Burmese cat

Breed Description

The history of the Sacred Cats of Burma dates back many centuries, surrounded by numerous legends. One such legend states that a Buddhist goddess chose a single cat from the temple and bestowed upon her a unique shade of fur and sapphire-colored eyes instead of the amber typically found in the local mousers. This generous gift was a sign of special favor for her loyalty and love towards the monks.

Another legend related to the same temple complex may be a continuation of the first. It tells that ever since then, deceased monks have been reborn as Burmese cats, with their white paws symbolizing the purity of the deceased’s thoughts.

France, and later several other European countries, discovered these beautiful cats in the early 20th century. In 1925, they gained recognition on the Champs-Г‰lysГ©es, and much later, in 1966, the breed was accepted in the Foggy Albion. During those years, buying a kitten from a cattery was considered highly prestigious, leading to advertisements for Burmese kittens being posted in bustling locations. Their popularity stemmed not only from their appearance and temperament but also from their unique behavior at home, which differs markedly from many other breeds.

The character of the Sacred Burmese is marked by a special calmness and friendliness. They make excellent companions for families with children or elderly individuals. They are easy to care for by virtually any owner, and their lifestyle doesn’t affect their fluffy nature. For those living in urban apartments, selecting a kitten from a cattery is straightforward, as Zoonika offers the best selection of catteries in Russia. For those who can take them outdoors, Sacred Cats are also great companions. They possess strong personalities: active and playful, yet gentle and affectionate.

It’s important to note that Burmese cats have specific grooming needs. This should be considered when deciding to purchase a kitten from a cattery. Their fur requires regular brushing, which can be found in the “care and maintenance” section.

In summary, the Sacred Burma, or Burmese Sacred Cat, is a breed that embodies elegance and a rich history. These wonderful pets are excellent companions and loyal friends. They do require regular care, love, and attention, but in return, an owner will receive their companionship, which will forever change the life of the entire family.

Appearance

A medium-sized, slightly elongated body that appears much more powerful than it actually is, thanks to its very beautiful coat. The appearance of Sacred Cats closely resembles that of Siamese due to their coloring, as well as Ragdolls (floppy cats). However, unlike them, the natives of Myanmar (the homeland of Burmese cats) have a well-developed muscular framework. Yet, the most distinctive feature, the “highlight” of the breed, is rightly considered to be the extraordinary turquoise eyes.

On average, an adult male weighs about 5 kg, while the female is slightly more elegant, weighing around 4 kg, with a height at the shoulder not exceeding 28 – 30 cm. Notably, the breed standard requirements have not changed much since the breed was recognized as a distinct breed. The main changes have involved the color of the coat, diversifying it.

In Russia, a kitten from a cattery can be purchased for prices ranging from 30,000 rubles for pet class to 80,000 rubles or more for show class. However, there are advertisements for selling kittens where Sacred Birmans are given into good hands for a symbolic fee. Such a pet can bring joy to its owners for a long time, as these lovely cats live 13 – 16 years with proper care. By the way, they are not only long-lived but also quite prolific cats.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Broad and almost round (the skull is slightly longer than it is wide), of medium size, well-proportioned with the body. Slightly prominent forehead. A flat crown and platform between the ears are not desirable. Covered with shorter hair than on the body.

Морда

The cheeks are round, but without jowls. The cheekbones are well-defined, and the chin is strong but not bulldog-like. The bridge of the nose is straight and wide, of medium size. Notably, when viewed from the side, the tip of the nose forms a single vertical line with the chin, and the bridge may have a slight curve.

Уши

The ears are widely spaced and slightly tilted forward. They are small in size, with rounded tips that point slightly outward. They seem to "peek out" from beneath the fur on the head. Additionally, the fur on the outside is short, while the inner side of the ears has thick tufts.

Глаза

Turquoise, deep blue, sapphire - all this refers to the color of the iris. Preference is given to the most saturated colors, while pale shades or cats with differently colored eyes are considered a fault. The oval shape of the eyes and their wide placement give the Burmese a unique look.

Зубы

Well-developed jaws with prominent cheekbones and a sufficiently powerful chin. A scissors bite, where the upper canines cover the lower ones. No "overbite" should be allowed, meaning the overlap should not exceed 1.2 mm. A complete set of teeth in an adult individual.

Корпус

Slightly elongated in shape, but not tubular like that of oriental cats. Very similar in appearance to a "ragdoll." Solid and muscular, yet light and graceful. There is almost no fat, but due to the fur, the animal appears somewhat chubby. The silhouette of the body is very soft and pleasing to the eye.

