Also called American Burmese / Contemporary Burmese (US type), European Burmese / Traditional Burmese (British type), Thongdaeng or Supphalak (Thai, 'copper colour'), Velcro kitty (nickname)
Recognised breedDeep profile
From Burma (Myanmar), with roots thought to lie near the Thai-Burmese border; the modern breed was developed in the United States from 1930 and separately refined in Britain after the Second World War.123
GCCF gives males 11-14 lb (about 5-6.4 kg) and females 6-9 lb (about 2.7-4.1 kg); Hill's gives males over 12 lb and females 8-12 lb (3.6-5.4 kg); Wikipedia 4-6 kg; Purina UK 3.6-5.4 kg. Ranges here span these sources. Famously heavy for its size, and fully mature at around 18 months.
very short, fine, glossy single coat with a satin finish
The coat lies close against the body, feels like satin and sheds very little. Colour is solid and even, fading gently towards the belly; kittens can show slightly darker points that blend in as they grow up. Beneath it is a compact, muscular cat with solid bones, so it feels much heavier than it looks. Two looks exist: the American type is rounder, with a broad head, short muzzle, round eyes and rounded paws, while the British/European type is a little more slender, with a gently wedge-shaped head, slightly almond eyes, longer legs and oval paws. Eyes are gold to yellow, or green-tinged in some colours.3612
Colourssable / brown / seal: rich warm dark brown, the original colourchampagne / chocolate: warm honey beigeblue: soft blue-grey with fawn undertonesplatinum / lilac: pale silvery greyred and cream (GCCF, TICA, FIFe)tortoiseshell in brown, blue, chocolate and lilac (GCCF, TICA)CFA accepts only sable, champagne, blue and platinumnewer colours such as cinnamon, fawn, caramel and apricot developed in New Zealand and the Netherlands3261
Personality what they are like
Burmese are all about their people. They follow family members from room to room, join in with whatever is happening, and curl up on any free lap, which is why they are nicknamed Velcro kitties. They keep a kitten's playfulness for years, and many learn to play fetch or tag. They are chatty, but their voices are softer and sweeter than a Siamese's. Confident, curious and quick to learn, they tend to be great with considerate children and family dogs. Younger cats are bouncy and adventurous, while some mature into calmer watchers who still love a belly rub.31624
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. An athletic, acrobatic cat that needs daily play sessions, plus cat trees and perches for climbing and jumping. Puzzle games and trick training suit its sharp mind.425
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very easy. A weekly going-over with a rubber brush lifts loose hair and polishes the coat; stroking by hand or wiping with a chamois adds extra shine. Baths are rarely needed. Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations round out routine care.326
Home where they are happiest
Needs plenty of room and stimulation. Purina UK recommends secure outdoor access, such as a covered run or cat-proofed garden, rather than a strictly indoor life, because this curious breed likes to explore. Indoors, provide climbing trees, high perches and a good supply of toys.54
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A strict carnivore that needs a complete, balanced cat food. Adjust portions for age and activity, since energetic young Burmese and older cats have different calorie needs.5
Company who they like around
Very high. Burmese depend on human company more than most breeds and are not happy left alone for long days; they suit homes where someone is around a lot, or where another cat can keep them company. They usually get on well with other cats, especially other Burmese, and with respectful children.1543
The story where it all began
Brown cats of this type lived in Southeast Asia long before the breed had a name. The story of the modern Burmese starts in 1930, when a small walnut-brown female called Wong Mau was brought from Burma to San Francisco and ended up with Dr Joseph C. Thompson. He saw that her body was different from a Siamese and set up a breeding programme, pairing her with a seal point Siamese called Tai Mau and then with her own offspring. The solid dark brown kittens bred true and became the foundation of the breed. CFA began registering Burmese in 1936, but so much Siamese blood was being used that it suspended recognition about ten years later. After breeders tightened up their programmes, CFA reinstated the breed permanently in 1954, a US judging standard followed in 1958, and championship status came in 1959. Purebred Burmese reached Britain after the Second World War; British breeders, working with cats of varied build including American imports, had three generations by 1952, when the GCCF recognised the breed. The first blue Burmese kitten was born in England in 1955, and red, cream, tortoiseshell, chocolate and lilac followed over the next decades. Over time American and British breeders developed noticeably different standards, a rare split among pedigree cats: the rounder American type and the slightly more slender British or European type. TICA recognised the Burmese as one of its founding breeds in 1979. The Burmese has also helped create other breeds, including the Bombay and the Burmilla.1362
