Burmese
Deceptively heavy — the phrase used in the breed is bricks wrapped in silk. The coat is short enough to show the muscle underneath and has an unusual satin sheen.
- Coat
- Short
- Build
- Compact and heavy
- Head
- Round
- Weight
- 3–6 kg
- Origin
- Myanmar
What it looks like
Compact and surprisingly heavy for its size, with a very short glossy satin coat, a rounded head, and large expressive golden-yellow eyes.
The characters that confirm it
- Noticeably heavier than it looks, on a compact muscular frame.
- A very short, close, glossy coat with a satin finish.
- Large round golden or yellow eyes set wide.
- Solid colours only — traditionally sable brown, also blue, champagne and platinum.
Temperament
Highly social, vocal, and strongly attached to people. Poor at being left alone.
Health
Hypokalaemia has a genetic test. Diabetes mellitus occurs at above-average rates, and some lines carry a serious craniofacial defect that reputable breeders test against.
Confused with
Effectively a black Burmese with copper eyes and a patent-leather coat.
A Burmese-Siamese cross, intermediate in build with aqua eyes and a muted pointed pattern.
Questions about this breed
How do you recognise a Burmese?
Noticeably heavier than it looks, on a compact muscular frame. A very short, close, glossy coat with a satin finish.
What is a Burmese like to live with?
Highly social, vocal, and strongly attached to people. Poor at being left alone.
What health problems do Burmeses have?
Hypokalaemia has a genetic test. Diabetes mellitus occurs at above-average rates, and some lines carry a serious craniofacial defect that reputable breeders test against.