Burmilla Cat: Shimmering Silver Coat, Personality and Care
- Size
- Medium
- Coat
- Shorthaired
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Weight
- 8-13 lb (3.6-5.9 kg)
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Energy
- Affection
- Grooming needs
- Good with kids
- Talkative
- Shedding
Many breeds are the result of years of planning. The Burmilla is the result of a happy accident. In 1981, in a home in Surrey, England, a lilac Burmese female named Fabergé met a Chinchilla Persian male named Sanquist when a laundry room door was left open. The kittens that followed, with their silver-tipped coats and green-rimmed eyes, were so beautiful that their owner and a group of breeders decided to develop them into a breed.
History
The breeders involved set out to retain the Burmese's affection and playfulness and the Chinchilla's glittering silver coat. Over the following years, they added Burmese and Chinchilla Persian lines, and in the 1990s the breed gained recognition from cat associations in Europe and elsewhere. The name Burmilla blends Burmese and Chinchilla. See the Burmese and Persian profiles for the breeds behind this one.
Appearance
The Burmilla's coat is its hallmark. Each hair is tipped with a darker color, giving a shimmering, shaded or shell effect over a pale, silvery undercoat. The tipping can be black, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream or other shades. Dark makeup around the eyes, nose and lips gives the face an elegant, outlined look.
Burmillas are medium-sized, with a muscular but graceful build, a rounded head and large, expressive green eyes. Weight is typically eight to thirteen pounds. The coat may be short or semi-long, and the shorthaired version is more common.
Personality
Burmillas are known for their sweet, playful and attached nature. They are often compared to Burmese cats for their love of company, and they can be lap cats, play partners and shadow-followers all at once. Many stay playful well into their senior years.
They enjoy interactive toys, fetch, climbing and puzzle feeders. They are intelligent and curious, and may learn to open cupboards or doors. They get on well with children, other cats and cat-friendly dogs. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat. Burmillas dislike long periods alone, and they may become bored or anxious without company. See cat separation anxiety.
They are moderately talkative, with soft, gentle voices.
Grooming
The short coat of the standard Burmilla is easy to care for. A weekly brush removes dead hair and keeps the silver sheen. The longhaired variety needs brushing two or three times a week to prevent tangles, especially behind the ears and around the legs. See how to brush a cat and grooming longhaired cats.
Wipe the eyes if tear staining appears, brush the teeth, trim nails and check the ears. See how to clean a cat's ears and how to trim cat nails.
Health
Burmillas are generally healthy, but because of their Burmese and Persian roots, a few issues are worth knowing about.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This inherited condition affects Persians, and can appear in cats with Persian ancestry. Responsible breeders test for it. See chronic kidney disease in cats.
- Heart disease. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can occur. See hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.
- Skin sensitivity. Some Burmillas develop skin conditions, such as a rash known as Burmilla syndrome in some lines. See cat skin allergies.
- Dental and urinary problems. See cat dental disease and urinary tract infection in cats.
- Weight. Keep portions measured. See how much should I feed my cat.
Ask breeders about screening tests and the health of the parents and relatives.
Is it the right cat for you?
The Burmilla is a good choice for people who want an affectionate, playful and elegant cat and who can offer company. It is a better fit for homes where someone is around or where a second pet can provide friendship. It is not ideal for those who want a calm, independent cat. See best cat breeds for families.
Finding a Burmilla
Burmillas are uncommon, especially outside the UK, so expect waiting lists. Choose registered breeders who health-test, raise kittens in the home and provide records. See how to choose a kitten. Rescue groups sometimes have Burmilla-type cats too, so it is worth asking. See adopting a cat from a shelter.
Living with a Burmilla
Give daily play, climbing space and attention. See indoor cat enrichment ideas and how to choose a cat tree. Keep your cat indoors or in a catio, since its looks make it a target for theft. See how to build a catio and cat microchipping and identification.
When to see a vet
See a vet if you notice changes in appetite, thirst, skin or behavior. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Burmilla?
A breed created from Burmese and Chinchilla Persian cats, with a silver shaded or tipped coat.
Are Burmillas noisy?
Moderately. They talk with soft voices, and they are usually quieter than Siamese.
Do they come in long hair?
Yes. There is a longhaired variety, sometimes called Burmilla Longhair.
Do Burmillas get along with other pets?
Usually yes, particularly with proper introductions.
Sources and further reading
We link to recognised organizations so you can check the basics for yourself. We have no commercial relationship with any site listed here.
- American Veterinary Medical Association: pet owner resourcesPolicy-level guidance from the national veterinary association.
- Cat Fanciers' AssociationBreed standards and the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats.
- The International Cat AssociationBreed information and a global cat registry.
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