Burmese

All you Need to Know about the Burmese Cat

One of the most sociable cat breeds of exotic eastern origin, the Burmese is a cat bursting with fine qualities. In the beginning, a dark brown cat, related to the Siamese, they have bloomed in variety. And they have risen massively in popularity among cat-lovers, both amateur and professional. 

There is a growing demand for finding a Burmese kitten to become part of a happy home. So if you are looking for a Burmese cat for sale, here are the basics of what to expect, and what to prepare for.

Appearance Matters. What does a Burmese look like?

The Burmese look, and their conformation, has twisted and changed over the years.

At first, the Burmese was described as a dainty cat, but now it is a compact, well-built feline.

The Burmese is quite a solid, well built, and muscular puss. It has a luxurious yet short coat of soft, satiny fur.

They have a small, rounded head and wide-set, round, yellow, or golden eyes. The tail is tapered and can either be straight or slightly kinked close to the tip.

The average stats for your Burmese cat is a height of between 10.0”-12.0” and a length of 15.0”-18.0”. Most likely, the weight will come in at between 6-14 lb.

There is also a European Burmese, separate from the standard one.  They are very similar, except for the body and eye shape. They have a slimmer frame and eyes that are more curved and slanted towards the nose.

What Colors do Burmese cats come in?

The sable colored Burmese cat is the original daddy of them.

But since this cats' popularity boomed, a broad range of colors have emerged. But still, there are only a few that are officially recognized. 

Sable - which is a deep, dark brown

Champagne - a warm beige

Platinum - a weak grey with fawn tones

Blue - closer to a medium grey with fawn tones as well

But there are also chocolate, lilac, red, tortoiseshell, cream, and other colors. And they are all lovely looking Burmese kittens.

The russet Burmese is a recent addition, growing in popularity. You increasingly find more russet Burmese cats for sale when you look around. 

But if you want to show your cat, then only those first four colors above will do.

It's all Personal. The Burmese Character

This is an easy one! The Burmese is a beloved family pet! Famed for being frivolous and for its inherent friendliness. 

They are a breed that is not flighty or fussy and are very accommodating. They are gentle around children and do enjoy playing. 

This laid back, joyful kitty won't mind dressing up, being pampered, or pulled around in a pram! They are so easy going and so happy to be around people that they just go with the flow.

This is one of those rare cat breeds that thrive on attention. This breed likes to be by your side and wants to get involved in the goings-on of their family. 

Is the Burmese a lap cat?

An active breed that needs plenty of play, they are still very much happiest when they have leaped onto your lap. And they will settle on your lap for hours at ease. They will cuddle, snuggle, and talk to you while they are warming your legs.

If you love a breed that likes to make plenty of conversation, then the Burmese is going to really delight you.

Do Burmese cats scratch furniture?

Though we have said already that the Burmese are a laid back feline, they can have the one suspect trait. 

Many owners have found their Burmese kitten can scratch furniture.  

It’s certainly true that this cat does like to climb. Combine that with their pronounced claws. It can lead to some surface scratches on your fine wear.

But the solution is a simple one. A regular clipping of those claws, and a super scratching post, will remedy this minor flaw.

Caring for your Burmese

If you have read elsewhere that the Burmese is a hypoallergenic cat, then you have been deceived! There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. However, much we wish the opposite to be true. 

That's the bad news, but there is good news too.

The Burmese cat does not shed a lot. In fact, they are one of the least shedding cats out there. They need very little brushing. 

While not a 100% safe choice for allergy sufferers, they will spread fewer allergens than the average kitty.

Are Burmese good indoor cats?  

In many ways, yes this is a super indoor cat. They need company, so they love to be part of a home. But they are also active and need lots to do, which can be tricky indoors. 

Some owners say that keeping them only indoors can be limiting. If you have a secure yard with a high fence, then it can be good for a Burmese.

But in general, to err on the side of caution, it is best to severely limit your Burmese cats’ scope outdoors. 

This is because they are an extremely trusting, easy-going, unafraid breed. This can lead to trouble if they encounter a car of a miscreant with nefarious intentions.

The best tip is to ensure your Burmese has lots of toys, lots of activity, and is not left alone too long. Then they will be a happy home cat.

The Health and Happiness of your Burmese

Happily, the answer is basically yes!

This breed is quite a robust and strong one. A few previous breed-related conditions have been bred out for the most part. 

Some cats, especially from Europe, might be prone to blood conditions and diabetes. But even these are very rare now. With a good Burmese breeder, the chances of health issues of any type arising are much lower.

How do you keep your Burmese healthy?

While this is generally a healthy kitty, it doesn't mean there aren’t a few things you can do to make sure it stays that way!

Both the teeth and the ears need regular maintenance to make sure they stay ship shape.

A weekly wash out of the ears, and the eyes, can keep the risk of bacteria and infection away. And a regular cleaning of those teeth is key to preventing any dental issues from emerging. 

And make sure you have regular vet visits too. 

With all this, you are enhancing the chance that your beautiful Burmese cat can have a full, happy life. With a span from 12-18 years.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Burmese?

Burmese cats are highly sociable and make for amazing pets. This is why a lot of people are looking to adopt one but get often surprised by the price.

Expect to pay between $450 and $1,000 for a pet quality Burmese kitten for sale. However, if you are looking into show cats you can expect the price to be a bit higher. These Burmese cats often go for up to $3,000.

Yes, they cost a pretty penny, but we’re sure you will fall in love with them once they become your pets, no matter the pedigree.

Feline History. Where does the Burmese come from?

The Burmese is believed to have come from Myanmar. This seems logical, as Myanmar used to be called Burma! They were first called the “copper cats” of Burma, because of their darker sable / brown coloring.

The earliest Burmese ancestry goes back to an offshoot of the Siamese family. 

The Cat Fanciers’ Association began to register them in 1936, but for some time, Siamese cats were still being used in the breeding process. But since the 1950’s the pure Burmese has become a highly popular breed with many colors recognized by all the big cat registries.