Burmese cat breed: description, education and care

History of the origin of the Burmese cat breed

The Burmese cat is an ancient breed. The story of its origin began 1000 years ago. The first mention was found in a poem from the 12th century. on the territory of Thailand. In those days, cats often lived with monks. It was believed that cats were possessed by the dead souls of monks who guarded temples.

In 1930, a Siamese cat breeder named Joseph Thompson chose as a gift a purebred Burmese kitten, which was brought straight from the coast of Burma. The kitten was named Wong Mau. Joseph decided to crossbreed him with his Siamese. This is how the ancestors of the modern Burmese cat turned out.

When kittens of this breed were transported to Great Britain, they received the nickname “black Siamese.” They really resemble the Siamese in many ways, but they are distinguished by being more stocky and having a hardy body.

In 1938, chocolate beauties took part in a phenological exhibition for the first time. In 1957, experts formed an official description of the breed and registered it with the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). The Burmese is becoming a popular breed. Now it is one of the most popular breeds in the USA and Europe.

Interesting!

An interesting fact is that the Burmese shorthair cat served as the basis for breeding the Bombay, Tonkinese, and Burmilla breeds.

American and European Burmese type

The Burmese cat breed is divided into 2 varieties: European and American type. The American type looks more exotic - it is distinguished by a rounded, flattened muzzle, thick skin and dense hair. The American Burmese cat has expressive round eyes. They create a special expression on the face.

The European Burmese cat has an elongated muzzle - the head tends to take the shape of a rounded wedge. The European type of cat differs in the description of its fur; it does not have such gloss and shine. The skin is thinner. The American Burmese cat will always be heavier than the European one. In general, Europeans are more similar to the British.

Appearance of a Burmese cat

The Burmese cat breed is distinguished by its exotic appearance with characteristic features in the structure of the skull and bones. A strict breed standard helps determine the class of a pet. Experienced breeders determine the future winner of exhibitions by appearance alone.

Height and weight

The Burmese cat is compact in size. Height at the withers reaches 22-25 cm. The average weight of a pet is 5-6 kg. Males weigh a little more - 7-9 kg. No matter how much a Burmese cat weighs, its small dimensions are always difficult to compare with its mass.

Interesting!

The breed was nicknamed "bricks wrapped in silk." All due to heavy bones and muscles. This is one of the main features in their description.

Length and shape of limbs

The Burmese cat has the characteristics of a proportional and well-built animal. The limbs are well developed. The paws are quite elegant, but not thin. Fingers fit tightly to each other. The pads on the paws are soft. The medium-length tail is darker in color.

Head

The Burmese cat has its own characteristics, for example, its head is almost perfectly rounded. In profile, a developed stop is noticeable (the transition from the forehead to the nose). The chin is well developed and has a rounded shape.

The medium-sized ears are set far apart and slightly tilted forward. The tip of the ears is rounded, the base is widened. The neck is well developed, short but muscular.

Eye color and shape

The iris is yellow, there are golden and amber eyes. They are set wide apart from each other. The round shape of the eyes makes cats look serious and wise. The outer corner is slightly turned up towards the temples. Eyes tend to change their shade depending on the lighting.

Interesting!

You can better see the shape of the head and the beautiful color of the eyes in the video in the gallery.

Wool

The hairs are short. The fur is sable and shimmers in any light. The fur is thick and quite soft to the touch. There is practically no undercoat. It is enough for the owner to carry out weekly combing with one slicker or brush.

Constitution

Despite its average size, the pet has a strong build and strong bones. They are stocky and hardy, this is the most important characteristic of the Burmese. The figure is athletic, with a pronounced muscular corset. A healthy cat cannot have symptoms of obesity, flabbiness, or flabby muscles. The chest is round and well developed. The back is straight.

Voice

The Burmese cat breed is talkative. They meow loudly and often. Moreover, they only talk so actively with people.

Important!

Reviews note that the Burmese breed is not suitable for those who react sharply to extraneous sounds.

Possible defects

Defects do not allow the cat to participate in exhibitions, and in some cases the animal is not allowed to be bred.

List of common defects:

• in adults - stripes on the body, on the outside of the paws;
• any spots or stripes on the coat;
• color that does not meet standards;
• inappropriate color of nose and paw pads;
• elongated, narrowed muzzle;
• green eyes;
• creases on the tail;
• malocclusion;
• blindness, deafness;
• too little weight.

