Burmilla Cat Traits: What Makes This Breed Stand Out?
The Burmilla cat is a stunning breed known for its silky, semi long haired coat and striking green eyes. With a playful yet affectionate personality, the Burmilla makes a perfect companion for families and individuals alike.
The Burmilla Cat, a medium sized cat breed resembling a Chinchilla Persian and Persian Burmese mix, is sturdy and well muscled. Males are notably robust, while females are more elegant and dainty. With a gently rounded head, a moderate wedge shaped face, and wide set ears, this breed is visually striking. Their large, slightly almond shaped eyes are expressive and can range from gold to green. The dense, short coat features a pale undercoat with distinctive silver tips, giving the cat a silvery appearance enhanced by dark rims around the eyes and a distinct "M" marking on the forehead. Known for their kitten like charm, Burmilla Cats come in various accepted patterns and colors.
Quick facts
Life Span |
How long do Burmilla cats live? 10 - 15 years. |
Average Weight |
3.0kg - 5.8kg |
Colours |
The Burmilla Cat has a dense and short coat, with a pale undercoat and distinctive dark tips at the ends of the hairs. |
Essential Information
- Playful and curious nature.
- Burmilla Cat is an excellent family pet.
- Active and enjoys interactive cat toys.
- Can be left alone for a few hours regularly.
- Independent yet friendly.
- Ideal for first-time cat owners.
- Needs grooming once a week.
- Thrives with both indoor and outdoor space.
- Moderately talkative.
- Burmilla Cat is a medium build cat breed.
- Adaptable to different living conditions.
- Bonds closely with its owners.
- Great with children and other pets.
- Requires mental stimulation through cat toys or activities.
- Prefers a relaxed home environment.
Burmilla Cat Breed Health.
The Burmilla Cat breed can be susceptible to:
- Polycystic kidney disease: An inherited condition where cysts form in the kidneys, impairing their function and potentially leading to kidney failure. However, the risk of developing kidney disease in Burmilla cats is lower compared to other susceptible cat breeds.
- Burmese head defect: A condition where the face and skull do not develop correctly.
Testing options available:
- DNA testing: This can determine whether a cat has the potential to be affected by polycystic kidney disease or the Burmese head defect.
Personality of the Burmilla Cat
The Burmilla Cat, a medium sized breed that resembles a Chinchilla and Persian, Burmese mix, is sociable, playful, and affectionate. Known for their silver tipped fur and expressive eyes, Burmilla cats retain many kitten like characteristics into adulthood. This cat breed gets along well with other household pets and children who interact appropriately. Despite their friendly nature, Burmilla Cats are fairly independent and capable of spending time alone without being overly or loudly demanding.
Breed Rating
Family Friendly |
5/5 |
Playfulness |
4/5 |
Intelligence |
3/5 |
Likes Other Pets |
4/5 |
Grooming Needs |
3/5 |
Shedding |
3/5 |
Vocalize |
4/5 |
History and Origins
Outdoors or Indoors
For optimal well being, the Burmilla Cat or Burmilla Kitten benefits greatly from access to a secure garden or a purpose built cat run. This setup should ideally include climbing branches, ramps, and window beds, ensuring they can safely explore the outdoor environment. Given their friendly and playful nature, it's essential to avoid allowing Burmilla cats unsupervised access outside in insecure areas, as their adventurous spirit may lead them to wander and puts them at risk, given their Persian Burmese and Chinchilla Persian heritage
Enrichment and Special Requirements
Despite its laid back demeanor, the Burmilla Cat, whether kitten or adult, is remarkably active and playful. Providing games, puzzle feeders, and climbing equipment such as cat trees or gyms is essential for their enrichment. These activities cater to their kitten like curiosity and agility, stemming from their Persian Burmese and Chinchilla Persian lineage. Interactive play with their human companions also contributes to their mental stimulation and overall happiness. Furthermore, Burmilla cats respond well to clicker training, readily learning various tricks and useful behaviors.
Nutrition and Feeding
Each Burmilla Cat or Burmilla Kitten is unique, with their own specific likes, dislikes, and nutritional requirements. As obligate carnivores, Burmilla cats must derive 41 essential nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients varies depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health, reflecting the breed's Persian-Burmese and Chinchilla Persian heritage. For instance, a lively Burmilla Kitten will need a different nutrient balance compared to a less active senior cat.
