Burmese Cat: Complete Guide to Care, Personality & Health

Pick up a Burmese cat and you will understand the breed’s nickname immediately: the “brick wrapped in silk.” These compact, muscular cats are astonishingly heavy for their size, and their close-lying satin coat feels like touching polished mahogany. But the Burmese is far more than a beautiful object — this is one of the most intensely social, people-oriented, and interactive cat breeds in the world. If you want a cat who will follow you from room to room, hold conversations with you, and insist on being involved in everything you do, the Burmese is calling your name.

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Breed Overview

The Burmese is a medium-sized, compact cat breed prized for its remarkably dense, muscular build, satin-textured coat, and deeply social personality. Originally from Southeast Asia and developed in the United States, the Burmese combines exotic heritage with an utterly domestic, people-focused temperament that has made it one of the most beloved companion cat breeds for nearly a century.

According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the ideal Burmese is “surprisingly heavy for its size” with a round head, expressive eyes, and a coat that lies close to the body with a distinctive satin sheen. The breed is high-energy, highly vocal in a soft and endearing way, and forms bonds with its owners that rival the devotion of any dog breed.

The Burmese has also been instrumental in creating other beloved breeds. It is one of the parent breeds of the Tonkinese (a Burmese-Siamese cross), the Bombay (a Burmese-American Shorthair cross), and the Burmilla. Its genetic influence extends far beyond its own breed profile.

History & Origin

The modern Burmese breed traces its origin to a single cat: Wong Mau, a small, dark-brown female brought from Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar) to New Orleans by Dr. Joseph C. Thompson in 1930. Dr. Thompson was a retired Navy psychiatrist and cat fancier who recognized that Wong Mau was something distinct from the Siamese — she was darker, more compact, and had a different body type.

Because there were no other Burmese cats in the United States, Dr. Thompson collaborated with geneticist Dr. Clyde Keeler and breeders Virginia Cobb and Billie Gerst to develop a breeding program. Wong Mau was initially bred to a seal point Siamese male named Tai Mau. The resulting litters produced three types of kittens: some resembled Siamese, some looked like Wong Mau, and some were even darker — the rich sable brown that would become the Burmese breed’s signature color.

Through careful selective breeding, the darker kittens were bred to each other, eventually producing cats that bred true for the Burmese color and body type. Genetic analysis later revealed that Wong Mau herself was likely a natural Siamese-Burmese hybrid — what would today be called a Tonkinese.

CFA recognized the Burmese in 1936 — one of the earliest formal breed recognitions in American cat fancy. The breed was briefly suspended from registration in the 1940s due to excessive Siamese outcrossing, but was reinstated in 1953 when breeders demonstrated a sufficiently pure breeding program.

The Burmese was introduced to Britain in the late 1940s, where breeders developed it along slightly different lines. Over the decades, the American and European Burmese diverged considerably in both appearance and accepted colors — a split that persists today. TICA recognizes both types, while CFA registers only the American standard.

Physical Characteristics

The Burmese is a study in contradictions: small but heavy, compact but athletic, sleek but muscular. It is a breed designed to surprise you.

Head and Face

The American Burmese has a distinctively rounded head with a short, broad muzzle, full cheeks, and a visible nose break. The eyes are large, round, and set far apart with a lustrous, expressive quality — eye color ranges from deep gold to yellow, and the best specimens have a rich, warm gold. The ears are medium-sized, set well apart, tilted slightly forward, and are broad at the base with rounded tips.

The European Burmese has a more moderate wedge-shaped head with a slightly longer muzzle, less pronounced nose break, and a more Oriental silhouette — though still distinctly different from the Siamese.

Body

The Burmese body is compact, muscular, and surprisingly heavy. Males typically weigh 10 to 12 pounds, and females range from 8 to 10 pounds — but they feel heavier than those numbers suggest due to their dense musculature and solid bone structure. The chest is rounded and broad, the back is level, and the legs are proportionate with neat, rounded paws. The tail is straight and medium in length, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.

Coat

The Burmese coat is one of its most distinctive features. It is short, fine, glossy, and lies very close to the body with a satin-like texture that practically glows in the light. When you run your hand over a Burmese coat, it feels like touching polished wood — smooth, warm, and with an almost liquid quality.

CFA recognizes four Burmese colors: sable (rich, warm brown — the original and most iconic), champagne (warm honey beige), blue (medium blue-gray with a fawn undertone), and platinum (pale silvery gray with a fawn undertone). TICA and European registries accept additional colors including red, cream, chocolate, lilac, and various tortoiseshell combinations.

Personality & Temperament

The Burmese personality is the breed’s greatest asset and the primary reason most owners become devoted to the breed for life.

