Cat breed · Semi-longhair / Shorthair (Asian group)
Burmilla
Born from an accidental Burmese × Chinchilla Persian mating in 1981, combining Burmese sociability with a softer, sparkling silver coat.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Semi-longhair / Shorthair (Asian group)
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–6 kg
- Height
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Short, silver-shaded or tipped coat with dramatic 'eyeliner' markings
- Temperament
- GentlePlayfulSociableCurious
History
Created in London in 1981 when a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian met unsupervised; the kittens were so striking a breed programme followed.
Appearance
Elegant medium cat with a silver shaded or tipped coat, green outlined eyes and a sweet expression.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; enjoys interactive play and climbing.
Care and grooming
Weekly brushing keeps the silver coat bright.
Health considerations
- Generally healthy
- Polycystic kidney disease (inherited from Persian lines — test breeding cats)
- Dental disease
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Burmilla
- 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: Moderate; enjoys interactive play and climbing. 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 Dental disease), 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.
Sources on this topic
Pages on this specific subject from recognised organisations. They are cited for further reading and do not mean the organisation has reviewed this page.
- Burmilla breed profile — Cat Fanciers' Association
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