Burmese

About the Burmese

The Burmese is a compact, muscular cat with a satiny short coat and large, expressive golden eyes — deceptively heavy for its size, earning it the nickname 'a brick wrapped in silk.' Descended from a single brown cat named Wong Mau brought from Burma to the United States in the 1930s, the breed was developed into the warm, deeply people-oriented companion cherished today.

Burmese are famously affectionate and social — some of the most people-loving cats of any breed. They crave interaction, follow their humans devotedly, and often stay kitten-playful for life. Intelligent, curious, and vocal (though softer-voiced than their Siamese cousins), they bond intensely with their families and don't do well left alone. For an owner who wants a warm, interactive lap cat, the Burmese is hard to beat.

Breed at a Glance

Coat Colors

The breed appears in a range of colors and patterns. Here are some of the most recognized.

Temperament & Personality

Burmese are affectionate, social, and devoted to the point of clinginess — in the best way. They love to be involved in everything, follow their people from room to room, and often stay playful and kittenish well into old age. They crave warmth and company and can become lonely or anxious if left alone too long.

• Extremely affectionate and people-oriented — true lap cats.
• Playful and kittenish for life, with a curious, active streak.
• Social and interactive; they dislike being left alone.
• Intelligent and trainable, often learning fetch and tricks.

Exercise & Enrichment Needs

Burmese are active and playful, enjoying interactive games and mental challenges. They stay lively throughout their lives and appreciate a steady supply of engagement and company.

• Interactive play — daily wand and fetch games they adore.
• Cat trees & perches — they enjoy climbing and warm high spots.
• Puzzle feeders & trick training — channel their intelligence.
• A companion pet — helps prevent loneliness when you're out.

Grooming & Care

The Burmese's short, satiny coat is wonderfully low-maintenance and needs only minimal care to stay glossy.

• Brush or hand-groom weekly — the sleek coat needs little help.
• A rubdown with a damp hand or chamois brings out the shine.
• Trim nails and check ears as routine care.
• Minimal shedding makes them tidy, low-fuss housemates.

Health Considerations

Burmese are often very long-lived, but the breed carries several known genetic predispositions worth understanding.

• Hypokalemia — a potassium disorder with a DNA test available.
• Burmese head defect — a serious craniofacial condition ethical breeders screen against.
• Diabetes mellitus — the breed has an elevated risk; watch weight and diet.
• Flat-chested kitten syndrome & glaucoma — seen in some lines.

Is a Burmese Right for You?

Burmese reward attentive owners with intense affection and warm, interactive companionship — the ideal cat for those who want a devoted, hands-on pet.

A Burmese may be perfect if you…

• Want an affectionate, social, people-loving lap cat.
• Are home often or can provide a companion pet.
• Enjoy a playful, interactive, long-lived breed.

Think twice if you…

• Want an independent, aloof cat.
• Are away from home for long hours.
• Prefer a quiet cat that entertains itself.