Burmese cat

The Burmese cat, originally from Burma, was introduced to the United States in the 1930s, where the modern breed was developed. They are noted for their compact, muscular body, short, shiny coat and large, golden eyes. They are affectionate and sociable, affectionate with their owners.

General details

The Burmese breed is of medium to large size, with males weighing between 4 and 6 kilograms and females between 3 and 4.5 kilograms. They have a height of 25 to 30 centimeters and a length of approximately 30 to 40 centimeters. Their life expectancy varies between 12 and 16 years. This breed is recognized by associations such as the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).

Breed history in brief

The Burmese cat has its origins in Burma, where it was known as a distinctive breed. In Asia it is known under its Thai name: Maeo Thong Daeng. In the 1930s, a Burmese cat was brought to the United States by Dr. Joseph Thompson. This cat was the starting point for the development of the modern breed through a breeding program with Siamese cats. The result was a breed with a more compact, muscular body and a short, glossy coat. The breed was officially recognized by various cat associations in the mid-20th century and has since gained popularity worldwide.

Breed characteristics

The Burmese cat is characterized by its compact and muscular body, with strong legs of medium length. The head is rounded with a short, broad profile. The eyes are large, expressive and usually golden yellow, giving them a penetrating gaze. The ears are medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tips. The tail is of medium length, straight and with a rounded tip. Their coat is short, glossy and satiny, with a very soft texture to the touch. Coat colors can vary, although the most common are dark brown, light beige, blue and platinum. As for temperament, Burmese cats are known to be affectionate, sociable and very attached to their owners.

Common health problems

Burmese cats, although generally healthy, have the lowest genetic variability of modern cat breeds, so they may be more prone to certain common diseases, such as congenital vestibular syndrome, diabetes mellitus, periodontal disease, hypokalemia, feline hyperesthesia syndrome and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.