Burmese

The modern Burmese descends from a single cat named Wong Mau, imported from Burma to the United States in 1930 by Dr. Joseph Cheesman Thompson, a San Francisco physician with a deep interest in Oriental cats. Wong Mau was a dark brown cat, and Thompson began a systematic breeding program to understand and perpetuate her traits, producing the first pure Burmese: cats of uniform brown color without the colorpoint pattern.

In 1936, the Cat Fanciers' Association of the United States officially recognized the Burmese breed. During the 1940s the breed was temporarily suspended from the registry due to crosses with Siamese that had diluted the original characteristics. Thanks to the dedication of breeders, the Burmese was restored with the characteristics that distinguish it today. In parallel, a European line with slightly different characteristics was developed in Great Britain.

Today the Burmese is popular all over the world, especially valued for its exceptionally sociable character. Its popularity has given rise to several derived breeds, such as the Bombay (cross between Burmese and black American Shorthair) and the Tonkinese (cross between Burmese and Siamese).

The Burmese is a medium-sized cat with a surprisingly robust and heavy build for its appearance: breeders often describe the feeling of having more cat than meets the eye when picking it up. The American variety has a rounded head, large and very expressive golden yellow eyes, and a perfectly rounded profile muzzle. The coat is extremely short and shiny, with a satiny texture that reflects light in a characteristic way.

As for temperament, the Burmese is undoubtedly one of the most extroverted and sociable cats in existence. It loves being with people, whether its regular owners or occasional visitors. It is a chatty cat, with a deep and pleasant voice that it uses frequently to communicate. Its energy level is high in youth and gradually moderates with age, but it never loses its curiosity and love for play.

A very appreciated characteristic of the Burmese is its unconditional love for people of all ages, including children. It is not a cat that hides when visitors arrive: on the contrary, it is often the first to come over and say hello. It gets on well with other cats and even dogs, especially if introductions are made gradually and positively.

The care of the Burmese is extraordinarily simple thanks to its ultra-short and shiny coat. A weekly brushing with a rubber glove or a damp cloth is enough to remove dead hair and maintain its natural shine. Bathing is rarely necessary. However, dental hygiene is important, as the Burmese may be prone to periodontal disease.

The Burmese needs daily physical and mental stimulation. It loves to play and, unlike many cats, maintains its playful spirit even in adulthood. Interactive toys, wands, food puzzles and play sessions are fundamental to its well-being. It is not a cat that tolerates prolonged solitude well, so it is recommended to adopt it in pairs if the owners spend many hours away from home.

The diet should be of high quality and rich in animal proteins, adapted to the active metabolism of the breed. Access to fresh water is essential, and it is recommended to combine wet and dry food to ensure adequate hydration and prevent renal pathologies typical of the species.

Familial hypokalemia (FHK) is a metabolic condition characteristic of the Burmese that causes low potassium levels in the blood, causing muscle weakness and, in severe cases, difficulty moving. This condition has a genetic basis and can manifest from kittenhood. A genetic test is available to identify carriers of the responsible gene.

Craniofacial problems are another concern in the breed, especially in the American variety with the rounder head. Some individuals may have skull malformations that affect their quality of life. Cases of dilated cardiomyopathy may also occur, a form of heart disease that requires monitoring through periodic echocardiograms.

Give your Burmese the best nutrition with OnlyFresh, with high-quality animal proteins that support its active metabolism and overall health, so it maintains its energy, its shine and its inexhaustible love for life throughout all its stages.