To maintain their "ideal body condition," it's crucial to feed your Burmilla according to feeding guidelines, adjusting the quantity as needed. Additionally, catering to their preference for wet or dry food recipes ensures they enjoy and benefit from their meals.
Find out more about cat nutrition with our article.
Grooming Burmilla Cat
The Burmilla Cat is naturally tidy and clean, yet a weekly grooming session serves as more than just maintenance. It's a chance to thoroughly inspect your cat, strengthen your bond, and ensure their coat remains healthy and sleek. A greasy coat could indicate underlying health issues, especially if your cat isn't grooming itself adequately.
Like all felines, regular vaccination and parasite control are essential for their well being.
Family Life Compatibility
The Burmilla Cat is an excellent choice as a family pet, enjoying interaction and play while also content to entertain itself when needed. It's important that children are old enough to understand and respect the cat's boundaries, handling them gently. This breed thrives in a calm and relaxed environment, making it more suitable for quieter homes rather than bustling and energetic ones.
FAQ
Are Burmilla cats good pets?
Yes, Burmilla cats make excellent pets. They are known for their playful and curious nature, making them entertaining companions, while also being independent yet affectionate. Burmilla cats are great with families, including children and other pets, and they adapt well to both indoor and outdoor living environments. Their friendly, moderately talkative demeanor and relatively low grooming needs make them a wonderful choice for many households, including first-time cat owners.
Which cat breeds are related to Burmilla cats?
Several cat breeds are related to Burmilla cats, either through shared ancestry or breeding programs. These include:
- Burmese.
- Persian.
- Chinchilla.
- Asian.
- Bombay.
How rare is a Burmilla cat?
Burmilla cats are considered relatively rare compared to more common breeds. While they are popular among enthusiasts and recognized by various cat registries, they are not as widely available as breeds like the Ragdoll or British Shorthair. Their rarity can make them more difficult to find, especially through breeders, and this may contribute to higher costs or waitlists for those interested in adopting one.
How to identify a Burmese cat?
To identify a Burmese cat, you can start by looking at their distinctive body structure, which is medium-sized, muscular, and compact, giving them a solid yet elegant appearance. Their short, sleek coat is satin-like to the touch and comes in a variety of colors, including sable (brown), chocolate, blue, lilac, and more. One of the most recognizable features of a Burmese cat is their rounded head with a gentle curve to the profile, accompanied by large, expressive eyes that are usually a striking shade of gold or amber. Their overall appearance is both graceful and robust, making them stand out among other breeds.
Where can I find a Burmilla Cat to adopt?
Burmilla Cats may be available through reputable breeders or rescue organizations specializing in purebred cats. It's important to research breeders and ensure they follow ethical breeding practices.
Where can I find Burmilla kittens for sale?
In the UK, you can find Burmilla kittens for sale UK through registered breeders listed by organizations like the GCCF or TICA , as well as on websites such as Pets4Homes , where you may come across a Burmilla cat for sale . If you're looking for Burmilla kittens for sale near me , local Burmilla cat clubs or rescue centers may also have available kittens. Always ensure you choose a responsible breeder to ensure the kitten's health and well-being.
Which one should i choose, Ragdoll vs Burmilla?
Choosing between a Ragdoll and a Burmilla cat depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Ragdolls are known for their calm, affectionate nature and tendency to go limp when picked up, making them excellent lap cats. They are larger in size, have long, plush coats, and thrive in calm, indoor environments. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, laid-back companion that enjoys cuddles, a Ragdoll might be your best choice.
On the other hand, the Burmilla cat is more energetic and playful while still being affectionate. The Burmilla cat has a short, silky coat that requires less grooming compared to a Ragdoll’s. They are independent but love interaction and are adaptable to both indoor and outdoor environments. If you prefer a more active, curious cat that’s still friendly and social, the Burmilla cat would be a great option.
Ultimately, if you want a more relaxed, low-energy cat, go for the Ragdoll. If you’re looking for a playful and engaging companion, the Burmilla cat might suit you better.