Burmese cat – breed information

Quick facts about the Burmese cat

Weight: males 4–6 kg, females 3–5 kg
Height at withers: 25–30 cm
Energy level: high
Life expectancy: 12–16 years
Social needs: high
Colours: the traditional coat colour is dark brown (sable), but modern breeding has also produced several other colours, such as blue, lilac, red, champagne, fawn and cream, as well as tortie variations depending on the breeding line.
Health concerns: generally healthy, but the breed can be affected by hereditary conditions such as hypokalaemic polymyopathy and GM2 gangliosidosis, and has an increased risk of diabetes mellitus.

Personality of the Burmese

The Burmese, also known as the Burmese cat, is a friendly, playful and curious breed with a very social temperament. They dislike being left alone, want to be involved in their owners’ daily activities and often enjoy living with other cats.

Burmese cats are very lively and have a strong need to climb, jump and play, so they need enough space and enrichment at home to stay active and content.

Appearance and coat care

The Burmese is a medium-sized, muscular cat with a short, glossy and usually brown coat. They often feel heavier than they look. Typical features include a rounded head, expressive eyes and gently rounded ear tips.

The breed has a short, fine and shiny coat without a dense undercoat, so the fur rarely mats and is easy to care for. Occasional brushing is still recommended to remove loose hair and promote a healthy, shiny coat.

Health issues in the Burmese

The Burmese is generally a healthy breed, but certain hereditary diseases can occur in Burmese cats:

GM2 gangliosidosis: a very serious inherited neurological disease that affects the cat’s nervous system and usually appears early in life.

Hypokalaemic polymyopathy: a genetic condition that causes low potassium levels in the blood and leads to muscle weakness. Depending on severity, the disease can be mild or even life-threatening.

Diabetes mellitus: some studies show an increased risk of diabetes mellitus in Burmese cats, particularly in certain geographic populations.

Regular veterinary check-ups and health screening by responsible breeders help to reduce these risks.

Dental health

Daily tooth-brushing is the best way to prevent periodontal disease in your cat. FORL (Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions) is common in many cats, including Burmese, and often occurs together with gum disease. Brushing a cat’s teeth can be challenging at first, but with gradual training, treats and plenty of patience, most cats will get used to it. Learn more about how to brush your cat’s teeth in this course.

Poisoning risks

There are many things that are toxic to cats that you might not immediately think of. One example is houseplants. Learn more about which plants are poisonous to your cat here. Other examples of substances that are poisonous to cats include chocolate and rodent poisons, as well as essential oils and many human medicines.

• Certain houseplants, such as lilies, dieffenbachia and philodendron

• Chocolate

• Rodent poisons

• Essential oils

• Human medications (for example paracetamol)

Always store potentially harmful substances safely and out of your cat’s reach.