One look at a Burmese cat and you'll be charmed! In New Zealand, the Burmese breed, known for its dark brown coat, stands out with its friendly and social nature. Whether you prefer the British Burmese or the American Burmese, cat enthusiasts know this breed is highly clever and easily meshes into most families.

• Sociable and dependent.
• Can be left alone for a few hours regularly.
• Loves cat toys and staying active at home.
• Requires plenty of outdoor space.
• Very vocal.
• Highly energetic and curious.
• Friendly with other pets.
• Thrives in a calm environment.
• Slim and graceful.
• Enjoys interactive cat toys.
• Needs grooming once a week.
• Burmese Cat is excellent family pet.
• Bonds closely with its owners.
• Burmese Cat is ideal for first-time cat owners.
• Adaptable to different living spaces.

The Burmese cat breed is generally robust, but they can suffer from certain health issues, including:

• Diabetes mellitus: A condition where cats develop very high sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production.

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  Burmese head defect: A condition where the face and skull do not form correctly.

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  Burmese gangliosidosis: A storage disease affecting the nervous system, although it has a low prevalence in the Burmese population.

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  Burmese hypokalemia: A condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, leading to weakness.

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  Orofacial pain syndrome¹: A condition causing sudden facial and mouth pain.

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  Pectus excavatum²: A condition where the chest is narrowed, affecting heart and chest function.

Available testing:

• DNA testing for Burmese head defect, gangliosidosis, and hypokalemia to determine if a cat is likely to be affected by these conditions.

¹A. Nemec, 'The feline enigma: issues specific to the cat', 2017, BSAVA Congress Proceedings ²M. Singh et al., 'A Review on Pectus Excavatum in Canines: A Congenital Anomaly', 2013, Iranian Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Curious, clever, and friendly, the Burmese cat, known for its dark brown coat, is described in the breed standard as having a sweet expression. In New Zealand, the Burmese breed, including both British Burmese and American Burmese, thrives when well raised and socialized. Cat owners know that these playful and engaging cats will eagerly learn to retrieve toys and enjoy playing with their family. However, their inquisitive nature can sometimes get them into trouble, as they explore every open doorway, whether it's into another room, a car, or a delivery van! Sociable with both family and visitors, the Burmese cat loves attention and will definitely let you know if they feel neglected!

Glossy and athletic, the Burmese cat is a solid, muscular feline with a sweet expression, neat round paws, and a short coat. Cat fanciers in New Zealand know that the Burmese cat, sometimes affectionately called the Tai Mau or Red Cream, has large, round eyes and subtly exotic facial features. This breed, recognized by associations like the CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association), has an attractive yet unexaggerated appearance, making the Burmese cat a favorite among enthusiasts. One well known cat, named Bear, embodies all these charming traits.

Originating from Burma, the Burmese cat breed made its debut in the UK around 1800. Despite its initial presence, the breed faced stiff competition from the more popular and boldly marked Siamese cats, leading to a decline and eventual disappearance in the region.

Fortunately, in the 1930s, efforts to revive the Burmese breed took root in the United States, beginning with the arrival of Wong Mau. These cats became the foundation for the modern Burmese breed, which was later reintroduced to the UK in the late 1940s by Mrs. Lilian France. She imported three cats that played a pivotal role in reestablishing the breed in the country.

Initially recognized only in the classic brown color, the Burmese cat breed saw the emergence of blue kittens in some litters during the 1950s. In the 1960s, a significant development occurred when an accidental mating produced a pretty tortoiseshell kitten. This event prompted some breeders to diversify the Burmese color palette, aiming to introduce more varieties.

Today, the Burmese cat, also known affectionately as the Tai Mau or Red Cream in New Zealand, holds a special place in the hearts of cat fanciers worldwide. Recognized by associations like the CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association), these cats, exemplified by notable individuals like Bear, continue to enchant with their charming characteristics and rich history.

While not ideally suited to a strictly indoor environment, the Burmese cat's curiosity and inquisitiveness can often lead them into precarious situations. They thrive best in a spacious home with secure outdoor access, such as a covered run or a cat-proofed fence. This is crucial for the breed because they are highly active and require ample space to explore, jump, climb, play, and oversee their surroundings. Without such an environment, Burmese cats may experience stress and exhibit potentially destructive behavior.

The Burmese cat thrives on companionship and interactive cat toys. While some of this need can be fulfilled by other resident cats, this breed particularly craves human company most of the time. It's essential to dedicate time to engage them in games that simulate hunting and foraging, using toys like the flying bird cat toy. Providing ample space for elaborate cat trees and playgrounds is also beneficial.

Although they enjoy sitting on laps, Burmese cats are happiest when they've been entertained and stimulated. They are highly intelligent and may exhibit stress or destructive behavior without sufficient mental and physical enrichment. Positive reinforcement training, including clicker training, is highly effective with this clever breed!

Each cat is distinct, with their own preferences and dietary requirements. However, as carnivores, cats must derive 41 essential nutrients from their food. The proportions of these nutrients vary based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health. Therefore, it's essential to recognize that a growing, active kitten requires a different nutrient balance than a less active senior cat.

Find out more about cat nutrition with our article. 

Additionally, it's important to feed cats the appropriate amount of food to maintain their "ideal body condition," following feeding guidelines. Addressing individual preferences for wet or dry food is also crucial. With proper nutrition and care, Burmese cats can live up to 16 years.

The Burmese cat is naturally tidy and simple to care for. While they usually maintain their cleanliness well, it's prudent to brush your cat once a week, which also allows for a routine check for any small wounds or signs of parasites. A greasy or flaky coat can often indicate the onset of illness, making regular grooming sessions essential for early detection.

Like all cats, it's important to keep up with regular vaccinations and parasite control, so consulting your veterinarian is advised.

Curious, energetic, sociable, and playful, the Burmese cat thrives as a wonderful family pet in a spacious home with a secure garden. They are best suited to households with older children who understand how to respect a cat's boundaries and engage with them appropriately.

Burmese cats may find it challenging to cope with long periods of solitude, so they are not ideal for homes where owners are frequently away all day or take frequent holidays and weekend breaks. However, for families seeking a companion with dog like qualities trainable, entertaining, and affectionate the Burmese cat is an excellent choice.

• Despite their sleek and petite appearance, Burmese cats can weigh up to 5.4 kg, which is heavier than the average cat. They are affectionately called "bricks wrapped in silk" due to their substantial weight.

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  There are two distinct varieties of Burmese cats: the British and the American. The British Burmese cats feature a wedge-shaped head and slightly slanted eyes, whereas the American Burmese have a more robust build and broader head, with rounded eyes.

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  Historically, Burmese cats were revered in Myanmar, where they were considered sacred and cherished by Buddhist monks in monasteries and temples.