at Christmas after 18 of the most joyous years any of us can remember. I cannot begin to tell you just how much pleasure he gave us. He has, and always will, left a huge void in our lives. We now have a new chocolate boy, Charlie, and his lilac sister, Lola who are adorable. Everything they say about Burmese is true. If you can't decide between a cat or a dog, get a Burmese and have the very best of both worlds.
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We have a Burmese named Baby, and every body on here is correct in saying, that they are a family member and not a pet. She is every thing to us, but sadly on the May 3rd 2008 we had to lay Zimba her father to rest at the age of 15 Yrs, God bless him, he to was wonderful and a pleasure to have shared his life with us.
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We've just sadly said goodbye to our first Burmese who really was part of the family. We agree with all the comments above! Rajah loved cuddles, being carried, playing fetch and hide and seek. He was highly intelligent and we miss him dearly. We are off to see a breeder about two Burmese kittens tomorrow and are very excited. They won't replace Rajah but we're excited about our new family members.
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My choc burmese boy was the best ever - the opening doors thing mentioned so much here is very indicative of the breed - they are curious (not quite as nosey as Siamese), intelligent, need constant love, stimulation, cuddles and attention (but only on their terms - don't wake 'em up when they're sleeping they will be grumpy puss) - they prefer to be carried rather than walk (mostly like a baby or over the shoulder) - they will want to sleep with you, eat with you, read with (or on) you, talk to you - the person who said they are a family member not a pet was right - be warned - they are the centre of the family - but oh so very worth it in every way! (i've had a siamese since and would highly recommend this breed too - any meezer is good - if you like being shouted at !)
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we have two burmese and they are just the best cats ever! my husband was not a cat person, but our girls have worked their charm on him and he's smitten. They're like dogs. Affectionate, attentive and smart.
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A burmese cat leaves a paw print on your heart
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I had a burmese for 17 years and he was a wonderful companion and I miss him dearly
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we adopted ours at 7 weeks from rspca - little Jasmine is now a big 2 yr old and a real mummy's girl! She is still of a somewhat nervous disposition - being abandoned as a baby and being the odd one out in her llitter left some emotional scars. She's not at all streetwise - she was kidnapped by the local ginger Tom for nearly a month last year. We managed to rescue her from a neighbour's bramble bush in the nick of time - she was starving and had lost half her body weight. But she's very communicative - talks to my husband and i all the time. She just loves chasing chocolate wrappers - and has a tendency to bring all her favourite stuffed toys up to our bedroom door during the night so that there is a collection waiting for us when we open the door in the morning! She also gets jealous when we cuddle on the sofa - as a kitten she would wedge her little bottom between us so as to ensure she was included at all times. She comes when she's called, she answers back when i address her by name and her favourite time of day is when she gets to jump into bed with me in the mornings for a cuddle. I have never come across such an attentive, sensitive and loving little cat. She's high maintenance but worth every drama we've gone through together. And so very beautiful - she's very dark brown with a couple of markings, considered "defective" in terms of her pedigree - but i think they just make her even more special. She has a tuft of white hair on her front ( like a little jasmine flower) and a flash of white fur between her hind legs.Also her soft silky coat is a bit longer than average for a burmese. Gorgeous.
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Ours is so loving .Loves to sleep in our bed and cuddle. Lets me hold him like a baby in my arms.
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My famliy and me found tow Beurmese kittens in are yard yesterday they are caled twinkle and star when we brought them in we didnt know how cheeky they are but SO SO CUTE.
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My gray solid Burmese cat scarface is the best.hes such a smart ass!
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I adopted a female Burmese cat about 11 years ago and did not know what I was getting myself into. She is a strange and wonderful cat - highly intelligent and very LOUD!!! She talks all the time, opens doors easily, demands attention and hates being cold. I love the breed. She can read my emotions and is a great companion. Caution: keep your Q-tips locked up- she loves them and anything shiny - hide your jewelry or it will be missing!
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This Pair Look Very Playful And I Own 3 A Female Called Billy A Male Called Casper And There Baby Girl Called Twinkle
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Our Burmese is just wonderful. He can open all the doors and will play fetch just like a dog!
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I never had a cat b4 always a 'dog' person but bought lilac burmese fell in love. After 1 yr we bought a sable and so happy I have! Recommend the breed and the endless giigles they will cause! Opening doors, closing doors, fetching things and hiding in bed!
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Neither my husband or myself have ever had a cat before we got a Burmese, now she runs our house. I would defintely recommend this breed to anyone who wants another member of the family (not a pet).
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we have a burmese and he is lovely, he can do all kinds of special things (like being hoovered and opening 2 types of door- pull handle and knob turn) I fully recommend you get a burmese straight away..
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i have a burmese cat who is the perfect pet- i highly reccpmend this breed of cat.
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These kittens look very mischevious and cheeky!!!!!Soooooooo cute!!
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these two look very cheeky!!!!!!!!!
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