No matter how many shortcomings an animal has, they do not affect their character. Often, pets with minor defects (for example, a spot on the fur) are sold cheaper. Cats live well with such defects if they do not affect their health.

Pet card

Coat color

The Burmese cat is painted in classic colors - sable, champagne, blue, platinum and cream. The upper part of the body has a more intense color; the lower to the paws, the lighter the fur. However, monochromatic colors remain in high esteem, which is becoming increasingly rare.

Sable

The Burmese cat is distinguished by its rich colors. Sable is the most common brown, almost black color. Considered the main one. She is the one shown in the photo. The ears, tail and mask on the face are highlighted in an even darker, almost black color. The pads and nose are dark brown. The eye color is golden, amber.

Champagne

The Burmese or champagne-colored Burmese is a light variation of the sable color. The main shade of the coat is milky, coffee with milk. This color option is interesting to buyers who are looking for a beautiful pet. The muzzle is highlighted with a chocolate-colored “mask”. The tail and paws are painted a darker color. The nose and pads are painted chocolate.

Blue

The Blue Burmese cat has a uniform blue coat. The nose and paw pads are painted blue with a gray tint, which is clearly visible in the photo. The lighter and cooler the shade, the better. The fur shimmers in the same way as the sable color.

Interesting!

Representatives of this color appeared randomly in 1955. The brown Burmese cat carried a recessive gene for blue color, which appeared in several kittens in the litter.

Platinum

This is a light blue color option. The Burmese cat in the photo has a platinum color. The coloring is characterized by light beige fur - the lightest of all available colors. Let's say a slight touch of purple. An even lighter, almost pearly shade is visible on the belly and the end of the paws. The pads on the paws and nose are colored brown-pink or purple.

Cream

In recent years, another color has begun to be distinguished - cream or red. This colorway is very similar to platinum, but the back is painted a deeper shade of orange. Pops of bright colors are reminiscent of the blush on baked goods. The nose and paw pads are pink. The color is in demand among a wide range of buyers and breeders.

The photo below clearly shows the difference between platinum (left) and cream color (right).

Tortoiseshell colors

The Burmese cat comes in a tortoiseshell color. Available in brown, blue, chocolate and lilac tortoiseshell. The color is distinguished by light, brown and red spots, which are evenly scattered throughout the fur. However, there is no drawing. There is no ideal standard for a given color, because... each of them is unique.

Interesting!

It is believed that tortoiseshell colors are found only among European Burmese cats

Characteristics and habits

The Burmese cat breed has a loyal character. Among cats, it is difficult to find a more loyal and playful breed. They become attached to their owner for life and cannot imagine themselves without a two-legged partner.

Attitude towards people, children, other animals

The Burmese cat has a personality that is suitable for large families with children. Pets love to spend time with their family, although at first glance they seem gloomy. They get along well with children and never give up playing.

Burmese people have an extroverted personality. They are very sociable, but can be overly intrusive. The Burmese cat painfully endures separation from its owner. If the owners are constantly missing at work, then the friendly Burmese needs a partner.

The cat is loyal to being around other pets. They live especially well with cats and dogs.

Intelligence

Burma is a stubborn and persistent creature that always achieves its goals. The cat has high intelligence. If desired, the European Burmese can be taught different commands.

The Burmese have a rather clean character. Pets quickly get used to the tray, sleeping and feeding area, removing a whole bunch of problems from the person. They don't sharpen their claws where they shouldn't, provided the room is equipped with a scratching post. With a loving owner, they quickly learn good manners.

Interesting!

Thanks to their developed intelligence, cats easily read the mood of the owner. They will not bother him, but will not refuse to play when the owner is in a good mood.

Lifestyle

The cat is suitable for families who lead an active lifestyle. The Burmese breed is very playful. They retain their playfulness until old age. Cats prefer to sleep alone. Next to the owner, they will attract attention in every possible way. Cats love to be talked to, played with, and petted. Their behavior is more reminiscent of dogs. These are the best hunters and mousecatchers. The videos perfectly convey the behavioral characteristics of the American Burmese.