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The Burmese is often described as 'a brick wrapped in silk' because it is so much heavier than it looks.1
2
Every Burmese in the modern breed traces back to a single brown cat, Wong Mau, who arrived in San Francisco in 1930.3
3
Wong Mau herself was genetically a Burmese-Siamese mix, a type that later became its own breed, the Tonkinese.1
4
The first blue Burmese kitten was born in England on 29 March 1955; before that, every Burmese was dark brown.6
5
In a UK study of vet records, Burmese had the highest average life expectancy of the breeds studied, at 14.42 years.1
6
In Thailand the breed's type is known as Thongdaeng or Supphalak, names that refer to its copper colour.1
7
Burmese cats are said to have been kept as sacred cats in Buddhist temples in Myanmar.5
8
Uhura is drawn as a Burmese in the 2017 book Star Trek Cats.6
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The name 'Burmese' comes from the country of Burma (now Myanmar), as the breed is believed to have originated there, with cats brought to the West from Burma in the early 20th century.7
Name ideas for your new friend
MingAmaraSukiTalaKyaBaoNiranChaiMyaZinLotusCopper
A day in the life told by a Burmese
This morning, I followed Mom into the kitchen, weaving between her ankles like a tiny furry shadow. She laughed and gave me a chin scratch before starting coffee. Then I heard the jingle of Dad's keys, time for my favorite game! I raced to the door, did a little dance, and when he tossed his sock, I pounced, batting it across the floor like a pro. Later, the kids came home, and I joined their giggling pile on the rug, purring as they scratched behind my ears. When the sun dipped low, I claimed my spot on the couch, kneading the soft blanket. Life is best when I'm with my humans, every single moment.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
CFA
Registered from 1936; recognition later suspended and permanently reinstated in 1954; championship status 1959. CFA accepts sable, champagne, blue and platinum3
GCCF
Recognised 1952; Section 5 (Burmese), Group 1; 10 standard colours2
TICA
One of TICA's original recognised breeds, June 19796
FIFe
Fully recognised, Category 3 (follows the British/European type)8
These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.
You need
1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed
How
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.
How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Burmese, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by your Burmese's age and activity; your vet can recommend the best routine. As a strict carnivore, it needs a complete, balanced cat food. Always provide fresh water.5
What should a Burmese eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food formulated for carnivores. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol; also avoid raw meat, eggs, and bones.59
Does a Burmese need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for a Burmese. Only bathe if the coat is very dirty or sticky.32610
How often does a Burmese need brushing?
Brush your Burmese once a week with a rubber brush to remove loose hair and add shine. Furry Diary's starting plan also suggests weekly brushing.32610Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Burmese's claws, and how often?
Trim your Burmese's claws every 10, 14 days, taking just two claws per session at first. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every 21 days. Use proper cat nail clippers and avoid the quick.10Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Burmese need?
Burmese need daily play sessions; Furry Diary's starting plan recommends about 40 minutes of play a day. Provide cat trees, perches, and puzzle games to keep their sharp minds active.425Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Burmese's teeth and ears?
Brush your Burmese's teeth daily if possible; Furry Diary's starting plan suggests every two days. Ear care is not covered in our sources; ask your vet for a routine. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Burmese live?
Burmese typically live between 9 and 17 years.2541
Is a Burmese good with children and other pets?
Yes, Burmese are known to be great with considerate children and usually get along well with other cats and family dogs.31624
Can a Burmese be left alone?
Burmese depend heavily on human company and are not happy left alone for long periods. They do best in homes where someone is around most of the time or with another cat for company.1543
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Burmilla
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