Burmilla

Key Visual Markers

• Silver-shaded or silver-tipped coat — a pure white undercoat with tipping on the back, head, ears, tail, and legs; the tipping is evenly distributed, creating a luminous, sparkling effect; recognized in 8 colors including black (the original), blue, brown, chocolate, lilac, caramel, apricot, and cream
• Round, softly contoured head with a short blunt muzzle, full cheeks, and a visible stop — the head is broader than the Burmese parent with a distinct nose break at eye level
• Large, wide-set, expressive green eyes with dark eye-liner — the dark pigment outlines the eyes, creating a dramatic doll-like look; the richer the green and darker the liner, the more striking the appearance
• Ears medium in size, wide at the base, with rounded tips — set wide apart on the head and tilting slightly forward; larger and more open than the Burmese parent with minimal inner furnishings
• Medium-sized, compact muscular body that feels surprisingly heavy — firm and well-muscled with a broad chest and medium-length legs; the CFA calls it "substantial but not cobby"
• Short, fine, silky coat that lies flat against the body — minimal undercoat; the coat is close-lying with a satin sheen and needs almost no grooming; the subtle tipping creates the breed's characteristic sparkling look

Temperament & Traits

• Social and outgoing — greets visitors, wants to be part of household activities, and adapts well to new people and situations
• Affectionate without being demanding — enjoys lap time and petting but entertains itself when owners are busy
• Playful with moderate energy — enjoys interactive toys, climbing, and short bursts of activity followed by lounging
• Good with children, dogs, and other cats — the friendly, adaptable nature makes it a solid family cat
• Intelligent and curious — learns routines, opens doors, and engages with puzzle feeders
• Quiet voice — communicates with soft chirps, trills, and meows rather than loud vocalization

Health Notes

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) — inherited from the Chinchilla Persian ancestry; the same dominant PKD1 gene mutation found in Persians; a simple DNA test identifies carriers; responsible breeders screen before breeding
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — reported in the breed, inherited from both Burmese and Persian lines; regular echocardiogram screening recommended for breeding cats
• Craniofacial defect — the same brachycephalic ALX1 gene mutation carried in American Burmese lines can affect Burmillas bred to Burmese; responsible breeders DNA-test breeding cats to avoid pairing carriers
• Obesity — the compact, muscular body type makes weight gain easy; portion-controlled feeding is essential throughout life
• Dental disease — the short muzzle contributes to some tooth crowding; regular dental care and annual oral exams recommended

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