Information for pet owners on traits, history, caring for their animals, and other subjects
The gorgeous Burmilla is one of the most recent breeds to be granted official recognition by the Cat Fanciers Association. They were developed in the 1980s in the UK as a result of an accidental union of a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian.
The species is noted for being kind, playful, and inquisitive while still being rare.
Breed Overview
- WEIGHT: 8 to 12 pounds
- LENGTH: A medium-sized cat
- COAT: Usually a smooth, short coat but, can also come in a semi long-haired variety
- COAT COLOR: Comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, most commonly they are silver-white with tips or shading that can include black, blue, chocolate, cream, lilac and tortoiseshell
- EYE COLOR: Green
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years
Characteristics of the Burmilla
| Affection Level | Medium |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Intelligence | Medium |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Low |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of the Burmilla
The Burmilla have a very recent and magnificent past. Inadvertently mating in the early 1980s, the first generation of these cats was created by a baroness’s Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese.
The Baroness, who had previously bred Persians, made the decision to start a breeding program specifically for this kind of cross due to the offspring’s darkly colored, dense, and short coats.
The Cat Fanciers Association didn’t recognize them until 2011 despite the fact that they attained championship status in the UK in the 1990s.
They are still viewed as a rare breed, especially in the United States, despite having a lovely attitude and good looks.
Brock Care
The breed of Burmilla is very adaptable and makes fantastic family pets.
The Chinchilla Persians and Burmese have quite different personalities, and the Burmilla has inherited some of the greatest qualities of both.
This breed is amiable and good-natured, in contrast to the Burmese, which can be rather demanding. They are normally quiet, while having a far more animated and curious side than Persians. They are known for having slightly goofy, almost clown-like traits, and they occasionally even exhibit some naughtiness.
They are well-liked by their owners since they frequently still display some of their kitten-like zest for life as adults. Kids are lively and inquisitive by nature, so you should make sure they have adequate stimulation and enrichment at home. If a Burmilla is bored, they may look for their own pastimes.
They may be an ideal choice of cat for owners who work because they can be independent while yet appreciating their owners’ presence. Additionally, they normally get along with both cats and dogs as long as introductions are conducted properly.
The Burmilla has a thick, short, double layer that is exceptionally smooth and delicate to the touch. Although they don’t shed much, they do. Most of the time, all it needs is a weekly brush out to remove any dead hair to keep it looking excellent. Burmillas occasionally have a coat that is a little bit longer and considered to have semi-long hair. This is a Chinchilla recessive gene-related condition.
Burmillas come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. They are either shaded or have tips. If they have a pointed coat, they have a pale color that hides a silver or golden undercoating. The silver-tipped cats can occasionally be mistaken for white.
Shaded Burmillas have a deeper color pattern that mostly covers the tops of their shoulders, the outsides of their legs, and the tops of their backs.
Common Health Problems
It is not commonly recognized that the Burmilla are prone to several genetic illnesses. The fact that they are a new breed of cat with a tight breeding schedule will, of course, play a significant role in this.
Naturally, it is still essential that you choose a reputable breeder who only matings healthy cats that have gone through the required health tests.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues affecting cats of all breeds. Making ensuring your kids eat a nutritious diet and making an effort to start teaching them about dental hygiene at a young age can both be useful.
If your cat permits their teeth to be brushed a few times a week, it can make a big impact. Always start using the toothbrush in small, spaced-out sessions. Your cat should come to like these sessions if you pair it with plenty of positive reinforcement.
Food intake and diet
The Burmilla needs a wholesome, high-protein diet, just like all cats do. Although they are less inclined than some other breeds to become obese, you should still be careful not to overfeed them.
Pros
- Low-maintenance clothing that is endearing and whimsical in nature
Cons
- They are rare and difficult to come by, and on occasion, their curiosity may put them in danger.
Where to Get a Burmilla or Adopt One
Burmilla kittens are rare, so finding one can need considerable travel or going on a waiting list. Make sure you have located a reputable breeder as well.
There are dishonest breeders out there who are trying to get rich quick by taking advantage of people’s desire to possess a more exotic breed. This could lead to you adopting a cat that isn’t a Burmilla. Additionally, it can signal that the kittens and cats are not receiving sufficient care, which might result in behavioral and health issues.
While it can be challenging to find a Burmilla in a rescue, there are lots of other deserving cats in shelters all around the country awaiting their forever homes. Consider adopting a Persian or a Burmese if you’re looking for a dog of a similar breed.
Breeds of Cats Not Listed Here and More Research
The Burmilla is closely related to many Asian cat breeds. If you do some more research, you might find that you also like another breed. The following breeds also resemble the Burmilla:
- The Burmese
- The Persian
- Birman in origin.
If you take the time to educate yourself on the different cat breeds that are available, it will be simpler to choose a cat that will enjoy living in your home.
