Burmese

Cat · Shorthair · 0 live listings

A compact, glossy-coated cat descended from a single brown cat brought from Burma to the US in 1930. Burmese are people-focused, playful into old age and surprisingly heavy for their size. American and European types differ.

At a glance

Origin
Burma, developed in US/UK
Size
Medium · 8–12 lb
Lifespan
12–17 years
Coat
Short, satin, close-lying
Temperament
Social, playful, vocal
Best fit
Homes with company
Species
Cat
Category
Cats
Group
Shorthair
Also known as
BUR
Registries
CFA, TICA, ACFA
Papers
5 categories
EnergyPlayful for life
AffectionNeeds its people
Grooming loadWeekly wipe-down
Beginner fitEasy, but dislikes solitude

Scales follow breed-club and veterinary consensus; individual animals vary. Listings show what each seller has on file.

The tradeoffs, honestly

A Burmese needs company most of the day. Depending on the line, the breed carries inherited risks including a skull defect in American lines, low potassium episodes and a higher diabetes rate in European lines.

Common questions

What health tests should the parents have?

For American lines, ask for a DNA result for the Burmese head defect. For European lines, ask for hypokalaemia DNA testing. GM2 gangliosidosis testing is also available. Diabetes is more common in the breed, so keep adults lean.

What is the difference between American and European Burmese?

Different registries developed different types. American Burmese are rounder in head and body; European Burmese are more moderate and come in more colors. The temperament is similar, but health risks differ by line.

Can a Burmese be left alone?

Not for long. Burmese are among the most people-focused breeds and struggle with solitude. A pair of cats or a home with someone around is the better fit.

What health tests should a Burmese have?

Ask for Health certificate or vet exam on file, Core vaccinations current, FeLV / FIV negative, Registration papers on file, Fecal screen clear, Microchip registered to the breeder and Feline DNA health panel.

Sources and standards

Recommended health records for a Burmese: Health certificate or vet exam on file, Core vaccinations current, FeLV / FIV negative, Registration papers on file, Fecal screen clear, Microchip registered to the breeder and Feline DNA health panel. Ask the seller for each record; Everybarn does not check documents with their issuers.

Registration papers sellers can attach for cats on Everybarn come from The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA) and American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).

Sources: The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA); The International Cat Association (TICA); American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).

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Health tests to ask for
Health certificate or vet exam on fileCore vaccinations currentFeLV / FIV negativeRegistration papers on fileFecal screen clearMicrochip registered to the breederFeline DNA health panel

Ask the seller for these. Documents on Everybarn are on file for your own checks; we don't check them with the issuer.

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