Burmese

The Burmese is a personality plus cat with a sunny disposition and unflappable nature ideally suited to Australian lifestyles. A happy go-lucky tomboy of a cat, the Burmese retains their kittenish curiosity and playfulness throughout their life – thereby making them an ideal children’s playmate.

The Burmese breed is totally distinctive both physically and temperamentally. They are the only natural breed of brown cat. Their short, satin-textured, glossy coat is traditionally a rich, warm sable brown and the eyes are gold. Selective breeding for other colour varieties has produced the magnificent blue Burmese as well a variety of other attractive hues ranging from red and cream to lilac and tortoiseshell.

Powerfully built, with excellent muscle tone, the Burmese is surprisingly heavy for their size. Their body is long and lithe with a rounded chest, rounded ear tips and small, dainty oval feet. Even to an untrained eye they look exotic.

The Burmese is highly intelligent, affectionate and extremely loyal. They love being with people, but also gets along well with other cats and even dogs. One of their most endearing qualities is that they love to perform tricks. They readily learn to retrieve a toy in a very dog-like manner and earned the nickname “dog-cat” when they first appeared. Although their voice is softer than the Siamese, the Burmese is a talkative cat quite prepared to hold long conversations with their owners.

Due to their short hair, the Burmese requires minimal grooming. A few hand strokes will remove the loose hairs.

For the latest research in breed-related problems in the Burmese cats, visit the University of Sydney’s LIDA (Listing of Inherited Disorders in Animals) website.