Owner reviews

Advantages: Affection Disadvantages: they are good, no disadvantages My parents had a lilac cat from the beginning, Izya. He fell in love with my mother and never left her side. When she left on business, he screamed heart-rendingly, cried and suffered under the door. He hated me terribly, I don’t know why, but still. After two years of unpretentious life, he died unexpectedly. Mom was hysterical. But after moving away from the tragedy, I decided to take a Burmese again, but this time chocolate-colored. It was a wonderful, very beautiful cat, Cupcake. But as it turns out, this breed has huge health problems. And after castration at 8 months, Kex became very ill with his stomach. The food was not digested, and there were attacks when the cat fell and suffocated. Doctors gave the cat a maximum lifespan of a week or two. He lay there and died quietly. His mother was hysterical and seemed to die along with him. My heart couldn’t stand it and I came and took him from my mother’s hands and took him to be euthanized. It was very difficult and scary. But this torment had to stop. Now my husband and I gave our mother a Bengal and they are happy. The Burmese is a very good cat, but our experience with this breed was not successful. Buy this breed but only from trusted nurseries. So as not to suffer later. Burmese are affectionate and very attached to people.

Yulia1411

https://otzovik.com/review_777085.html

Burmese cat - Love without borders! Advantages: Endless Disadvantages: The breed is not cheap Let me start with something not very pleasant... I have never liked cats (cunning, fluffy ones...). Everything changed after my mother persuaded me to give her Burma for her birthday!) This is a real cat dog! This is a creature of unreal beauty and unreal devotion! The Burmochka will follow you with its tail, caress, purr, “talk”, will show off its playfulness in front of you, behaves very dignified when going to the doctor, this breed is very talkative, but does not walk and squeal without a reason, such intelligence There is simply no limit to the cats. With such excellent content, this happiness is also beautiful, almost non-shedding, non-smelling, and not picky in food, but you won’t want to skimp on such magic. BUT!!! This breed should not be left alone. The Burma is very vulnerable, touchy, and characteristic. Alone, he will fall into terrible depression. If you spend enough time at home and are ready to spend it communicating and playing with a cat, or you have children, or you are alone and you need the most faithful friend... The Burmese cat is your cat. You will never regret spending money on this full-fledged member seven!

LOMAKINANA

Read also:  Dachshund estrus - when it starts, how long it lasts, what to do during this period, caring for the dog on estrus days

https://otzovik.com/review_3601261.html

Advantages: neat, playful, sociable, beautiful colors, curious, muscular, adapts well to a new place, clean, silky fur Disadvantages: high price, looks funny as a kitten, cannot stand loneliness Luxury and grace. His Majesty Burma! Our pet is an important purebred person. The appearance of a cat is just a calling card. The trick is the incredibly beautiful fur. Smooth short shiny. Very similar to a mink coat. The downside is that all this beauty of the breed appears only when the cat grows up... He looks ridiculous as a kitten. Half-bald, of an incomprehensible color, “little runt.” Regarding character, I think it’s all individual. But if it is useful for someone, I can say a few words about the character of OUR pet: Sociable, playful, cannot stand loneliness; Easily finds a “common language” with guests; Clean (no problems with going to the litter box); Unfortunately, he suffers from the fact that he likes to chew furniture. The breed is quite rare, there are few breeders, so kittens are very expensive today. Conclusion: the breed is very beautiful and unusual. I definitely recommend taking a closer look.

J_u_l_i_a

https://irecommend.ru/content/o-glavnoi-fishke-burmanskikh-koshek

Care and maintenance

Burma does not require any special conditions of detention. Therefore, the pet is suitable for people who are getting a pet for the first time.

Moving into a new home

Upon arrival, the kitten will need a basic set of items:

1. Tray. Be sure to mix a little old filler into the fresh filler (a used sample can be taken from the breeder). This way the kitten can easily find the toilet by smell. The dimensions of the tray must correspond to the dimensions of the kitten.
2. Bowls. A bowl of clean drinking water and a bowl of dry food should be available at all times. The most hygienic material is ceramics. You will also need a bowl for treats and wet food.
3. Carrying. For visits to the veterinarian or moving house, a carrier is required. It must match the size of the pet. The best carriers for the winter are fabric ones with fur inside, and for the summer - plastic ones.
4. Scratching post. It is recommended to choose vertical scratching posts with good characteristics (strong frame, well-glued twine, etc.). This way the kitten will feel comfortable sharpening its claws. Without these conditions, the kitten will damage walls and furniture.
5. Toys. This is a necessary attribute in a cat's life. It is recommended to give the kitten two toys for 2-3 days, and temporarily hide the rest. This way you can alternate them, again and again arousing the kitten’s interest. The Burmese has a mischievous character and increased activity, so she needs to see different toys.

