ABOUT BURMESE

BURMESE

The breed was proposed to CFA in 1934 and accepted for studbook registration in 1936. Siamese were used in the early breeding programs of the Burmese. In 1947, CFA suspended registration of the breed until this practice was eliminated. The breeders took this seriously, stopped using Siamese, developed a more defined standard and was reinstated for registration in 1953 and accepted for championship in 1957 and adopted the standard in 1959. This standard has remained essentially unchanged since then. For a breed, which has started in the US with just one cat in 1930, the Burmese has established themselves as a highly popular and successful member of the cat fancy. According to the Cat Fancier's Association 2003 registration statistics, Burmese is the 10th most popular breed.

The Burmese breed standard calls for a pleasingly round head without flat planes, a distinct nose break dividing the short muzzle from the rounded head and a sweet expression. Burmese ears should be rounded at the tip and tilt slightly forward, contributing to their sweet expression. The eyes should be large and luminous in yellow to gold color. Burmese are often described as "bricks wrapped in silk" because the Burmese carries a surprising weight for its size and is covered in a short, close-lying, glossy coat. CFA recognizes four colors of Burmese, sable, champagne, blue and platinum.

As a breed, Burmese are very people-oriented and inquisitive. They crave attention from their owners and even strangers. They delight in being the center of attention and want to be involved in all of the household activities. Having a Burmese around can brighten anyone's day. One look from those big gold eyes will melt your heart.

Burmese are people-oriented and almost doglike in personality. They shadow their owners and desire to give and receive affection. Burmese are true lap-loving companions; quick to learn and extremely loyal. Burmese enjoy being with people. They delight in "helping" manage the house. 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.

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." Their large, round eyes range from yellow to gold and their coats are fine, glossy, short, and satiny. While many colors of Burmese are recognized around the world, CFA & ACFA recognizes only four colors: sable, champagne, blue and platinum.

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!