Description: Burmilla
The Burmilla cat breed is a charming and beautiful result of an accidental crossbreeding between the Chinchilla Persian and Burmese cats. This breed emerged in the United Kingdom in 1981, characterized by their sparkling silver coat and distinctive eye makeup-like lining. The Burmilla carries a delightful temperament, mixing playful and affectionate traits, making them excellent companions. They possess a sociable and gentle disposition, often seeking attention and interaction from their human families. The plush coat can be either short or semi-long, fitting the varied preferences of cat lovers. Known for intelligence and curiosity, the Burmilla retains kitten-like joyfulness well into adulthood, making them a playful part of the family.
Properties
The Burmilla cat breed, a charming blend of the Burmese and Chinchilla Persian, stands out for its striking appearance and engaging personality. This breed emerged unexpectedly in the United Kingdom in 1981 when a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian accidentally bred. The resulting kittens were so appealing that breeders decided to develop a new breed, thus giving rise to the Burmilla.
The distinctive feature of the Burmilla is its shimmering silver coat adorned with a variety of shading patterns and markings. The coat is typically short and easy to care for, making this breed an excellent choice for those who desire a low-maintenance pet. The fur is fine and silky, often accentuated by a silver undercoat that peeks through the darker tips, giving them a sparkling appearance.
Burmillas have large, expressive eyes that range in color from green to yellow, but green is most common and highly prized. Their head is rounded, yet slightly wedge-shaped, providing a soft, pleasing appearance. The overall impression is one of an elegant but muscular cat, agile and active, which reflects their playful and curious nature. They are medium-sized cats, typically weighing between 6 to 12 pounds, which makes them a comfortable size for most homes.
In terms of personality, Burmillas are delightful companions. They inherit the sociable nature of the Burmese and the gentle temperament of the Persian, resulting in a cat that is both lively and placid. They are known for their friendly behavior, not only with their human families but also with other pets and children. This makes them ideal pets for a family environment. They are intelligent and playful, often showing a kitten-like demeanor well into adulthood. Burmillas enjoy interactive play and engaging with toys, which makes them interactive pets that bond well with their owners.
Burmillas are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they have specific health considerations to keep in mind. Genetic diversity from their mixed heritage often contributes to a robust constitution, but potential owners should ensure they obtain their cats from reputable breeders who conduct thorough health screenings. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative health care will contribute greatly to keeping a Burmilla healthy throughout its life.
The Burmilla, with its enchanting good looks and charming disposition, makes an excellent addition to a wide range of families. They offer the best aspects of both parent breeds and combine striking beauty with a loving personality—a truly splendid combination.
Appearance
The Burmilla is an exquisite breed, originally born out of an accidental crossing between the Chinchilla Persian and the Burmese. This breed has since captivated the hearts of cat enthusiasts worldwide with its stunning looks and charming personality.
The most notable feature of the Burmilla is its shimmering silvery coat, thanks in large part to the influence of its Chinchilla Persian lineage. The topcoat can range from pure silver to a black shaded overlay, which gives the Burmilla a striking and glamorous appearance. The undercoat is one of the breed’s defining characteristics, typically a pure, sparkling silver that adds a layer of depth and beauty to their overall coloration.
Burmillas have medium-sized, muscular bodies that display their strong Burmese heritage. They are neither too large nor too small, embodying a perfect balance that makes them both elegant and athletic. Their heads are rounded with a short nose, distinguishing them further from other breeds. The wide-set, expressive eyes are another captivating trait. These are often green or yellow, large and luminous, adding to their mesmerizing and gentle expression.
The ears of a Burmilla are medium-sized, slightly rounded, and tilt forward, giving them an alert yet sweet demeanor. The legs are proportional to the body, ending in neat, compact paws.
One cannot overlook the facial markings that are characteristic of the Burmilla. These cats often have a distinctive 'mascara' line, which extends from the outer corner of the eye up to the top of the head, enhancing their captivating gaze. Additionally, other lighter or darker shaded areas may adorn the face, contributing to their unique and striking visage.
The coat of the Burmilla can be either short or semi-long, the latter of which will have a plush, silken texture and requires slightly more grooming than the short-haired variety. Regardless of the length, their fur is generally easy to care for, requiring only regular brushing to maintain its shine and reduce shedding.
Overall, the Burmilla is not only a beauty to behold but also a delightful companion. Their appearance exudes a refined charm that, combined with their affectionate and playful nature, makes them a wonderful addition to any family.
History
The Burmilla cat breed is a fascinating example of a relatively recent and accidental creation in the world of pedigreed cats, originating in the United Kingdom. The tale of the Burmilla begins in 1981, when a Chinchilla Persian male named Jemari Sanquist was housed with a Lilac Burmese female, Bambino Lilac Faberge, in the home of Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg. The encounter between these two distinct breeds was unplanned, but it resulted in a litter of four shimmering kittens, marking the inception of the Burmilla breed.
Recognizing the unique charm and potential of these accidental hybrids, the Baroness decided to establish a formal breeding program. This effort involved carefully selecting and breeding cats to stabilize the traits that define the Burmilla: a silvery coat, striking facial features, and the muscular build of the Burmese, combined with the luxurious fur texture typical of the Persian lineage. The breed was named 'Burmilla,' a portmanteau of 'Burmese' and 'Chinchilla,' referring to their Burmese heritage and their Chinchilla-inspired silver coat.
The Burmilla was quickly recognized for its delightful temperament and beautiful appearance. These cats are generally friendly, playful, and affectionate, making them excellent companions. They are also known for their striking appearance, which includes a short, dense coat with a silver or gold tipped shading, giving them a sparkling effect. The breed’s distinctive facial makeup, often described as 'eyeliner' highlighting the eyes, adds to their charming expression.
The Burmilla was recognized by various feline registries around the world soon after their development. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the UK provided recognition in the 1980s, acknowledging both the shorthair and a longhair variant known as the Tiffanie. The breed has since gained a modest but dedicated following, prized by cat enthusiasts for its combination of beauty and playful charisma.
Today, the Burmilla remains relatively rare compared to other breeds but continues to capture the hearts of cat lovers through its sweet-natured demeanor and striking looks. Breed clubs and organizations work to maintain the breed's standards and promote its unique characteristics, ensuring that these lovely cats continue to find their special places in homes around the world.