Important!

So that the kitten experiences less stress when meeting new objects, he is placed in a small room where all his things are placed. A large house is shown 7-10 days after arrival.

Hygiene and medical procedures

Hygiene procedures:

1. Combing. It is carried out once a week. Short-haired breeds do not require scrupulous care. During the molting period (spring/autumn), 2 brushings per week will be needed.
2. Nail trimming. Manicures are done at least 2 times a month. Otherwise, your pet will grow sharp claws that can easily scratch furniture, upholstery, and textiles. Also, long claws cause physical discomfort to the pet.
3. Bathing. Short-haired cats should not be washed more than 1-2 times a year. They are clean and deal with dirt on their own. An exception may be an unforeseen situation in which the pet is very dirty.
4. Eyes and ears. The condition of the eyes and ears is checked every week. If there is dirt, wipe it with a damp cotton pad.

Medical procedures:

1. Vaccinations. Starting from the age of three months, the kitten must be vaccinated. Further revaccination is carried out once a year.
2. From 9-10 months, kittens begin to undergo the procedure of sterilization/castration.
3. From the age of 5-7 years, cats are recommended to undergo a full examination on an annual basis, including a cardiac ultrasound. This will make it easy to prevent chronic diseases.

Diet

Each owner chooses what diet his pet will adhere to. There are 2 options - industrial purchased feed or a natural menu.

Among purchased feeds, preference should be given to holistic and premium feeds.

Food for Burmese cats:

• ACANA;
• Grandorf;
• ProNature Holistic;
• Applaws;
• Riverwood;
• Farmina N&D.

Important!

Cats that eat premium food live much longer. They are also protected from problems with digestion, the genitourinary system, etc.

It is recommended not to violate the portion limits indicated on the packaging so as not to harm the health of the pet. The composition contains essential minerals, trace elements and vitamins.

Other owners choose a natural menu. Here you need to independently measure the components and calculate the proportions.

Natural diet:

1. 80% of the diet is natural meat, always lean. It could be chicken, turkey, rabbit, veal, beef. It is acceptable to give lean fish.
2. 1-2 times a week the pet is treated to kefir or low-fat cottage cheese. Sometimes you can give your cat low-fat sour cream.
3. Give boiled eggs 1-2 times a week.
4. The bowl must contain vegetables, which will become an additional source of vitamins. Cats love carrots, zucchini, and greens.
5. Includes boiled cereals - millet, oats, buckwheat, pearl barley.
6. A vitamin complex must be added to the natural menu.

Kolenie

The basic nutrition of a Burmese cat is the same as that of all felines and differs at different periods of life (kitten, adult cat, sterilization or castration, pregnancy and the postpartum period).

Decide what food you want to use and do not mix them: will it be natural products or specialized food. Among industrial feeds, give preference to high-quality feeds with a high protein content (see instructions). A natural diet should consist of 80% lean meat, as well as cereals, vegetables and herbs.

For the health of Burmese pets, do not feed them your own food from the table. Cats are prohibited from giving salted, peppered, smoked, etc. products.

Hereditary diseases

In general, the Burmese cat is in excellent health. But there are a number of problems that their owners may encounter.

Gum inflammation

The Burmese cat inherited the disease from its Siamese ancestor. Inflammation of the gums provokes loosening and loss of teeth, causing discomfort to the pet.

The disease is caused by bacteria in the oral cavity. It is for this reason that animals are recommended to brush their teeth at least once a week.

Symptoms of gum problems:

• unpleasant odor from the mouth;
• red and inflamed gums;
• pet's refusal to eat.

Hypokalemia

The disease is associated with a lack of potassium ions in the blood. Due to potassium deficiencies, muscle weakness may develop. Sometimes it gets to such an extent that the animal cannot even get up. The Burmese cat breed transmits the disease by inheritance; the exact cause of hypokalemia is unknown. The disease manifests itself in kittens aged 2-6 months.

Symptoms:

• muscle weakness (the pet is not even able to hold its head in a stable position);
• lack of appetite;
• labored breathing.

In the early stages of the disease, the characteristics of general health are stable. As a treatment, Burmese are prescribed lifelong support with potassium supplements.

Problems with tearing

The eyes of Burmese cats are often wet due to increased lacrimation. The reason for this is the unusual shape of the muzzle. To help the pet, the owner must carry out hygiene procedures daily and clean the corners of the eyes. This feature is not a disease.

