Description: Burmese
The Burmese cat is a breed of domestic cat originating from Burma (modern Myanmar) and primarily developed in the United States and Britain. Known for their distinctively stocky and muscular build, rounded face, and large expressive eyes, Burmese cats carry a charming personality that makes them a favorite among cat lovers. These cats are often described as 'bricks wrapped in silk' due to their compact bodies covered with fine, glossy fur. Burmese are extremely affectionate, sociable, and playful, often following their owners around and seeking attention and interaction. They thrive in families and adapt well to indoor living, making them ideal companions for those living in apartments or smaller spaces.
Properties
The Burmese cat is renowned for its unique and charming characteristics that make it a beloved breed among cat enthusiasts. Originating from Burma, now known as Myanmar, the Burmese cat was first brought to the United States in the 1930s and has since become a popular breed in various parts of the world. The breed is best known for its distinctive, sleek, short coat that comes in a variety of colors such as sable, champagne, blue, and platinum.
One of the most striking features of the Burmese is their large, expressive eyes that are typically gold or yellow in color, providing a beautiful contrast against their rich coat colors. The body of a Burmese cat is compact yet muscular, giving them a substantial feel under their fine and glossy coat.
In terms of personality, the Burmese are sociable, affectionate, and highly interactive. They thrive on human company and often form strong bonds with their owners, being commonly referred to as 'people cats'. They are known for their dog-like behaviors, such as greeting their owners at the door and following them around from room to room. The Burmese enjoys playing and interacting with people, and they do well in families with children and other pets due to their amiable nature.
Another notable trait of the Burmese is their 'voice'. They are known for their unique and soft vocalizations, which they use often to communicate with their humans, whether it's to indicate hunger, seek attention, or simply be a part of the conversation. Despite their sociability, the Burmese are adaptable and can also enjoy their moments of solitude, often finding a quiet spot to relax.
Health-wise, the Burmese are generally a healthy breed, but they can be predisposed to certain genetic conditions such as cranial deformities and hypokalemia (low blood potassium). Therefore, regular veterinary checks are recommended to maintain their health. Their grooming needs are minimal due to their short coat but a regular brushing schedule helps to keep their fur in good condition and reduce shedding.
In summary, the Burmese breed, with its captivating appeal and companionable nature, makes an excellent pet for those who desire an interactive and affectionate feline friend. Their physical and behavioral traits make them not just pets, but truly a part of the family.
Appearance
The Burmese cat, with its distinctive, elegant appearance, is a breed that captures the hearts of cat enthusiasts worldwide. This breed, originating from Burma (modern-day Myanmar), is well-known for its rich, sable coat and large, expressive eyes, creating a look that is both exotic and endearing.
The first thing to note about Burmese cats is their muscular, compact body structure. Although they are medium-sized, they often surprise with their heft when picked up, due to their solid and muscular build. Their body is typically rounded and well-proportioned, contributing to their somewhat stocky appearance. The legs are strong and straight, with the back legs being slightly longer than the front, giving them a powerful leap and pounce capacity.
Burmese cats are celebrated for their short, fine, and glossy coat that feels silky to the touch. The coat fits snugly to the body, emphasizing their muscular contours and svelte lines. This breed is most commonly found in the sable color, which is a rich, dark brown. However, the breed has diversified over years and now includes other colors like blue, champagne, and platinum. Each hue provides a distinct but equally striking appearance, enhancing the breed's overall allure.
The head of a Burmese is rounded and well-formed, with a short muzzle and a distinct break at the nose. Their ears are medium in size, broad at the base, and rounded at the tips, complementing their rounded facial features. But perhaps the most captivating aspect of their appearance is their large, round eyes that range in color from gold to yellow. These luminous eyes are alert and give the face a sweet, open expression.
A final distinctive feature of the Burmese breed is their voice. They are known for their unique vocalizations that are quite melodious and sweet, which they use frequently to communicate with their owners. This aspect of their behavior adds to their charismatic personality, making them not just a pleasure to look at, but also to live with.
Overall, the appearance of the Burmese cat is marked by its sturdy build, luxurious coat, and striking eyes, all of which combine to create a breed that is as beautiful to look at as it is to interact with.
History
The history of the Burmese cat is a tale of mystery, intrigue, and fascinating cultural interplay. This breed hails from Southeast Asia, likely originating in what is now Myanmar (formerly Burma), which explains the name 'Burmese.' The breed was considered sacred and was kept in temples and palaces in Burma. The modern history of the Burmese breed began in the early 20th century when a small, walnut-brown female cat named Wong Mau was brought to the United States from Burma by Dr. Joseph Thompson in 1930.
Wong Mau's unique appearance caught the attention of American breeders and cat fanciers. Dr. Thompson, who was also a geneticist, began a breeding program with Wong Mau to establish and promote the distinctive characteristics of what would become known as the Burmese breed. She was initially believed to be a dark Siamese due to her color and features, but further breeding revealed that Wong Mau was indeed a different breed.
Through careful breeding, particularly with Siamese cats to refine her features and solidify the breed's traits, the Burmese began to take shape. These efforts culminated in the Burmese being recognized as a distinct breed in America by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) in 1936. The breeders aimed to perpetuate Wong Mau's solid brown coat, which ranged from a light cream to a deep chocolate, and her distinctive yellow eyes.
Burmese cats are particularly noted for their compact and muscular build, short, fine, and glossy coat, and their charming and gregarious nature. Known as a 'people-oriented' breed, Burmese are characterized by their loyalty to their families and their tendency to form strong bonds with their owners. They are affectionately described as 'bricks wrapped in silk' due to their solid build and soft coat.
Post World War II, the breed’s population suffered a severe decline, and crossbreeding became necessary to preserve the numbers. This led to the development of two distinct types: the American Burmese and the British Burmese, with slight differences in appearance but both retaining the core characteristics of the original Burmese cats. Over the years, the Burmese has become a popular breed both for competitive showing and as loving pets in households around the world.
The breed’s story is not just one of aesthetic appeal, but also of its ability to enchant people with its playful, affectionate nature. Hence, the Burmese continues to be cherished in the realms of cat lovers everywhere, maintaining its status as a beloved companion and elegant feline.