Deeply Social

Burmese cats are not cats who happen to like people — they are cats who genuinely need people. They form intense emotional bonds with their families and want to be actively involved in every aspect of home life. A Burmese will sit on your desk while you work, supervise you in the kitchen, follow you to the bathroom, and sleep pressed against you at night. Their need for social connection is profound and should be taken seriously by prospective owners.

Vocal and Communicative

The Burmese voice is softer and more melodic than the Siamese, but these cats are definitely talkers. They have a distinctive, raspy, low-pitched vocalization that they use liberally to express opinions, request meals, greet family members, and engage in genuine conversational exchanges. Many Burmese owners describe having full “conversations” with their cats — the cat vocalizes, the owner responds, and the cat vocalizes again with a different tone.

Playful Throughout Life

One of the Burmese’s most charming traits is their retention of kitten-like playfulness well into their senior years. Adult Burmese cats will chase toys, play fetch, pounce on wand toys, and engage in spirited wrestling matches with feline companions. Interactive play with toys like the GoCat Da Bird is essential for this breed’s physical and mental health.

Intelligent and Trainable

Burmese cats are highly intelligent and respond well to training. They can learn to sit, come when called, fetch, and perform simple tricks. They are also adept at training their owners — a Burmese who wants your attention will figure out exactly which behaviors reliably produce the desired result and repeat them with precision.

Health & Lifespan

The Burmese is generally a hardy, long-lived breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 18 years. However, the breed does have several health predispositions that owners and breeders should monitor.

Diabetes Mellitus

Burmese cats, particularly those of Australian and British lines, have a significantly elevated risk of developing Type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to the general cat population. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, feline diabetes is manageable with insulin therapy and dietary modification, but early detection through regular veterinary blood work is critical. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and active play is the best preventive measure.

Hypokalemia

A hereditary condition causing low blood potassium levels, hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and general lethargy in affected Burmese cats. The condition is treatable with oral potassium supplementation. A genetic test exists, and responsible breeders screen for this condition before breeding.

Cranial Deformities

Some American Burmese lines carry genes for a congenital cranial deformity that causes malformation of the skull and face in affected kittens. This condition is lethal, and affected kittens are typically euthanized shortly after birth. The trait is associated with the gene responsible for the breed’s characteristic rounded head shape. Responsible breeders understand this risk and make informed breeding decisions to minimize it.

Orofacial Pain Syndrome

This condition causes episodes of face and mouth discomfort, exaggerated licking and chewing motions, and pawing at the mouth. It primarily affects Burmese and related breeds and may be triggered by teething, oral disease, or stress. Veterinary management can control symptoms, but the condition may recur episodically throughout life.

Grooming & Care

The Burmese coat is one of the easiest to maintain in the cat world. Its short, close-lying texture rarely mats, tangles, or traps debris.

Coat Care

A weekly brushing with a soft rubber grooming mitt or a fine-toothed comb is all the Burmese coat needs to stay in peak condition. This removes loose hair, distributes natural skin oils, and enhances the breed’s signature satin sheen. Burmese cats shed minimally compared to longer-coated breeds and are often recommended for owners who prefer a lower-shedding cat.

For more detailed guidance, see our cat grooming guide.

Nail, Ear, and Dental Care

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks. Check ears weekly for wax buildup or signs of infection. Brush teeth 2-3 times per week with a cat-specific toothpaste to prevent periodontal disease. Burmese cats are generally cooperative for grooming procedures, especially when handled gently and regularly from kittenhood.

Diet & Nutrition

The Burmese’s compact, muscular build and high activity level require a diet that supports lean muscle mass without encouraging weight gain — an important balance given the breed’s predisposition to diabetes.

Key Nutrition Priorities

• High protein, moderate fat — A protein-rich diet supports the Burmese’s dense musculature. Look for foods with named animal protein (chicken, turkey, fish) as the first ingredient.
• Weight management — Obesity significantly increases diabetes risk in Burmese cats. Monitor body condition regularly and adjust portions based on activity level and age. Your Burmese should have a visible waist when viewed from above and ribs that are easily palpable.
• Low-carbohydrate preference — Given the breed’s diabetes predisposition, many veterinarians recommend lower-carbohydrate diets for Burmese cats. Wet food is generally lower in carbohydrates than kibble and is a good staple.
• Regular wet food — Adequate hydration supports kidney and urinary tract health. Including daily wet food in the diet ensures proper fluid intake.
• AAFCO certified — Only feed food certified as “complete and balanced” by AAFCO for your cat’s life stage.

For a comprehensive breakdown of nutrition options, see our guide on best cat food.

Living Environment

The Burmese is an adaptable cat that can thrive in apartments, houses, and everything in between — provided its core social and enrichment needs are met.

Companionship Is Non-Negotiable

This cannot be stated strongly enough: Burmese cats suffer when left alone regularly. If you work outside the home for 8+ hours daily, adopt two Burmese (or pair a Burmese with another social breed). A single Burmese in an empty house will become depressed, anxious, and may develop behavioral problems including excessive vocalization, over-grooming, and litter box avoidance.

