Burmese cat

Breed Description

In the 20th century, American feline experts discovered a small, slender cat that had a slightly shorter tail and more compact dimensions compared to the Siamese cats already known to the public. These are Burmese short-haired cats, now known worldwide as Burmas from Burma. The rich chestnut coat, round face, broad cheekbones, and large round eyes were how Joseph Thompson described the cat he brought over in 1930.

The exterior of Wong Mau-this was the name of the Burmese cat-impressed him so much that he, along with a group of scientists, wanted to create an entirely new breed. A special program was established, and just four years later, it was submitted to the CFA Breed and Standards Committee in the USA. Two years after that, the Burmese was officially recognized by this organization. Some time later, the CFA (an international organization for breeding and developing new cat breeds) decreed that only Burmese cats with a minimum of three generations of Burmese ancestors could be registered, and they should not be the result of crossbreeding with Siamese representatives. This decision helped preserve their uniqueness.

Foggy Albion was introduced to three specimens of the breed in 1949, and the public quickly became interested in them. In 1955, the English Burmese Cat Club was established. To ensure rapid population growth, they were bred with Siamese cats. The result was a noticeable difference in the appearance of English and American Burmese cats, as indicated by the standard of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) adopted in 1952. The difference was so significant that the crossbreeding of the English and American versions of the breed is prohibited. Additionally, the European variant has been classified as a separate breed, known as the European Burmese cat.

It is also important to mention that in the mid-1950s, Australia recognized the Burmese as the most popular short-haired breed. However, this version is notably different not only from the American but also from the English one. It is considerably heavier and stockier than its overseas counterparts. For breeding Australian representatives, individuals from both the USA and England were mixed. In 1970, the largest feline organizations on the continent approved their own breed standard.

Advertisements for Burmese kittens can be seen all over Russia. It is one of the most popular cats in our country. The price of a kitten depends on its class and ranges from 5,000 to 130,000 rubles.

Appearance

The exterior of the Burmese cat is divided into two types: European and American. European Burmese are slightly more elegant and lighter, with noticeably elongated limbs and body. Their muscular framework is distinctly weaker than that of Americans. In other words, they are more graceful, although their expression may seem somewhat stern. This is the impression they give from a distance. However, when you hold a beauty in your arms, you are surprised by how deceptive their appearance is: you immediately feel the weight of the animal, which ranges from 5 to 7 kg, and sometimes even reaches 9 kg.

The American type of Burmese cat is considered the most extreme, as its key exterior features are more pronounced. They are bulkier than their European counterparts, and their heads and ears are slightly rounder, giving their expression a more “innocent” look.

Furthermore, the American variety is divided into modern and traditional types. Modern Americans have even shorter muzzles and noticeably bulging eyes, making them resemble animated characters. In contrast, the traditional type of Burmese has retained its original characteristics.

On average, representatives of the breed live 15 to 17 years, which speaks to their excellent health. However, it is worth noting that an Australian cat of this breed lived a remarkable 27 years, setting a record recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2004.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Medium-sized. Depending on the type, it has a wedge shape (European) or is noticeably wider (American). In both cases, the skull is rounded when viewed from the front as well as in profile. The standards state that the rounded outlines should be "soft."

Морда

According to the soft contours of the head, it is well-filled, with a distinctly pronounced stop. The American type has a noticeably shorter and broader muzzle. The chin is well-developed and, when viewed from the side, forms a vertical line with the tip of the nose.

Уши

Both types of Burmese cats have a broad base and a slight forward tilt. This gives them the appearance of an attentive animal. They have a wide stance with rounded edges. The medium-sized, triangular shape seems to continue the line of the cheeks. The exception is adult round-cheeked cats.

Глаза

European dogs have large, wide-set eyes with a barely noticeable eastern slant towards the nose. Their round eyes have a bright, saturated cornea ranging from yellow to amber. The American standard does not specify eye color requirements but emphasizes their round shape. In both types, blue and green eyes are considered a disqualifying trait.

Зубы

Any bite other than the scissors bite is considered a disadvantage, as it seriously distorts the profile of the muzzle. Additionally, protruding or prominent teeth lead to a "misalignment" of the jaws. Other requirements for the teeth of Burmese cats of any type are not specified in the standards.

Корпус

Not large, closer to medium size. The musculature is developed, but the cat's body looks compact. This is especially noticeable when you hold a Burmese cat. The chest is wide and rounded. The back is straight from the withers to the lower back. The American type is noticeably stockier than the European type.

Конечности

Fairly slender but maintaining overall proportions, the cats have straight legs, with the hind legs being slightly longer than the front ones. Their paws are neat, soft, oval-shaped, and quite compact. There are 5 toes on the front paws and 4 on the hind legs. The pads are oval and pink. Fur grows moderately between the toes. A disadvantage noted is the stripes in the coat color.