Конечности

Strong, medium-sized, not too thin. This aspect is given no less attention than their characteristic coloring. The paw pads are round, with hair growing between the toes, and have a pink sole. They do not give the impression of being built for active chases or hunting. The front limbs are approximately the same length as the hind limbs. The hind limbs have well-developed thighs and are quite powerful.

Хвост

Very fluffy, with a plume. It is believed that the fluffier the tail, the better. Of medium size, it should reach the withers when folded. It is noted that the fur at the base is much shorter and lengthens towards the rounded tip. As with other breeds, kinks and knots are not permitted.

Шерсть

На сегодня существует двух типов: Полудлинная - очень нежная, шелковистая, наследие сиамских и персидских кошек. Наиболее богатая и длинная на шее, груди, галифе и хвосте. Отличительной чертой считается простота в уходе, несмотря на длину. Короткая - результат союза бирмы с ориенталом табби окраса. Впервые купить такого котенка из питомника стало возможным в Новой Зеландии.

Окрас

Принят только один: колор-пойнт как наследство от других священных кошек - сиамских. Особенностью его считается затемнение на морде, конечностях и хвосте. Метки (пойнты) чаще всего бывают цвета горького шоколада, кремовые, лиловые или рыжие. Но встречаются и голубые метки. На лапках могут также присутствовать светлые "перчатки". Окончательное формирование его происходит к 3-х годовалому возрасту.

Character

Burmese cats are true intellectuals among cats. They are very sociable and attached to their owners, yet they possess a sense of tact and are not intrusive. Sacred Burmas are quite musical in their voice, which allows them to express their needs and emotions, often emitting soft and melodic sounds reminiscent of singing. Their speech differs significantly from that of Oriental and Siamese breeds.

One of the main traits of Balinese cats is their activity and curiosity. They have a constant interest in the surrounding world and are always ready for exploration and play. To prevent them from gaining excess weight, they require a good amount of physical activity. If the owner is away from home for long periods, a cat exercise wheel is the best solution. Additionally, they need mental stimulation, which can be satisfied with interactive toys for cats.

Burmeses also communicate very well with children and other pets. This makes them suitable for integration into any family, providing good companionship. It’s worth noting that opinions among owners vary on this matter. Some cite instances where these cats show aloofness towards younger household members, while others claim that playing with children is one of the favorite pastimes of the breed. They are likely to live harmoniously with dogs and other cat breeds without engaging in “underhanded intrigues.” Difficulties may arise mainly with unspayed or unneutered cats. Birds and small rodents may still become their prey. Since Zoonyka offers the best selection of catteries in Russia, you can contact any of them to learn more about the temperament of Burmeses directly from breeders.

Among the other advantages of the breed are their easy tolerance for long journeys and quick adaptation to new environments. An undeniable plus is their eagerness to learn and their relatively easy grasp of new concepts, making Sacred Burmeses ideal for inexperienced owners.

As noted by most owners, these fluffy kitties love to be the center of attention and are unafraid to approach unfamiliar people visiting their home. They greet everyone, but do not continue interactions with everyone they meet. In other words, the character of the Burmese cat is a perfect balance in every respect.

Care and Maintenance

Sacred Burmese cats are beautiful companions with stunning appearances and behavior. Their temperament is equally remarkable. However, to prevent any deviant behavior, owners need to make certain efforts. Optimal living conditions include not only basic recommendations for diet, hygiene, and prevention but also ensuring a calm and peaceful environment at home. So, let’s go step by step.

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in forming a cat’s health. A balanced diet consisting of high-quality natural products or holistic ready-made feeds, along with a constant supply of fresh drinking water, is the foundation for your pet’s well-being. It’s important to consider the age and individual characteristics of each cat. Owners who feed their pets natural food provide them with lean cuts of meat. For example, lean beef that has been frozen for a few days, boiled cereals, steamed vegetables, and a few times a month, raw quail eggs and salmon (or other boneless red fish). All smoked and salted foods, pickled products, garlic and onions, sweets, and spicy foods are prohibited. Of course, feeding a cat from the table is not only harmful but also inappropriate from an educational standpoint, reflecting poorly on the owners. It’s much more convenient to use holistic or super-premium foods that can be tailored to each cat individually. For example, kitten food contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals in the right proportions for their age, significantly improving their appearance, nails, fur, and stabilizing digestion. There are also lines
Equally important is providing careful grooming for your sacred Burmese’s coat. Daily brushing, while not required, can be a rewarding ritual if you have free time. A cat Furminator and a special grooming brush will keep your home free of fur and protect your cat from matting. At least 2-3 times a week, excess fur should be removed using these tools, and this should be done more frequently during the shedding period.

