The Burmese ( meaning fortunate, beautiful, and splendid appearance) is a breed of domesticated cats split into two subgroups: the American Burmese and the British Burmese (and are not to be confused with "Sacred Cat of Burma," in respect of which, see Birman ). Most cat registries do not recognise a split between the two groups, but those that do formally refer to the type developed by British cat breeders as the European Burmese. The Burmese is accepted by all major associations, although different colors and types are accepted by different associations. Each Burmese is judged according to the CFA standard.

Burmese Cat Origin

The foundation for both American and European Burmese was a dark walnut colored female from Burma named "Wong Mau." In 1930 a female cat named Wong Mau was brought to San Fransisco, USA by a naval doctor Joseph C. Thompson from Yangon, Myanmar (previously known as Burma). Dr. Thompson thought Wong Mau was distinctly different from a Siamese, so he decided to enlist the help of Billie Gerst (Gerstdale cats), and later of Mrs Virginia Cobb (whose Newton Siamese were widely respected). Both these ladies were well trained in biology, genetics and animal husbandry, so they, in conjunction with geneticist Dr Clyde Keeler, were able to carry out breeding experiments to settle these doubts on a scientific basis.

The CFA accepted the Burmese in 1936. In 1947 CFA withdrew the recognition as many hybrid Burmese/Siamese cats were being sold as purebred Burmese. The CFA reinstated the Burmese for recognition in 1953, and for Championship in 1957. The renewed recognition was based on a new standard that permitted only solid coat colors without markings.

Burmese Cat Appearence

The Burmese is considered a foreign shorthair in the United States. The ideal Burmese is a cat of medium size with substantial bone structure, good muscular development and surprising weight for its size. This together with a rounded head, expressive eyes and a sweet disposition, present a totally distinct cat which is comparable to no other breed. The shape of the British breed is more moderate but must not be Oriental, while the American breed is sturdier in build. Longer lived than most pedigree cats, they often reach 16 to 18 years of age.

Accepted eye colour for the breed is gold or yellow, although interbreeding with Siamese may lead to blue or green. Blue eyes or teal ("aqua") eyes, are genetically impossible in a pure Burmese cat.

The coat is known for being glossy, with a satin-like finish. As with most short-hairs, it requires no additional grooming.

Burmese Cat Colors and Coats

As a result of these separate breeding programmes, British Burmese are different from American Burmese. The British build tends to be more Oriental, with a more triangular face, while the American Burmese is stockier and rounder in the body, head, eyes, and feet. It has markedly full cheeks and a short muzzle, sometimes called " pug -like". In the British type, both the American Burmese's "cobbiness" and the obvious Siamese influence long seen in the breed are today considered grave, even disqualifying faults.

Ever since varieties other than sable/brown have existed, there has been conflicts in the world of cat fancy as to which varieties are considered Burmese. In Britain, all the colours listed below are recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, Britain's ruling cat association. In the USA, which colours are acceptable depends on which cat registry the cat is registered with. For example, the Cat Fancier's Association only recognises the first four colours below. All varieties should gradually shade from darker backs to lighter underparts. There should be no barring or spotting.

• Brown - the original Burmese color, a rich warm seal brown.
• Blue - a soft blue-gray with a silver sheen.
• Chocolate - a warm milk chocolate.
• Lilac - a pale delicate dove gray with a pinkish cast.
• Red - tangerine.
• Cream - cream with a distinct bloom on the head and back, giving a powdered effect.
• Brown tortie - brown with shades of red.
• Blue tortie - Blue with shades of cream.
• Chocolate tortie - Chocolate with shades of red.
• Lilac tortie - lilac with shades of cream.

Varieties with more limited recognition:

• Cinnamon
• Fawn
• Cinnamon Tortie
• Fawn Tortie
• Caramel
• Caramel Tortie
• Apricot

No matter what color or gender, a Burmese cat will steal your heart while convincing you that you meant to give it away all along!

Burmese Cat Temperament

Burmese are intelligent, boisterous, lively and alert in nature. The females like to be at "center stage" and assume an active role ruling the household. The males prefer to supervise from the lap position; they are more laid back and less opinionated. Burmese are vocal like the Siamese but have softer, sweeter meows. The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) breed information on the Burmese implies that all survival instinct of flight or fight seems to have been bred out of them.

Burmese maintain kitten interests and energy throughout their adulthood and are very athletic and playful. In some instances they even retrieve items as part of a game. Cats are gregarious and love the company of adults, children and pet. They are very affectionate and are interested in everything that humans do.

Burmese cats are people-oriented and almost doglike in personality. They delight in "helping" manage the house. If you enjoy having a furry feline companion on your lap, on your computer keyboard, or under the covers with you at night, the Burmese will be a perfect cat for you. Burmese are said to be like potato chips - you can't have just one!