Active Enrichment

Provide a tall, sturdy cat tree like the FEANDREA Cat Tree Tower, window perches for bird watching, puzzle feeders like the Catit Senses 2.0 Digger, and rotating interactive toys. Daily play sessions of at least 20-30 minutes with wand toys or fetch keep the Burmese physically fit and mentally satisfied.

Indoor Living

Burmese cats should be kept strictly indoors. Their trusting, fearless nature makes them especially vulnerable to traffic, predators, and theft — Burmese cats are one of the breeds most frequently reported stolen due to their beauty and high value. A secure catio provides safe outdoor access if desired.

Is This Breed Right for You?

A Burmese May Be Perfect If You:

• Want a deeply devoted, people-oriented cat who will be your constant companion
• Enjoy an interactive, communicative cat who will “talk” to you throughout the day
• Have a household with children, other cats, or friendly dogs — Burmese thrive in active, social homes
• Are home frequently or can provide a feline companion for your Burmese
• Appreciate a low-grooming-needs, minimal-shedding coat
• Want a playful cat who retains kitten-like energy well into adulthood

A Burmese May Not Be Ideal If You:

• Are away from home for long hours and cannot provide a companion pet
• Prefer a quiet, independent, aloof cat (consider a British Shorthair instead)
• Want complete silence — Burmese are vocal, even if softer than Siamese
• Are not prepared to monitor weight and diet carefully given diabetes predisposition
• Want a cat who entertains itself without human interaction

Recommended Products for Burmese Cats

Based on the Burmese’s specific needs — high social drive, active play requirements, muscular build, and minimal coat care — here are the products we recommend:

1. GoCat Da Bird — The gold standard for interactive play. The realistic feather action triggers the Burmese’s strong prey drive and provides the vigorous, engaged play sessions this active breed needs daily.

2. Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials — High-quality, high-protein nutrition that supports the Burmese’s muscular build and glossy coat. The balanced formula helps maintain a healthy weight, which is critical for a breed predisposed to diabetes.

3. Catit Senses 2.0 Digger — Mental stimulation is essential for the intelligent Burmese. This puzzle feeder turns mealtime into a brain workout and helps prevent the boredom that leads to behavioral issues.

4. FEANDREA Cat Tree Tower — A multi-level climbing tower that gives active Burmese cats the vertical space and elevated observation posts they crave. Choose a sturdy model that can handle their surprisingly heavy, muscular build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Burmese cats vocal?

Yes, Burmese cats are a vocal breed, though their voice is distinctly different from the Siamese. While Siamese cats have a loud, demanding yowl, the Burmese voice is softer, lower-pitched, and often described as a “rumbling” or “raspy” murmur. They vocalize to communicate their needs, greet you when you come home, comment on mealtimes, and engage in conversational back-and-forth. They are not as persistently loud as Siamese, but they are far from silent cats.

Do Burmese cats get along with dogs?

Burmese cats are one of the most dog-friendly cat breeds. Their confident, outgoing temperament means they rarely back down from a canine housemate, and their playful energy often matches well with friendly dogs. Many Burmese will initiate play with dogs, chase toys together, and even nap alongside them. Proper introductions are always important, but the Burmese’s social nature makes them a natural fit for multi-species households.

How long do Burmese cats live?

Burmese cats are one of the longer-lived cat breeds, with an average lifespan of 12 to 18 years. Many Burmese cats live well into their late teens, and individuals reaching 20 or beyond are not unheard of. Their longevity is attributed to their robust genetic constitution and generally hardy health. Regular veterinary care, a high-quality diet, dental maintenance, weight management, and indoor living maximize their lifespan.

What is the difference between American and European Burmese?

American and European Burmese have diverged significantly in appearance, though they share the same ancestry. American Burmese have a rounder, stockier build with a broader head, shorter muzzle, and wider-set eyes. European Burmese are more moderate in type — they have a more wedge-shaped head, slightly longer body, and a wider range of accepted coat colors including red, cream, and tortoiseshell. Both types share the breed’s signature affectionate, social temperament. CFA recognizes only four American Burmese colors (sable, champagne, blue, platinum), while TICA and European registries accept up to ten colors.

Can Burmese cats be left alone?

Burmese cats should not be left alone for long periods. They are an extremely social breed that forms deep emotional bonds with their humans and can develop separation anxiety, depression, and destructive behaviors when isolated for more than 6-8 hours regularly. If you work full-time outside the home, strongly consider adopting two Burmese cats — they are among the breeds that benefit most from having a feline companion. A solo Burmese in an empty house is a recipe for behavioral problems.

Sources

1. CFA — Burmese Breed Profile
2. TICA — Burmese Breed Standard
3. Cornell Feline Health Center — Feline Diabetes
4. International Cat Care — Burmese