The Burmese, an energetic and affectionate cat, an ideal family companion.
The Warmhearted Companion from the East
The Burmese is a cat breed of gentle beauty and an exceptionally affectionate temperament. Originating from Southeast Asia (Burma, now Myanmar), it was developed in the United States in the 1930s from a single cat named Wong Mau. Recognizable by its short, fine, and silky coat, and its large, expressive eyes ranging from gold to green, the Burmese is often described as a 'dog-like cat' for its devotion and constant need for human companionship.
Energetic, curious, and very sociable, the Burmese is an excellent family cat that retains its playful kitten spirit throughout its life.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The Burmese's short, silky coat is very easy to maintain, with weekly brushing being ample to keep it shiny and remove dead hair. The Burmese is a highly social cat that thrives on human interaction. It needs a lot of attention, play, and cuddles. Provide interactive toys, regular play sessions, and opportunities to climb to channel its energy. It hates loneliness, so if you are often away, consider finding it a companion or providing it with access to human company throughout the day.
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Identifying the Burmese: Key Characteristics
The Burmese is distinguished by its large expressive eyes and soft, glossy coat.
The Burmese is a medium-sized cat, compact and muscular, with a cobby body and sturdy bone structure that gives it a surprising weight for its size. Its head is round with a short muzzle and a firm chin. There are two types of Burmese: the American (rounder) and the British (more angular).
Size: Medium-sized cat, compact and muscular.
Coat: Short, fine, very soft and silky, very glossy, without a thick undercoat. Colors are 'sepia' (lighter body, slightly darker points): sable, chocolate, blue, lilac, cream, red, and tortie.
Head: Round (American type) or slightly wedge-shaped (British type), with full cheeks.
Eyes: Large, round to slightly oval, very expressive, ranging from golden-yellow to light green.
Ears: Medium-sized, wide at the base, slightly rounded at the tips, set well apart.
Tail: Medium-long, tapering towards the tip, proportionate to the body.
Dimensions and Key Information (Burmese)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
25 – 30 cm
22 – 28 cm
22 – 30 cm
Weight
4 – 6 kg
3 – 5 kg
3 – 6 kg
Life Expectancy
10 – 16 years
10 – 16 years
10 – 16 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 4-6
These figures indicate that the Burmese is a medium-sized cat, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.
Behavior: Affectionate, Playful, and Very Sociable
The Burmese is a cat with a sparkling temperament and an incredibly affectionate nature, often compared to a "dog" for its devotion to its owners. Recognized for its short, silky coat and expressive eyes, it is an ideal companion for those seeking an interactive and lively cat. Burmese cats are very social and adore human company, generally getting along extremely well with children and other pets.
These felines are known for their sharp intelligence and curiosity. They love to play fetch, learn tricks, and are always ready for a play session. Their meow is distinctive, often soft but persistent when they want to attract attention or express a need. Their affectionate nature means they love to be close to their humans, often perched on laps or snuggling under blankets. Their sociability and attachment bring them close to the Tonkinese, a breed that also shares origins with the Siamese.
The Burmese is a cat that requires attention and interaction. It does not tolerate prolonged solitude well and will always prefer to be surrounded. Its spirited personality and need for stimulation sometimes recall the energy of the Abyssinian, although the Burmese is generally more demonstrative in its affection. If you are drawn to cats with strong personalities and close bonds with their owners, you might also appreciate the vocal nature and intelligence of the Siamese, from which the Burmese originated, or the assertive elegance of the Oriental.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the modern Burmese began in 1930 when a US Navy doctor, Dr. Joseph C. Thompson, brought a sepia-colored cat named Wong Mau from Burma (now Myanmar). This cat, considered the founder of the breed, was crossed with a Siamese. The offspring showed a new color, halfway between the Siamese and the domestic cat, and became the foundation of the Burmese breed.
The breed was officially recognized by the CFA in 1936, before being suspended again and then readmitted after breeders proved the purity of the breed. The Burmese was then developed slightly differently in the United States (more cobby and rounded type) and Great Britain (more elegant and oriental type). The Burmese is a highly adaptable cat that thrives indoors, provided it has company and attention. Its gentle nature and tolerance make it an excellent pet for families and seniors, provided they can dedicate time to it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Burmese
What is the main physical characteristic of the Burmese?
The Burmese is a medium-sized, compact, and muscular cat with a short, very soft, and shiny coat. It has a round head (American type) or a slightly wedge-shaped head (British type) and large, expressive eyes that are golden to green in color.
What is the temperament of the Burmese?
The Burmese is extremely affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and very playful, retaining a kitten-like spirit throughout its life. It is very sociable, loves human company, and gets along well with children and other animals. It is known for disliking solitude.
How do you groom the Burmese's coat?
Its short, silky coat is very easy to maintain. Weekly brushing with a soft brush or grooming mitt is sufficient to keep it shiny and remove dead hair.
Is the Burmese prone to specific health problems?
The Burmese is generally a robust breed, but some lines may be predisposed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dental diseases, craniofacial defect (flat head syndrome), and an increased risk of diabetes. Regular veterinary check-ups are advised.
What is the life expectancy of a Burmese?
The average life expectancy of a Burmese typically ranges between 10 and 16 years, but many Burmese can live much longer with proper care.
