Burmilla is a delightful and sought-after cat breed known for its striking silver-tipped coat and enchanting personality. Originating from a serendipitous mating between a Burmese and a Chinchilla, this breed has captured the hearts of cat enthusiasts worldwide.
Burmillas are affectionate, intelligent, and playful cats that make excellent companions. Their unique combination of traits and distinctive appearance makes them a popular choice for those seeking a loving and visually appealing feline friend.
Fast Facts
- Origin: United Kingdom (accidental mating of a Burmese and a Chinchilla)
- Breed group: Shorthair
- Size: 8-10 inches
- Weight: 6-10 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, playful, intelligent
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
- Other Names: Burmese Chinchilla
Burmilla Personality
Burmillas are renowned for their affectionate and playful nature. They are highly intelligent cats that enjoy human interaction and are known to form strong bonds with their owners. Burmillas are also known for their playful side, often engaging in entertaining games and antics.
- Affectionate and enjoys cuddling
- Playful and loves interactive games
- Intelligent and eager to learn
- Loyal and forms strong bonds with family members
- Can be vocal and communicate through meows and chirps
Physical Characteristics
- Medium-sized with a muscular and athletic build
- Short, dense, and lustrous coat with silver-tipped hairs
- Green, gold, or blue eyes
- Distinctive “M” marking on the forehead
- Well-proportioned head with large, expressive eyes
- Moderate tail length with a black tip
Burmilla Size
Burmillas are typically medium-sized cats, with males being slightly larger than females. They have a well-balanced and muscular build, giving them an athletic appearance.
On average, Burmillas weigh between 6 and 10 pounds. Males tend to be larger, weighing up to 12 pounds, while females usually weigh between 7 and 9 pounds.
Burmilla History
The Burmilla breed originated in the United Kingdom in 1981 from an unexpected mating between a lilac Burmese female and a black Chinchilla Persian male. The resulting kitten, a silver-tipped female named Yen Yen, possessed a unique and captivating appearance that sparked interest among cat enthusiasts.
Yen Yen’s striking coat and charming personality quickly gained popularity, leading to the development of the Burmilla breed. The Burmilla was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1984 and has since become a beloved breed worldwide.
Burmilla Health
Burmillas are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Some potential health concerns include:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): A thickening of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A condition in which cysts develop in the kidneys.
- Dental disease: Burmillas are prone to tartar buildup and gum disease, so regular dental care is essential.
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): A fatal viral infection that affects cats of all ages.
Burmilla Care
Burmillas are relatively low-maintenance cats that require basic care to ensure their health and well-being.
Regular brushing is essential to maintain the Burmilla’s short coat and prevent matting. They should also be bathed occasionally to keep their fur clean and soft.
Burmillas are energetic and playful, so providing them with plenty of toys and interactive playtime is crucial. They enjoy climbing and perching, so a cat tree or other vertical spaces are recommended.
Burmilla Lifespan
With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, Burmillas can live long and healthy lives. The average lifespan of a Burmilla is between 10 and 15 years.
Factors that can affect a Burmilla’s lifespan include genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health management.
Burmilla Feeding
Burmillas should be fed a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. Commercial cat foods designed for active and playful breeds are suitable. It is important to avoid overfeeding, as Burmillas can be prone to weight gain.
- Choose high-protein, low-carbohydrate cat food.
- Feed your Burmilla twice a day, morning and evening.
- Monitor your cat’s weight and adjust food intake as needed.
- Avoid feeding table scraps or unhealthy treats.
- Provide plenty of fresh water at all times.
Burmilla Coat Color
Burmillas are known for their distinctive silver-tipped coat. The tips of the hairs are black, giving the coat an overall silver appearance.
The underlying coat color can vary, resulting in different Burmilla coat color variations, including:
- Chinchilla: Black tips on a white undercoat
- Shaded silver: Black tips on a darker undercoat
- Shell: Black tips on a blue undercoat
- Brown tabby: Black tips on a brown tabby undercoat
- Chocolate tabby: Black tips on a chocolate tabby undercoat
- Lilac tabby: Black tips on a lilac tabby undercoat
Relationship with Children And Other Pets
Burmillas are known for their affectionate and playful nature, which makes them well-suited for families with children. They enjoy interacting with children and are generally patient and gentle.
Burmillas can also get along well with other pets, including other cats and dogs. However, it is essential to introduce them properly and supervise their interactions to ensure a harmonious household.
Is the Burmilla Suitable for Home as a Pet
Burmillas are excellent pets for various households. Their affectionate and playful nature makes them great companions for individuals, couples, and families with children who can provide them with plenty of love and attention.
Burmillas are also relatively low-maintenance cats, making them suitable for those with busy lifestyles. However, it is important to remember that all cats require regular care, including feeding, grooming, and veterinary checkups.
Overall, the Burmilla is a charming and affectionate breed that can bring joy and companionship to any home.