Хвост

Proportional to the body, closer to average size. Not too thick, straight, with a rounded edge but not pointed. The base is quite wide. Creases and squishiness are not acceptable. It does not give an impression of lightness; it looks rather heavy.

Шерсть

Short or medium-length, it fits snugly against the body, has a very shiny appearance, and feels silky to the touch. In animals up to 2 years old, it may differ slightly from this description. It has a rich color, with a lighter shade underneath than on the upper part of the body. This requirement does not apply to the sable coloration.

Окрас

In American Burmese cats: champagne, blue, platinum, and sable. The European variety has several tortoiseshell colors: lilac, chocolate, and brown. It also includes tortoiseshell, brown, chocolate, blue, cream, lilac, and red. The drawbacks of both versions are stripes on the body and any color other than the specified ones.

Character

The distinctive feature of Burmese cats is their versatility. This breed is well-suited for both avid cat lovers and dog owners. Their friendliness, alongside their enduring activity into old age, charms everyone without exception. This is why the breed has gained such popularity in Europe, the USA, Australia, and Russia. The independence inherent in any cat is also present in the Burmese, but it is not the dominant factor.

In many ways, they are similar to dogs: playing together with their owners is always met with enthusiasm. Their loyalty to one particular family member indicates their selectiveness. A cat will love everyone, but will only idolize one person.

Their friendliness extends not only to humans but also to other animals living under the same roof. Dogs are no exception. Of course, if it comes to defending themselves, a Burmese will not hide and is quite prepared to engage in a tussle for a higher place in the hierarchy if a puppy arrives after them. When it comes to relationships with children, there are usually no problems. They quickly become strong friends. If a newborn is in the house, the cat is ready to take on the role of a nanny and, within reasonable limits, a furry toy. There’s no need to worry about claws being used, as the cat has a well-developed intellect and clearly understands that the newborn needs protection.

In some cases, friendships can form between parrots and Burmese cats. However, such relationships cannot be considered a norm since the cat is a predator, and these occurrences are more of an exception than the rule.

Conflicts may arise only with cats that have negative attitudes towards the Burmese. Negative traits can also emerge if she is left alone for an extended period. Out of boredom, the cat may find activities that the owner may not appreciate: sharpening claws on a favorite armchair or hanging on the curtains.

At home, the Burmese is always the center of attention. If you adopt this cat, be prepared to see her golden eyes at every moment. Monitoring daily affairs is a direct responsibility of the furry pet.Hereditary factors play a significant role in determining an animal’s character. Therefore, it is best to choose a kitten from a reputable breeder rather than buying from dubious individuals, even at a lower cost. Being naturally sociable, they can sometimes be a bit intrusive, but this is just the first impression of inexperienced owners. In reality, they make great companions, capable of uplifting the spirits of those around them. Their creativity in achieving their goals is truly impressive.The Burmese cat is very clean and easily trainable.

Care and Maintenance

Before making the important decision to purchase a Burmese cat, it is essential to prepare thoroughly. When a kitten first enters your home, the necessary accessories should already be at hand. This breed is among the top 10 most popular in Russia, so you can find advertisements for kittens for sale almost everywhere. Now that you have a pet that is growing quickly, it requires a properly balanced diet. If you’ve decided to feed it natural food, include lean meat, cottage cheese, grains, egg yolks, and boiled vegetables in its diet. It’s vital to ensure the kitten receives all necessary vitamins and trace elements for healthy development. You can save time and simplify care by using super-premium dry food, which typically contains everything needed for their growth in the right proportions. Kitten food can also be canned-this is up to your preference.

Regardless of the age and size of your Burmese cat, it requires a constant supply of clean drinking water. There is no special need to buy bottled water; letting tap water sit for 1-2 hours allows chlorine and other impurities to evaporate, or you can use filtered water.

When selecting a litter box for your kitten, pay attention to the height of the sides and the size: it shouldn’t be too small, and removable sides are preferable for easier cleaning. The location of the litter box should be convenient for the kitten. As it grows, it’s best to switch to a larger box so that the cat is comfortable.

Cat toys are essential. Without play, a cat may face mental development issues, turning the elegant Burmese into a grumpy furry creature. The range of toys available today is quite diverse, so finding suitable ones for your kitten won’t be a problem.

Additionally, you will definitely need nail clippers, a sleeping area for the cat (preferably one with a side or even a cat house), brushes for grooming, a harness with a leash (if you plan to take it for walks), and a comfortable carrier for longer journeys.

