The Burmese, commonly referred to as a brick wrapped in silk, is a lovely creature enduring on so many levels, from his amazing eyes to his silky shiny coat. Even people not fond of cats find themselves wishing to cuddle Burmese kittens, their appeal is universal. This is the cat almost anyone can own and it is no small wonder why they are so popular throughout Europe and the United States.
Colors Allowed
The only four shades allowed by the CFA are Sable, Champagne, Platinum, and Blue. All will have striking, bright yellow eyes. In these shades, you will find a wide array of fur tones in those four colors to satisfy your needs. The points should, like the Siamese, be darker than the body, but the body should not lack generous amounts of base color unlike the Siamese which would be penalized for such. Champagne, Platinum, and Blue are considered dilutions of Sable and are shown accordingly. Many people find that they enjoy collecting colors, and having one of each is a definite prize in the world of cats.
About the Burmese
Burmese cats are Velcro kitties for sure, glued to your rear all day long like small dogs. Forget a trip to the bathroom on your own, and those yellow eyes will be following you everywhere from the moment you first take them home. The Burmese is talkative, with a soft voice unlike that of the raspy Siamese, and is also a highly active cat. Great with kids, the compact and sturdy Burmese also likes to travel, so if you enjoy an RV, best know that you will be taking the cat long as well. These guys do not enjoy sitting home alone and if you are gone most of the time, consider that the Burmese is not the cat for you. They will just pine alone and will not be a happy cat.
History of the Burmese Breed
Originally from Rangoon, Burma (now modern day Myanmar)and brought to this country in the 1930’s by a sailor, the first Burmese named Wong Mau was then given to Dr. Thompson, who promptly bred her to a Siamese stud to create the first litter of Burmese kittens. It is now known that Wong Mau was likely a Burmese Siamese mixed cat, as she produced Siamese kittens in her various litters. Siamese was crossed into the strains well into the 1930’s and 1940’s, the Burmese was accepted by the CFA in 1936, but their registration was suspended in 1947 due to misuse of the Siamese out crossing. Thankfully, dedicated breeders regained their status in 1953 and achieved championship status in 1957.
Similar Breeds of Cat
Any one can tell you that Burmese breeders hold their charges in the highest acclaim, as evidenced by their price tags. If you should find a
Burmese outside your price range, try a Bombay. A breed originally created in part by the Burmese, they aren’t usually the same sticker shock that the Burmese kitten tends to be. The Bombay is a loving, wonderful cat that in most ways (all the ways that matter), compares to the Burmese and will give you years of quality companionship. They are easier in most areas to find and have very few issues.
This is a remarkably healthy and solid breed, and their stomach’s aren’t usually as sensitive as that of the Siamese, plus their super sleek coat is extremely easier to care for, especially since they have very little undercoat, keeping shedding down on most animals. A bath now and again, decent flea juice, and quality feed will keep your Burmese in top shape and looking its best.
Like all domestic cats, the genus of the Burmese cat is Felis.
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