Health

This breed of cats, which has ancient origins, has always been distinguished by excellent health. The average life expectancy of such a pet is 15 years.

If you provide the animal with proper care, proper nutrition and scrupulously monitor its health, it can delight you with its presence for up to 20 years.

Cats of this breed are characterized by diseases such as gingivitis, lacrimation and breathing problems that arise due to the shortened shape of the nose.

To prevent problems with teeth and gums, you should visit your veterinarian regularly.

Choosing a kitten, cost

The Burmese cat constantly collects positive reviews, which attracts the attention of buyers. However, you need to buy a pet only in a specialized nursery, or from a trusted breeder. Choosing the right animal is the key to its future health. Kittens are handed over at the age of 3-4 months. The appearance of the kitten plays an important role.

Signs of a healthy litter:

• clean wool without bald spots;
• no discharge from the eyes or nose;
• clean ears;
• playful and curious mood.

Starting price in Moscow – 20 thousand rubles. A show-class kitten costs 40-60 thousand rubles. Kittens without a pedigree can be sold for 10-15 thousand rubles. However, no matter how much a pet costs, its character and behavior are always impeccable.

Breeding the Burmese cat

The best Burmese cats for breeding are healthy individuals from 1 year old. The first heat in cats begins at the age of 6-7 months, but their body is not yet ready to bear kittens. It is recommended to have offspring no earlier than 1 year. A Burmese cat is ready for mating at the age of 10-11 months. For breeding, pets with official documents and pedigree are used.

The best kittens are born from two purebred parents. Pregnancy lasts 70-72 days. Childbirth is quite difficult, it is better to take care of the place of birth in advance and agree with the veterinarian.

The small weight of females greatly complicates the birth process. Typically, a Burmese cat gives birth to 5-6 kittens. No matter how many kittens are born, the mother cat always watches the offspring with special care. During the first few days, a person may not be allowed near the kittens.

Interesting!

At the end of the 20th century, a Burmese cat gave birth to 19 kittens in England, which became a record.

If there is a Burmese in the house, what do you need to know?

These cats require careful treatment. The future owner of an unusual pet needs to remember a number of rules:

• The home will become a playground for the pet.
• You cannot slam doors and windows; a curious cat may stick its muzzle or paw in at the last moment.
• Burmese are trusting, so when guests arrive, owners are obliged to keep an eye on their cat. She will suffer in silence, not showing aggression towards new people.
• The cat will ask for its share of affection, no matter what condition the owner is in.
• Children should be instructed on how to handle a cat. Explain to them that this is not a toy.
• The most difficult test for a Burmese is loneliness. If you have to leave home often and for a long time, it is better to get a second cat.
• Loyalty is a hallmark of the Burmese cat. A boring pet will no longer be able to be placed in good hands, so you should think about responsibility for it before purchasing.

Pros and cons of the breed

The Burmese cat has a breed description that combines both pros and cons.

Pros:

• exotic appearance;
• absence of congenital diseases;
• affection and friendliness;
• loyal attitude towards children;
• developed intelligence.

Minuses:

• talkativeness;
• the Burmese cat has an impressive weight;
• constant need for warmth, the Burmese does not tolerate cold;
• excessive trustfulness even towards strangers and animals;
• high cost of a kitten.

Despite all the pros and cons, owners always leave positive reviews about the breed. The Burmese cat or Burmese manages to find an approach to each family member; it takes into account the character and needs of the owner.

Feeding

Cats of this breed have a good appetite. This must be taken into account when creating a menu. The food must be balanced and contain the required amount of vitamins.

To feed your pet, choose super-premium food. It is desirable to have large kibble in the food, which will prevent the formation of plaque and help get rid of tartar.

If the owner prefers natural feeding, you need to diversify the pet’s diet with boiled or stewed vegetables, cottage cheese and cheese.

Do not give your animal sausages, sausages, smoked meats or other unhealthy foods!

Photo and video

Photos of adults and kittens:

Video:

Video: Burmese cat 101kote.Ru burmese 101cats

Video: Burmese cat all about the breed. Interesting Facts

Video: Burmese kitten - features of education

The Burmese shorthair cat is a wonderful pet. These are very sociable, kind and playful creatures that do not require careful care. Be sure to leave personal reviews if you have ever had contact with a Burmese, or you are the owner of one.