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The Burmese cat is a very old oriental cat breed from what is now Myanmar. Here in the profile, you will find all the important information.
History and Origin of the Burmese Cat
The Burmese cat is a very old cat breed from former Burma. As early as the 15th century, the elegant cats were said to live in Buddhist temples, where the monks worshiped them as lucky cats. It is still one of the 16 breeds of temple cats and is known by Buddhists as the Mayo Thong Daeng (copper cat). The Burmese cats known today are believed to have descended from a brown cat named Wong Mau.
The Navy ship’s doctor Dr. Joseph C. Thompson brought the cat to the United States in 1933. Together with a Siamese cat he started the first breed outside of Asia and named the new breed “Burma”. The breed was officially recognized in the United States as early as 1936. In Europe, the breed became known as the “Chocolate Siamese” because of its resemblance to the Siamese cat. There have been individual breeders in Germany since 1969, but the breed is rare.
Essence and Character
The Burmese are curious, spirited, and affectionate cats. They particularly like to play and are extremely people-oriented. You shouldn’t leave them alone for too long as they get lonely easily. It is not without reason that the affectionate cats are nicknamed “human cats”. They need close physical contact and cannot do without daily stroking. The friendly cats remain active and alert into old age. The cats are not afraid of strangers and are generally quite “talkative”.
The Appearance of the Burmese Cat
The Burmese are medium-sized, muscular cats with a strong build. Legs are long and delicate with dainty, oval paws. Broad, medium-sized ears and a straight nose sit on the wedge-shaped head with a broad forehead. The large eyes are golden yellow to amber and have an upper, oriental curved eyelid. The Burmese’s dense and silky coat has a very thin undercoat, which means it lies close to the body. Ten different coat colors are officially recognized, with no patterns being permitted. The Burmese come in ten universally recognized colors. What they all have in common is the so-called point coloring, with the face, ears, legs, and tail being darker than the rest of the body. The most common coat color is walnut.
Attitude and Care
Outdoor cat or indoor cat?
The Burmese cat is an animal that likes to move and needs a lot of space. She doesn’t feel comfortable in a cramped apartment. In order for her to feel good all around, there should be at least one secure balcony, but even better a fenced garden. If the conditions are good, the Burmese also have the option of going free. The only problem here is that the friendly cats are not afraid of neighbors or other strangers. They can therefore easily fall victim to “cat thieves”.
How much activity does the Burmese cat need?
The Burmese are great cats for the whole family. They need a lot of work and don’t like being alone. In fact, the Burmese are considered so affectionate that they prefer to come on vacation rather than wait at home alone. If you have to leave the clingy velvet paw alone more often, you should definitely get a second cat so that they can keep each other busy. Especially if the cats are not allowed to go outside, you have to find a suitable alternative job. Even outdoor cats are not averse to regular hours of play with their humans. Alert and inquisitive, the Burmese love to play and chase toys. It is best to provide the clever cat with puzzles or encourage it to search and hunt with hidden treats.
Grooming and feeding
The fur of the Burmese is very easy to care for and does not need any special treatment. It is sufficient if you brush the silky coat every now and then to remove dirt. In this way, you not only ensure a well-groomed and silky appearance but also do your cat a favor with additional stroking. A varied, healthy diet also contributes to the well-being of the cat.
Acquiring a Burmese cat
Before you buy a Burmese cat, you should be sure that you can invest the necessary time. The Burmese are considered one of the breeds with the longest life expectancy. You cannot often leave the cat alone for the next 12 to 18 years and you will have to take care of it on a daily basis. If you have discovered the oriental cat for you, then look for a reputable breeder. There is currently no independent breeding club for the breed and you have to contact hobby breeders. When choosing a kitten, you should make sure that both the kittens and the parents make a healthy impression. For a purebred and healthy Burmese kitten, you pay around 800€.