Hygiene includes care for the eyes and ears. Check the inner surface of the ears for any secretion and clean them with a soft cloth or cotton swab. Eyes should also be inspected daily for any discharge. There’s no need to worry too much if you see mucus and dust accumulating in the corners of the eyes, especially after the cat has slept. This can be removed with a soft cloth moistened with warm water. A visit to the veterinarian is necessary only if there is an excess of mucus that appears constantly.

Burmese cats are very social and require attention and care from their owners. Be prepared to give them enough time and attention, including playtime and tactile contact. Such interaction is extremely beneficial for the fluffy Burmese cat’s nervous system.

Don’t forget that regular vet visits are an essential part of care. Vaccination will protect your cat from the most dangerous diseases. Before vaccinations, the cat should receive deworming medication, which is done several times a year with alternating treatments. You will get more detailed information from your veterinarian or from the breeder where you purchased your cat.

Training and Education

The first stage of training and upbringing starts from a young age. It’s important to begin the education when the kitten has just arrived in your home. This will help establish rules and boundaries for behavior from the very beginning. Interaction with the kitten should be based on a positive approach and encouragement. Burmese cats respond very well to praise and affection, so positive reinforcement will become a powerful motivator for their training.

One of the first tasks in training a Burmese cat is to get them accustomed to the litter box. Place it in an accessible spot for the kitten and guide them to it. Watch the kitten’s reaction and encourage them with gentle words and affection when they perform the desired actions correctly. Don’t forget to clean the litter box daily to maintain cleanliness and comfort for your pet.

Burmese cats are generally quite accommodating to training and show significant progress in this process. However, like other cats, they can demonstrate some stubbornness and independence. Therefore, don’t expect them to follow commands or behave as predictably as dogs do. They are more inclined to cooperate when they see their efforts appreciated. Positive reinforcement is the key to success. Choosing a kitten from a cattery and then raising a well-mannered animal is the primary task of the owner.

In any case, this process is intricately linked to establishing boundaries and norms of behavior in the home. Clear and understandable rules include: defining a resting place where the cat can sleep, allocating space and time for play, setting up a scratching post, and an absolute prohibition on jumping on the table, sleeping in the owner’s bed, scratching furniture, or playing with family members’ clothing items. Adhering to these rules should be mandatory and unconditional. However, do not hit or shout at your pet for violations; this will only be harmful.

The owner should know that each individual has its own unique traits and may require a special approach during training and upbringing. Some cats might be more inclined to learn and obey, while others may be more independent and self-sufficient. Be prepared to adapt to your cat’s needs and train them at their own pace.

Remember, the main goal of the educational process is to create a strong bond between you and your Burmese. Professionals ensure the health and purity of breed for your future pets.

How to Choose a Kitten

To begin with, you need to determine your goals for acquiring a pet. If you plan to participate in the development of the breed, it is essential to thoroughly study the standards and nuances of keeping such cats and to choose a kitten from a reputable cattery. If shows and the associated hassles do not interest you, and you simply want a pet for companionship, listings for kittens for sale or visits to cat rescue shelters will suffice.

When visiting a verified cattery of Burmese cats, the future owner should evaluate the conditions in which the cats are kept. The presence of cages indicates that, for some reason, the cats from Myanmar are confined, which may suggest behavioral issues or that the breeder is withholding information.

Get to know the parents of the kittens; assess not only their appearance but also their behavior. At the same time, don’t forget to observe the kittens themselves: those that do not show aggression, are moderately active, and show interest in you will adapt much more easily to new conditions. Zoonika offers a selection of the best catteries in Russia, where breeders regularly conduct necessary medical examinations of their charges. In most cases, they provide information on screenings for genetic diseases to minimize the risk of obtaining animals with health issues. Zoonika offers kittens of various breeds, which are available in every listing.

Health and Illnesses

Sacred Birmans are predisposed to certain health issues that owners should be aware of before choosing a kitten from a cattery.

Glaucoma is one such condition. It is characterized by increased intraocular pressure and can lead to complete blindness. It is essential to pay close attention to your pet’s eye health and have regular check-ups.

Polycystic kidney disease is common not only in Birmans. When this condition occurs, numerous cysts form in the kidneys, potentially impairing their function. To minimize associated problems, timely diagnosis is the owner’s responsibility. It is also advisable to inquire about any such issues in the lineage when selecting a kitten from the cattery.

The same recommendation applies to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In this condition, the heart walls thicken and lose elasticity, ultimately leading to heart failure.

Food allergies can arise from poorly chosen food. They can be addressed by consulting a veterinary clinic for recommendations. Additionally, using holistic diets significantly reduces the risk of food allergies.

Having a predisposition to these diseases does not guarantee that a cat will suffer from them. Like any other living organism, with proper care and timely vaccinations, a cat can live its entire life without illness-this is the primary responsibility of the owner.