Cat breed · Shorthair
Burmese
A dense, muscular cat often described as a brick wrapped in silk, and one of the most people-oriented breeds.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Shorthair
- Origin
- Myanmar (Burma) and United States
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3.5–6 kg (8–13 lb)
- Height
- 23–28 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–18 years
- Coat
- Short, satiny, close-lying
- Temperament
- AffectionateBoldPeople-focusedPlayful
History
Developed in the United States from a single brown cat, Wong Mau, imported from Burma in 1930.
Appearance
Compact and heavy for its size, with golden eyes and a glossy sable, chocolate, blue or lilac coat.
Exercise and activity
Daily interactive play and shoulder-riding company.
Care and grooming
Weekly rubdown with a grooming mitt; provide warmth and companionship.
Health considerations
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypokalaemic polymyopathy
- Burmese head defect
- Flat-chested kittens
- Gingivitis
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Burmese
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Daily interactive play and shoulder-riding company. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Diabetes mellitus, Hypokalaemic polymyopathy, Burmese head defect, Flat-chested kittens, Gingivitis), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- International Cat Care — cat health, behaviour and welfare advice