Burmese Cats
Breed: Burmese
Temperament: lively, affectionate
Cost: from $300
Lifespan: 12 -16 years
Recommended for: families, people wanting an active cat
Maintenance: low
Appearance
Burmese are slim, athletic cats with a short, silky coat and golden eyes. There are many colours including;
brown, blue, lilac, chocolate, cream, red, lilac-cream (also called lilac torti), blue torti, chocolate torti and
brown torti.
Temperament
Burmese are intelligent, affectionate cats, vocal (but not as demanding as Siamese), active and playful.
Burmese kittens are especially well known for their inquisitive nature. Some can be trained to retrieve toys
or balls of paper. Most are outgoing and accept strangers well.
Some breeders claim the torti coloured Burmese are especially outgoing, mischievous and rascally. They
have earned the affectionate nickname of naughty torties.
As there have been cases where individual Burmese have acted aggressively, reputable breeders urge
prospective buyers to inspect parents of a kitten for any aggressive tendencies.
Health and lifespan
Hypokalemia is a condition when blood potassium levels drop, initially causing cramping, then paralysis. This
can be treated with oral supplements.
As with other Oriental breeds, lactose intolerance is common and milk should be avoided.
Burmese will wander if allowed and as a result, many are hit by cars.
Feeding
A varied diet such as canned food, cheese, some mince and dried biscuits should be adequate. They
should not be fed solely on dry food as this may cause kidney problems.
Breeding
Burmese usually have large litters, between six and eight kittens, with few problems. Kittens are born with
coffee-coloured coats which then develop into the final colour.
Cost
From $300
Housepet Potential
Many Burmese will scratch the furniture if not provided with a scratching post and some breeders trim their
claws. They are known climbers and a well-aimed water pistol should be used to dissuade cats from climbing
curtains and furniture.
Grooming
Minimal grooming required. Hand stroking should remove loose hairs.
Space and exercise
Burmese are an ideal cat for the average home or flat, although they do like room to roam. They tend to
exercise adequately on their own and are not a breed which puts on weight easily.
Ideal owner
Most Burmese make good pets for families with children but they won't tolerate teasing. Many people living
alone find the Burmese a companion which will 'talk' to them, however, someone who spends a lot of time
away from the home should probably have two as they can be destructive if bored.
History
Most breeders agree that the Burmese seen in Western countries today were derived from one female,
Wang Mau, imported from Burma in the 1930's. As this was the only cat of its type in the West, it was mated
to a Siamese, then the progeny mated back. The Burmese has been recognised as a breed since the
1950's - 60's. It is one of Australia's most popular, pedigree shorthair cats.
