Cat Breed - Burmilla Longhair
About the Burmilla Longhair
Introduction: Burmilla Longhair - A Comprehensive Guide
Brief Overview:
The Burmilla Longhair is an elegant and rare breed known for its silky, flowing coat, striking green eyes, and affectionate personality. A long-haired variation of the Burmilla, this breed combines the gentle nature of the Persian with the playful charm of the Burmese. If you’re looking for a beautiful, affectionate, and intelligent companion, the Burmilla Longhair is an excellent choice.
Looking for Burmilla Longhair kittens for sale in Maryland or the Washington DC area? Luxury Only Kittens is a TICA-registered Burmilla Longhair breeder in Bethesda, MD.
Breed History
Origins:
The Burmilla Longhair shares the same origins as the Burmilla, a breed that was accidentally created in the United Kingdom in 1981. This happened when a Burmese cat named Fabergé and a Chinchilla Persian named Jemari Sanquist mated unexpectedly, producing kittens with a stunning silver coat and playful yet gentle personalities.
Some of these kittens inherited the long-haired gene from their Persian ancestor, leading to the development of the Burmilla Longhair. While initially considered a variation of the Burmilla, the long-haired version has gained recognition as its own distinct breed in some cat registries, particularly in Europe.
Today, the Burmilla Longhair is a rare but highly sought-after breed, admired for its luxurious coat, affectionate temperament, and elegant appearance.
Physical Characteristics
The Burmilla Longhair is a medium-sized, well-muscled cat with a graceful stance and a luxurious semi-long coat.
Body:
- Medium-sized, muscular, and well-balanced, combining the strength of the Burmese with the refinement of the Persian.
- Weighs 7 to 12 pounds, with males typically larger than females.
- Strong yet graceful build, with a slightly rounded chest and well-proportioned legs.
Coat:
- Soft, silky, and semi-long, flowing elegantly without an undercoat, making it less prone to matting.
- Features a signature silver-shaded or tipped effect, giving a shimmering look.
- Comes in a variety of shaded and tipped colors, including:
- Black Silver, Blue Silver, Chocolate Silver, Lilac Silver, Red Silver, Cream Silver.
- Rare golden variations also exist.
Head & Face:
- Gently rounded head with full cheeks and a short, broad muzzle.
- Medium-sized ears, slightly rounded at the tips and set wide apart.
Eyes:
- Large, almond-shaped, and expressive.
- Always green, varying from pale to deep emerald.
Tail:
- Long, plume-like tail with a flowing, feathery appearance.
Personality and Temperament
General Disposition:
Burmilla Longhairs are affectionate, playful, and social, making them ideal companions for a wide range of households.
- Loving and People-Oriented: They form deep bonds with their owners and enjoy companionship.
- Playful but Gentle: They love interactive toys and games but are not overly hyperactive.
- Highly Intelligent: They learn quickly, enjoy problem-solving, and can even be trained to fetch.
- Sociable but Not Clingy: They appreciate attention but also enjoy their independence.
- Great with Families and Other Pets: Their easygoing nature makes them ideal for children, other cats, and even dogs.
Burmilla Longhairs enjoy spending time with their families but are not overly demanding, making them perfect for those who want a social yet independent pet.
Health and Lifespan
Burmilla Longhairs adapt well to different home environments but thrive best in indoor, loving households where they receive plenty of attention and enrichment.
- Best suited for indoor living to protect their delicate coat and maintain their health.
- They enjoy both active playtime and relaxed cuddles, making them ideal for a variety of owners.
- Provide scratching posts, climbing trees, and cozy resting spots for their comfort.
- They do well in multi-pet households and enjoy companionship.
Burmilla Longhairs 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, though responsible breeding reduces this risk.
- Gingivitis and Dental Issues: Regular dental care is essential.
- Obesity: They love food, so portion control and exercise are necessary.
Grooming Needs:
- Brush 2–3 times per week to keep the coat silky and tangle-free.
- Minimal shedding compared to other long-haired breeds, thanks to the lack of an undercoat.
- Regular ear cleaning and nail trimming to maintain overall health.
Diet and Nutrition:
- High-protein diet to support their muscular build.
- 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 Longhair as a variation of the Burmilla. Some registries classify it as a separate breed, particularly in Europe.
Specific Standards for Burmilla Longhairs:
- Body: Medium-sized, muscular yet refined.
- Coat: Semi-long, soft, and silky, with a shimmering silver effect.
- Head: Rounded with full cheeks and a broad muzzle.
- Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, and always green.
- Ears: Medium-sized, slightly rounded at the tips.
- Legs and Paws: Well-proportioned, giving an elegant stance.
- Tail: Long and plumed, with a feathery texture.
For official breed standards, visit the CFA website and TICA website.
Interesting Facts
How Much Does a Burmilla Longhair Kitten Cost?
Burmilla Longhair kittens from a TICA-registered cattery typically range from $1,000 to $2,000. At Luxury Only Kittens, all kittens come health-tested, vaccinated, and TICA registered. View available kittens →
- Accidental Beginnings: The Burmilla Longhair was created by chance when a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian unexpectedly mated.
- Always Green-Eyed: Unlike many breeds with varying eye colors, all Burmilla Longhairs have green eyes.
- A Rare and Exclusive Breed: Despite their beauty and affectionate nature, Burmilla Longhairs remain one of the rarest long-haired cat breeds in the world.
Other Pictures of Burmilla Longhair
Frequently Asked Questions About Burmilla Longhair Kittens
Do your Burmilla Longhair kittens come with registration papers?
Registration papers (TICA, CFA, WCF, or another registry) depend on the origin breeder and whether the kitten is placed as pet-quality or breeding-quality. Most families receive pet-quality kittens without formal registry papers, which is standard for ethical breeder-to-family placement. If registration matters to you for showing or breeding, tell us during inquiry and we will match you with a kitten from a registered line. Full lineage and parent details are shared with you before purchase.
What health testing do you perform on Burmilla Longhair kittens?
All Burmilla Longhair kittens receive age-appropriate FVRCP vaccinations, deworming, and negative FeLV/FIV screening before placement. Parent cats are DNA-tested for breed-specific hereditary conditions, and where applicable echocardiogram-screened for HCM. Written health guarantee included with every placement.
Do you deliver Burmilla Longhair kittens nationwide?
Yes. Luxury Only Kittens offers personalized white-glove delivery across the United States, including Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Miami, Houston, and Los Angeles. Delivery is either hand-delivered by our team or accompanied by a bonded flight nanny in-cabin, never as unattended cargo.
What age do Burmilla Longhair kittens go home with new families?
Burmilla Longhair kittens are placed between 12 and 16 weeks of age. This ensures full weaning, complete first-round vaccinations, and proper socialization with mother and littermates. We never place kittens earlier.
How long is the waitlist for a Burmilla Longhair kitten?
It depends on availability. If a Burmilla Longhair kitten matching what you want is already in our current litters, placement can happen within days. For a specific request such as a particular color, sex, or personality, typical timing is 2 to 8 weeks. For rare colors or highly specific pairings, expect 6 to 12 months. Contact Luxury Only Kittens with your preferences and we will tell you what is available now versus what needs a waitlist.
What is included with my Burmilla Longhair kitten purchase?
Every placement includes complete veterinary records, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, negative FeLV/FIV screening, a written health guarantee, and a starter kit with food sample and blanket carrying mom scent. Lineage documentation and any registration papers vary by origin breeder and are shared with you before payment. Above all, Luxury Only Kittens is built on the match between family and kitten. We care equally that families receive a healthy, well-socialized kitten and that every kitten joins a family committed to caring for them for life.