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    Oriental & Foreign Group

    Burmese

    A muscular, dense little cat that's been called a 'brick wrapped in silk.' Burmese are extremely affectionate, dog-like and slightly less loud than Siamese. Health watchouts include diabetes mellitus (the Burmese is the most diabetes-prone breed) and a craniofacial defect in 'contemporary' lines.

    Sable Burmese cat with glossy short brown coat and golden eyes on a leather sofa

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    Burma (Myanmar) — U.S. development 1930s
    Weight (M / F)
    8–12 / 6–10 lb
    Lifespan
    13–18 years
    Coat
    Short, satiny, dense single coat
    Shedding
    low
    Hypoallergenic
    Often tolerated
    Energy
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Affection
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Vocal
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Grooming need
    ●○○○○ (1/5)
    Climber
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Apartment OK
    Yes
    Indoor only
    Recommended
    Multi-pet OK
    Yes

    History & Origin

    All Western Burmese descend from a single brown female named Wong Mau, brought from Burma to San Francisco in 1930. Crossed with Siamese, she founded the breed.

    Temperament & Personality

    Extremely affectionate, playful, dog-like. Burmese follow humans everywhere and demand interaction.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by CFA/TICA parent clubs, AAFP, the Winn Feline Foundation, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Diabetes mellitus

    ~5–10% (highest of any breed)

    Insulin resistance and pancreatic dysfunction. Often presents in middle age.

    Screening: Annual fructosamine + glucose; lean body weight is highly protective

    Burmese head defect (BHD)

    Confined to contemporary U.S. lines

    Lethal craniofacial deformity in homozygous kittens.

    Screening: Avoid contemporary U.S. show lines; choose 'traditional' or European Burmese

    Hypokalemia

    Inherited in some lines

    Low blood potassium causing muscle weakness.

    Screening: DNA test

    Obesity

    ≈60% of indoor cats (AAHA)

    Excess weight increases risk of diabetes, arthritis, hepatic lipidosis and shortens lifespan by ~2 years.

    Screening: Monthly body condition score (target 4–5/9); measure all food; structured play 2× daily

    Periodontal disease

    70%+ of cats by age 3

    Plaque hardens to tartar and inflames gums, leading to tooth loss and bacteremia.

    Screening: Annual oral exam; daily brushing or VOHC-approved dental treats; professional cleaning every 1–2 years

    Enrichment & Play

    Very playful into senior years. Need climbing space and daily interaction.

    • Cat trees
    • Wand toys
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Clicker training
    • Harness walks
    • Companion cat

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 220–290 kcal/day.

    Two measured meals; lean body weight is critical for diabetes prevention. Consider low-carb wet diets for at-risk individuals.

    Common allergens to watch: Fish.

    ⚠ Highest diabetes risk of any breed — keep body condition 4–5/9 strictly.

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush weekly. The silky coat is largely self-maintaining.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on lifespan, vet care, and litter/food choices. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for Burmese: medium.

    Living Situation Fit

    Excellent family cat. Apartment-friendly. Adopt in pairs if alone all day.

    Choosing a Kitten

    Avoid contemporary U.S. lines (BHD risk). Choose 'traditional' or European Burmese. Pet-quality $1,000–$1,500.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are Burmese cats prone to diabetes?

    Genetic insulin resistance combined with the breed's tendency to gain weight on standard diets. Lean body weight and low-carb wet food can prevent or delay onset.

    What is Burmese head defect?

    A lethal craniofacial mutation in U.S. contemporary show lines. Affected kittens are euthanized at birth. European Burmese lines are unaffected.

    Related breeds

    Glossy black Bombay cat with copper eyes on a dark slate kitchen counter

    Bombay

    The 'parlor panther' — a glossy jet-black short-haired cat with vivid copper eyes, created in 1950s Kentucky to mimic the appearance of a black leopard. Bombays have the Burmese's affectionate temperament with even more lap-time devotion. Generally healthy with the same diabetes risk as Burmese.

    Mink Tonkinese cat with aqua eyes sitting on a wooden cat tree

    Tonkinese

    A Burmese × Siamese hybrid that captures the best of both. Tonkinese have the Burmese's compact body and the Siamese's energy, with distinctive aqua-blue eyes and 'mink' coloring (a soft gradient between point and solid). Friendly, playful, vocal but less loud than Siamese.

    Seal-point Siamese cat with sleek cream coat and bright blue almond eyes sitting on a hardwood floor

    Siamese

    The original talking cat. Siamese are slender, vocal, intensely social and dog-like in their bond with humans. They invented the colorpoint pattern (warm body, dark face/ears/legs/tail) and most modern oriental breeds descend from them. Loud, opinionated and unsuitable for households that want a quiet pet.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual cats vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.