shorthair

Burmese

Origin: Burma (Myanmar)

Often described as 'the dog of the cat world', Burmese are intensely social, love to be carried, and are happiest when glued to their people. They do not thrive alone.

Origin: Burma (Myanmar)
Category: shorthair
Lifespan: 16–18 yrs
Size: Medium
Weight: 3.5–6.5 kg
Coat: Short, fine, satin-like texture with natural sheen
Colours: Sable, champagne, blue, platinum

😺 Temperament

VocalSocialDog-likeDemanding

🏡 Best suited to

FamiliesPeople at home oftenMulti-cat homesExperienced owners

📊 Personality ratings

Activity level 3/5

Grooming needs 1/5

Friendliness 5/5

Vocality 4/5

Intelligence 4/5

📜 History & origin

All Burmese cats trace back to a single female named Wong Mau, brought to San Francisco from Burma in 1930 by Dr. Joseph Thompson. Wong Mau was crossed with Siamese cats and selectively back-bred to establish the breed. The CFA recognised the Burmese in 1936. The UK and US Burmese have developed into slightly different body types.

🧼 Care & grooming

Their satin coat needs virtually no maintenance — just a weekly wipe with a chamois. They require intensive human interaction and should not be left alone for long periods. Burmese are best kept in pairs or households where someone is usually at home. They will follow you from room to room and sleep on your pillow.

🩺 Health notes

Hypokalaemia (low potassium — leading to muscle weakness) affects some Burmese. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Diabetes Mellitus are also concerns. Cranial Deformities occur in some lines from extreme head typing. The UK Burmese has fewer head-conformation issues than the American type.

Fun fact: Burmese cats descend entirely from a single cat named Wong Mau, brought to the US from Burma in 1930 — arguably the most 'bottlenecked' pedigree of any breed.