Nail trimming should be done approximately 2-3 times a month, shortening the claws by about one third, as blood vessels are present inside the claws. Clean the ears as needed, but inspect them at least once a week. Be aware that a sour smell from the ears is a sign of inflammation. If your pet eats dry food, dental cleaning is not necessary, as the hard food removes plaque and massages the gums. However, if you use canned or natural food, it is advisable to monitor the condition of its teeth and clean them with a soft cat toothbrush using special toothpaste or powder. Regular human toothpaste is not suitable! Burmas are very clean animals and will manage most of their grooming themselves, but helping them during heavy shedding is beneficial. Despite their short fur, using a rubber glove to remove dead hair every 2-3 days in the spring and fall can further strengthen your bond.Socialization is much easier if the environment where the kitten lives is calm. Loud music and other noises can complicate this process. The same applies to family dynamics-arguing in front of the kitten can traumatize the animal.Be sure to follow the vaccination schedule and do not

Training and Education

One of the key qualities of Burmese cats is their intelligence. Their intellect is at such a level that they often do not require training for certain “tricks.” For instance, many kittens almost potty train themselves. If you choose a kitten from a cattery, it will likely already be accustomed to using a litter box, and the owner will only need to find a litter type that appeals to the little one.

Moreover, by observing people, they can figure out that a door can be opened not by asking a person, but by jumping on the doorknob. Teaching a cat to jump onto a couch or onto someone’s lap in response to a clap is a fun trick that a child can help with. This is a very entertaining activity that benefits all family members. However, it might be too early for small kittens to master this trick, as a fall from even a small height could harm their health.

The simplest tricks that Burmese cats can learn include bringing a toy in their mouth or responding to a whistle. To achieve this, the owner should whistle while calling the kitten by name. It’s possible to train a Burmese cat to respond to a specific whistle. With regular practice, this is quite an achievable result. It’s important to find an approach that suits each individual pet. Some tend to jump-these are easier to train to jump through hoops. Others prefer to carry toys-these can be trained to bring slippers.

When working on a new command, it’s crucial not to shout at the “furry student.” The best motivation is treats, petting, and kind words. Sessions should last no longer than 15 minutes. This recommendation also applies to well-fed cats-they are less inclined to engage in lessons when their stomachs are full. The best time for new lessons is before meals and during playtime.

Keep an eye on your pet’s well-being before starting training. If you notice any issues, it’s better to postpone training for another time.

For example, the command “No!” or “Don’t” can be learned quickly if the owner says it in a firm voice during attempts to break the house rules. What is unacceptable today should always be unacceptable. There should be no exceptions. Zooinica offers the best options for purchasing pedigree kittens with proper lineage.

How to Choose a Kitten

Buying a kitten from a cattery is quite simple, especially since Zoonyka offers the best selection of catteries in Russia. There are only a few key factors to consider.

Physical health and a stable psyche. When inspecting a litter, choose the cleanest, most active, and curious kitten. Aggressive or overly shy kittens will tend to become more aggressive or passive as they grow. Pay close attention to their parents as well. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” – just like the well-known saying. Don’t forget to ask the cattery owner about their diet, as this is also a crucial aspect of good health. Review the veterinary passport for both your kitten and its parents-vaccination records should not be outdated.

Socialization, along with mental health, directly depends on the environment. If you see cages in the cattery, it indicates that they are being confined for various reasons. A healthy psyche cannot develop in a caged cat-that’s a fact. In this case, it’s better to walk away from the deal. Observe how the owners interact with the working cats and how the cats respond to people; these criteria will help you understand how calm the cattery is during regular times.

Appearance is a key point, which is essentially why people keep Burmese cats. The closer the cat is to the breed standards, the higher its classification and consequently its price. Zoonyka offers a variety of listings to choose from.

Health and Diseases

Like other breeds, Burmese cats have several health concerns. Overall, they are cats with a strong immune system, but they are still predisposed to cardiovascular diseases. For instance, there is a genetic anomaly that leads to certain death-this is heart edema. Newborns or kittens in their early days of life are especially vulnerable to this condition.

Gangliosidosis is diagnosed due to a mutated gene responsible for initiating chemical reactions in the body that facilitate metabolic processes. Around three months of age, a kitten may have difficulty standing, with noticeable tremors in the hind legs and head. Such individuals often do not survive.

On the first day after birth, it may present itself through flat chest syndrome. Besides genetics, factors that can contribute include environmental pollutants where the kitten’s parents live, various infections, and poor diet.

Dental issues, such as gingivitis, can also arise. This is why it is recommended to give Burmese cats dry food at least for preventive care, as it helps replace regular teeth cleaning.

English, Australian, and New Zealand Burmese cats are more prone to diabetes than other lines.