Burmese

Key Visual Markers

• Short, fine, satin-like coat that lies close to the body with a glossy sheen — the CFA describes it as "fine, short, and close-lying" with a texture like polished silk; no undercoat, so the coat is sleek and gives the muscular body beneath full visibility
• Medium-sized, rounded wedge-shaped head with a short muzzle, full cheeks, and a visible nose break — the American Burmese has a broader, rounder head than the European type, with a distinct short, flat muzzle
• Large, expressive round eyes set wide apart — rich gold to yellow in color, the most desirable shade being a vivid chartreuse gold; the large eye size contributes to the breed's sweet, open expression
• Ears medium in size, moderately wide at the base, with rounded tips and slight forward tilt — set wide apart on the head, blending into the rounded head shape without protruding
• Compact, muscular body with a broad, rounded chest and medium-length legs — the CFA standard calls for a cat weighing "surprisingly heavy for its size"; substantial bone structure with firm, well-developed musculature
• Medium-length tail, thick at the base, tapering to a rounded tip — carried in line with the body or slightly elevated, never rigid or kinked

Temperament & Traits

• Extremely people-oriented — follows owners from room to room, sleeps on or next to their person, and demands daily interactive play
• Retains kitten energy throughout life — still playful, curious, and active at 12+ years old, unlike most breeds that slow down by age 8
• Highly intelligent — learns tricks, opens doors, and solves puzzle feeders; needs mental stimulation or boredom leads to mischief
• Vocal but not as loud as Siamese — communicates with a distinctive soft, sweet voice to express needs and wants
• Good with children, dogs, and other cats — friendly and adaptable, but does best when given plenty of human attention
• Does not tolerate being left alone for long periods — the breed forms deep attachments and may become anxious or destructive when isolated

Health Notes

• Hypokalaemia (Burmese hypokalemia) — a genetic condition causing low blood potassium levels, leading to muscle weakness, head-tilting, and transient paresis; the Burmese is the cat breed most often affected; diagnosed through bloodwork and managed with potassium supplementation; a DNA test is available for at-risk lines
• Craniofacial defect (Burmese head defect) — a fatal congenital malformation linked to the brachycephalic ALX1 gene mutation in American Burmese lines; homozygous kittens must be euthanized; responsible breeders avoid breeding two carriers together
• Gangliosidosis (GM2) — a fatal inherited metabolic disorder causing progressive neurological deterioration from around 3–8 months of age; an autosomal recessive HEXB gene mutation has been identified; a simple DNA test is available
• Orofacial pain syndrome — a neuropathic pain condition causing exaggerated licking, chewing, and pawing at the mouth; seen more often in Burmese than other breeds
• Diabetes mellitus — Burmese cats, particularly neutered males, show a higher-than-average risk of developing diabetes; maintaining lean body weight is the most effective prevention
• Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — some lines show predisposition; high-moisture diet and stress management help prevent recurrence

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.