MediumMyanmar / Thailand

Burmese

"The Burmese is a charming, extremely people-oriented, and intelligent companion. With her silky coat and expressive eyes, she steals everyone's heart. She loves being actively involved in family life, is always playful, and spreads good vibes throughout the house with her communicative and outgoing nature."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 28 cm

Age12-18 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Body Length

40-50cmBack Height: 25-30cm

Body length from nose to base of the tail.

Weight4-6 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€50+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

Very lively and playful, needs a lot of entertainment.

Affection Level

How cuddly and attached the breed is – some cats constantly seek physical contact, others are more aloof.

Extremely people-oriented, loves constant closeness.

Independence

How well the cat can cope on its own. Independent breeds need less attention.

Dislikes being alone, always seeks contact.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Ideal for families, very patient and gentle.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Very sociable and suitable for beginners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers space requirements, the general need for rest, and how well the cat can cope with indoor living.

Well-suited for apartments if provided with variety.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

Very low maintenance thanks to the short coat.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Sheds very little hair.

Vocalization

How talkative the breed is. Some cats meow frequently and loudly, while others are rather quiet.

Communicative and enjoys expressing itself vocally.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Burmese is characterized by an exceptionally affectionate and friendly nature. She is highly intelligent, curious, and loves to learn little tricks, always trying to involve her owners in every activity. Her temperament is lively and playful, retaining a youthful curiosity even into adulthood. Due to her social nature, she dislikes being alone and requires plenty of interaction with her humans or another cat companion. This breed is known for openly showing affection and often follows her owners wherever they go. Training is generally straightforward due to her high intelligence and eagerness to learn, but it does require consistent attention.

Living & Exercise

The Burmese feels very comfortable in an apartment as long as she is provided with enough activities. She needs a varied environment with climbing and scratching options as well as interactive toys to challenge her active mind. A secured balcony is highly appreciated for watching the outside world. Since she is very sociable, she should never be kept alone for long periods; a human partner or another cat is essential for her well-being. She integrates seamlessly into daily life and is a wonderful, patient playmate even in families with children.

Health & Grooming

In terms of health, the Burmese is a robust breed with a long life expectancy. Coat care is extremely simple due to the very short, close-lying coat without undercoat; occasional brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair and maintain its shine. Breed-specifically, a balanced diet should be maintained as she can be prone to obesity if not given enough exercise. Known, though rare, genetic predispositions include certain forms of glycogen storage diseases or Burmese head syndrome. Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are essential for maintaining health, as with any cat.

History

The history of the Burmese cat began in the 1930s when Dr. Joseph Thompson brought a brown cat from Burma (now Myanmar) to the USA. This cat, Wong Mau, was mated with a Siamese, laying the foundation for modern breeding. Originally considered a variety of the Siamese, she established herself as a distinct breed through targeted selection, featuring a more compact body and the characteristic velvety coat. Over decades, she was further developed in various breeding lines, never losing her roots in Southeast Asia. Today, she is recognized worldwide as a distinct, highly valued breed in various colors.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.

Tonkinese

The Tonkinese combines the best of two worlds: the elegance of the Siamese and the gentle nature of the Burmese. As an intelligent, extremely people-oriented, and playful companion, she enriches her owners' lives. If you have time for daily interaction and shared play, you will find a loyal, chatty partner for life.

To Breed Portrait→

Ocicat

The Ocicat is a fascinating, athletic cat that combines a wild appearance with a gentle temperament. Highly intelligent, playful, and a loyal companion for families, this remarkable breed contains no wild blood at all. Anyone looking for an active and sociable pet will find great joy in this cat.

To Breed Portrait→

Thai Cat

The Thai Cat is a charismatic, traditional beauty with deep blue eyes. As a talkative and extremely affectionate companion, its nature is often compared to a dog. It loves to be an active part of its human's life and brings joy and vitality to any home with its playful spirit.

To Breed Portrait→