In the early 20^th century, a small brown female cat named Wong Mau travelled from Burma (present-day Mayanmar) to the United States of America with Dr. Joseph C. Thompson who was a renowned Siamese cat breeder. Dr Thompson began a breeding program using Wong Mau and a seal-point Siamese. Some of Wong Mau’s kittens looked like Siamese, but others looked similar to her. Womg Mau was mated with one of her brown coloured kittens, which resulted in kittens with three looks: Siamese, dark brown with points and dark brown with no points. The brown kitten with no points became the foundation of the Burmese. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) began registering Burmese in 1936, but it wasn’t until 1957 that the breed became fully recognize. This was because the CFA suspended the registration of Burmese between 1947 and 1953 until breeders stopped crossing a Burmese with Siamese and in fact this led to the development of other breeds known as Tonkinese, Bombay and Burmilla.

There are two versions of the Burmese cat: An American and a British standard. There are a few key distinctions between American and British Burmese cats. American Burmese have a stockier build in comparison to its sleek European equivalent. The American version also has a broader head, shorter muzzle, and rounded eyes, whereas the British version has a wedge-shaped head, long muzzle, and slightly slanted eyes.

Their Thai name translates to “beautiful, fortunate, and of splendid appearance.” These felines do not disappoint. Their short, fine, silky coat comes in an original dark sable brown colour as well as diluted colours: champagne (light brown), blue and platinum (lilac). The silky coat does not shed much and is easy to groom. A Burmese will have yellow eyes, but sometimes a blue-eyed beauty enters the mix as a result of cross-breeding with Siamese cats.

While not as chatty as their Siamese ancestors, the Burmese did inherit the tendency to make themselves heard. They aren’t shy about vocalizing their needs. When they need your attention, they usually let you know with a raspy, guttural rumble.

All cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, some health conditions that Burmese cats may have are cranial deformities, glaucoma or feline hyperaesthesia syndrome, which results in an increased sensitivity to touch or painful stimuli. They may also be prone to calcium oxylate stones in the urinary tract.

A good quality brand such as Taste of the Wild or ORIJEN  will keep your Burmese in top condition.

In Australia, cat breeds are separated into 4 groups. Burmese belong to Group 4.

Photos by Dyadya_Lyosha, ge-hall, Jai79