Burmese Cat: Affectionate Companion, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A Burmese feels heavier than it looks, a muscular cat with a silky coat that seems to shine. The breed is often called a brick wrapped in silk, and its affectionate nature has made it a favorite for those who want a cat that behaves like a friend.

Origins

The modern Burmese traces to a brown cat named Wong Mau, brought from Burma to California in the 1930s. Breeders mated her with Siamese cats and developed a line of rich brown cats with distinctive body type. The breed was recognized in the United States in the 1930s and 1950s, and different breed standards later developed between American and British-type Burmese, which differ in head shape and colors.

Appearance

Burmese are medium in size with a rounded head, broad face, large eyes in gold or yellow and a compact, muscular body. They are heavier than they appear. The coat is short, fine and glossy, lying close to the body with a satin feel. Sable, a rich dark brown, is the original color, and champagne, blue and platinum are also recognized, with other colors in some registries.

Temperament

Burmese are famous for devotion. They greet visitors, follow their owners from room to room, sleep on or next to them and join in all activities. They are playful well into adulthood, learning to fetch and play games. They have a pleasant, soft voice and use it to ask for attention, but they are not as loud as a Siamese.

They are tolerant and good with children and other pets, particularly other social cats. They do not like to be left alone for long periods and do better with company.

Grooming

The coat is easy. Rub with a rubber brush or a soft cloth weekly to remove loose hair and add shine. Trim nails, check ears and brush teeth regularly. See how to brush a cat.

Weight and diabetes

Burmese cats love food and gain weight easily. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, which studies show is more common in the breed in some countries. Keep your cat lean with measured meals and daily play. Learn how in how much should I feed my cat, and use our cat food amount calculator. Watch for increased thirst, urination, appetite changes and weight loss, and see a vet if they appear.

Health

Burmese cats have several breed-linked conditions.

• Diabetes mellitus. Higher risk in the breed.
• Hypokalemia (low potassium) in young cats. An inherited condition causing episodes of muscle weakness in some lines.
• Craniofacial defect. A serious inherited condition in a particular line, so ask breeders about it.
• Dental and gum disease.
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Reported in some lines.
• Feline orofacial pain syndrome. A painful mouth condition reported in the breed.

Ask breeders about testing and family health. See cat health guides and the emergency warning signs guide.

Living with a Burmese

Provide cat trees, interactive toys and puzzle feeders. Plan for play sessions daily, and consider a second pet for company. Keep an eye on weight and treat intake. Our indoor cat enrichment ideas offer ways to keep your cat engaged.

Is a Burmese right for you?

A Burmese suits people who want a social, affectionate cat and who are home often. It is not ideal for someone who wants an independent cat, or who cannot manage weight and monitoring for diabetes. For a similar social temperament with a different look, see the Siamese, or for a calmer shorthair, the British Shorthair. The cat breed finder can help compare.

Finding one

Choose breeders who screen for known conditions and raise kittens in the home. Rescues sometimes have Burmese cats and mixes. Our guide to cat vet visit costs can help you plan.

Playtime and training

Burmese cats stay playful for life. They love fetch, chase games and puzzle feeders, and they respond well to clicker training. Keep sessions short and positive, and avoid rough play with hands, which can encourage biting. A cat tree near a window and a rotating selection of toys provide variety.

Feeding tips for a food lover

Because Burmese cats are enthusiastic eaters, use measured meals and avoid leaving food out all day. A scale is more accurate than a scoop. Wet food provides more moisture and helps with satiety, and puzzle feeders slow down eating. Weigh your cat monthly, and ask your vet to check body condition at every visit. Learn more in how much should I feed my cat.

Common mistakes

• Free feeding a food-loving cat.
• Ignoring early signs of diabetes, such as increased thirst.
• Leaving a social cat alone for long days.