To the naked eye, the Burmese cat may not look much different from the Siamese. In fact, this external similarity was studied during a part of history, in order to differentiate the 2 breeds correctly.
If you are interested in this breed and its characteristics, you have come to the right place. Also, if you are considering sharing your life with one of these cats, here is everything you need to know about this beautiful breed of cat.
History of the breed
Archaeological evidence suggests that this breed was already present in Thailand in the 15th century, although popular wisdom places its origin in the temples of Burmese monks. The documents considered official, however, date from 1930 in the US, where a doctor created the breed artificially looking for the characteristics that he liked the most.
The difference between the Burmese cat and the Siamese cat was established through genetic crosses, since when raising felines of both breeds, the offspring showed traits of each of them. In this way, it became clear that, although similar, these types of cats are not the same.
General characteristics of the Burmese cat
This feline breed has rounded shapes: eyes, ears, head, limbs, and body are usually smooth and uniform curves. In addition, even with its medium size, this cat gives the sensation of weighing more than it should when picked up, thanks to the robustness of its muscles and bones.
The Burmese cat is short-haired and traditionally has a dark brown coat, but the artificial selection has expanded the range of colors over the years. Young may show a darker shade to the ends of the tail, ears, and feet, but this trait fades with age.
One of the curiosities of these cats is their meow, more melodious and scratchy. In fact, they are known to be very “chatty” cats, practically answering every sentence spoken to them.
Personality and behavioral tendencies
Although every cat is different, this breed is associated with some personality tendencies that make it an ideal companion. Young cats stand out for their high level of activity and adaptability, as they are more curious than most variants of this species.
As they advance in age, these animals become calmer, so it is necessary to monitor their activity so that they do not settle too much and their health is compromised. Even so, his fondness for observation does not evaporate, so a good window will delight him when it comes to passing the time.
These cats are highly prized as pets, due to their playful and sociable nature. In fact, they demand attention, and playing with them can be a never-ending activity, especially for smaller animals.
How do you live with a Burmese cat?
Although they may tend to be inactive, these cats are good climbers and know how to jump gracefully, so they will need places to climb. Cat trees and even putting shelves on the walls are highly recommended options to keep them active.
As you read above, they are very sociable cats and need a daily serving of interaction. It is not advisable to have them alone for many hours if you want to guarantee their emotional well-being. If socialization is carried out well, they even coexist well with others of their kind.
The Burmese cat adapts well to change—within a cat’s general ability to handle it. This is one reason why the breed is often chosen when there are children within the guardians’ life plan. If the coexistence between infants and cat is healthy, a large part of their daily socialization will be resolved.
Veterinary precautions
There are no serious congenital diseases associated with this breed, although 2 problems have been detected that are related to the Burmese cat. They are the following:
GM2 gangliosidosis: is a genetic disease characterized by a deficiency of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase, which produces alterations in the nervous system.
Congenital cranial malformations: these can affect the life expectancy of the sick newborn feline.
For the rest, the precautions that must be taken to preserve the health of this feline are not far from those of any other breed. Taking care of their diet, their mental health, and their physical activity —in addition to the corresponding veterinary check-ups—, the tutor will guarantee a full and loving life for your feline.
Tags: Burmese cat, Characteristics of Burmese cat
