Cat Breed - Burmilla - Luxury Only Kittens

Cat Breed - Burmilla

Introduction: Burmilla - A Comprehensive Guide

Brief Overview:

The Burmilla is an elegant and affectionate breed known for its silky silver coat, expressive green eyes, and playful yet gentle nature. Originally developed in the United Kingdom, the Burmilla combines the charm and sociability of the Burmese with the luxurious coat of the Chinchilla Persian. If you’re looking for a beautiful, intelligent, and loving feline companion, the Burmilla may be the perfect choice.

Breed History

Origins:

The Burmilla breed was accidentally created in the UK in 1981 when a Lilac Burmese female named Fabergé was unexpectedly bred with a Silver Chinchilla Persian male named Jemari Sanquist. The resulting kittens had stunning silver coats with gentle shading, along with the friendly personality of the Burmese and the luxurious coat of the Chinchilla Persian.

This unexpected pairing led breeders to develop the Burmilla as an official breed, which was formally recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 1997 and later by The International Cat Association (TICA). Today, the Burmilla is a rare but highly sought-after breed due to its unique appearance and affectionate personality.

Physical Characteristics

The Burmilla is a medium-sized, well-muscled cat with a luxurious coat and a sweet, expressive face.

Body:

Medium-sized, muscular, yet elegant with a balanced build.
Weighs 7 to 12 pounds, with males typically larger than females.
Strong yet graceful posture, combining the athleticism of the Burmese with the refinement of the Persian.

Coat:

Available in two coat lengths:
- Shorthair: Silky, close-lying, and soft to the touch.
- Longhair (Semi-Longhair Burmilla): Fine, flowing fur with a feathery tail.
Signature silver-shaded or tipped coat, giving a shimmering effect.
Comes in a variety of shaded and tipped colors, including:
- Black Silver, Blue Silver, Chocolate Silver, Lilac Silver, Red Silver, Cream Silver.
- Gold variations also exist but are rarer.

Head & Face:

Gently rounded head with a short, broad muzzle.
Medium-sized ears with a slightly rounded tip.

Eyes:

Large, almond-shaped, and expressive.
Always green, though shades vary from pale to deep emerald.

Tail:

Medium-length for shorthairs, long and plumed for longhairs.

Personality and Temperament

General Disposition:

Burmillas are affectionate, playful, and social, making them wonderful companions.

Loving and People-Oriented: They form deep bonds with their owners and enjoy companionship.
Playful but Not Hyperactive: They love interactive toys and games but also enjoy lounging.
Highly Intelligent: They learn quickly, enjoy problem-solving, and may even play fetch.
Gentle and Easygoing: They are less demanding than Burmese cats but still crave attention.
Great with Families and Other Pets: They are friendly and adaptable, making them excellent companions for children, other cats, and even dogs.

Burmillas enjoy attention but are not overly clingy, striking a perfect balance between independence and affection.

Health and Lifespan

Burmillas adapt well to various home environments but thrive best in loving, interactive households.

Best suited for indoor living to protect their delicate coat and maintain their health.
They enjoy both active playtime and relaxed cuddles, making them perfect for families.
Provide climbing structures, scratching posts, and interactive toys for enrichment.
They do well with other pets, as long as proper introductions are made.

Burmillas are generally healthy and long-lived, with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. However, they can inherit some health conditions from their Burmese and Persian ancestry.

Common Health Concerns:

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A condition inherited from Persian cats.
Gingivitis and Dental Issues: Regular dental care is essential.
Obesity: Due to their love of food, portion control and exercise are necessary.

Grooming Needs:

Shorthair Burmillas: Brush once a week to maintain a sleek, healthy coat.
Longhair Burmillas: Brush 2–3 times per week to prevent matting and tangles.
Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming help maintain overall health.

Diet and Nutrition:

High-protein diet to support their active lifestyle.
Balanced wet and dry food combination for hydration and dental health.
Fresh water available at all times to prevent dehydration.

Exercise and Playtime:

Interactive play sessions with wand toys and balls.
Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys for mental stimulation.
Provide cat trees and scratching posts to keep them active.

Breed Standards

The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) recognize the Burmilla as a pedigreed breed with specific standards.

Specific Standards for Burmilla Cats:

Body: Medium-sized, muscular but refined.
Coat: Short and silky or semi-long and soft.
Head: Rounded with a broad muzzle.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, and always green.
Ears: Medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tip.
Legs and Paws: Well-proportioned with a graceful stance.
Tail: Medium-length and slightly tapered (shorthair) or plumed (longhair).

For official breed standards, visit the CFA website and TICA website.

Interesting Facts

An Accidental but Perfect Breed: The Burmilla was created by a chance pairing of a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian.
Always Has Green Eyes: Unlike many breeds with varying eye colors, all Burmillas have green eyes.
A Rare and Exclusive Breed: Despite their beauty and affectionate nature, Burmillas remain one of the rarest cat breeds in the world.