Are you looking for a cat that has the best of both worlds: the elegance of a Persian and the playfulness of a Burmese? If so, you might want to consider the Burmilla cat breed. This stunning cat has a silvery-white coat with dark tips or shading that gives it a glamorous look. But don’t let its beauty fool you: this cat is also friendly, curious, and gentle, making it a wonderful companion for any cat lover.
In this article, we will explore the history, appearance, personality, and care of the Burmilla cat breed. We will also give you some tips on where to find one if you are interested in adding this rare and lovely cat to your family.
Breed Overview
| Weight | Up to 12 pounds |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 20 inches |
| Eye Colors | Green |
| Coat Length | Short hair or semi-long hair |
| Coat Colors | Silver-white with tips or shading that can include black, blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, and tortoiseshell |
| Coat Patterns | Shaded or tipped |
| Personality | Friendly, playful, curious, and sociable with an independent streak |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Good with Kids | High |
| Good with Other Pets | Medium |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
History of the Burmilla Cat
The Burmilla cat breed was created by accident in 1981 in the United Kingdom. A baroness who owned a Chinchilla Persian male named Jemari Sanquist and a Lilac Burmese female named Bambino Lilac Fabergé left them together unsupervised one day. The result was four female kittens that had short hair and a gorgeous shaded silver color.
The baroness was so impressed by the beauty of these kittens that she decided to start a breeding program to produce more of them. She crossed them back with Burmese and Persians to create a new breed that would have the short hair and roundness of both parents, as well as the unique coloring of the first litter.
The breed was named Burmilla after its parent breeds and was recognized by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom in 1990. It also gained recognition from other associations, such as The International Cat Association (TICA) and Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe). However, it is still not accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in the United States.
Appearance and Characteristics
The Burmilla cat breed is medium-sized but also stocky and heavy. It has a muscular body with heavy boning and a softly curved shape. The head is round and wide, with a gentle dip in the profile and a blunt wedge at the muzzle. The eyes are round and slightly slanted in any shade of green. The ears are medium to large, broad at the base, and rounded at the tips.
The coat of the Burmilla cat breed is short and soft, with a thick and dense texture. The coat color is silver-white with tips or shading that can be black, blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, or tortoiseshell. The coat pattern can be shaded or tipped, with more or less color on the body respectively. The shading or tipping should be even and well-defined, giving the cat a sparkling appearance.
There is also a longhair variety of the Burmilla cat breed, which has a semi-long coat with feathering on the underside, legs, tail, and bib. The longhair Burmilla should not look like a Chinchilla Persian but rather have a more balanced body type and facial features.
Personality and Temperament
The Burmilla cat breed is affectionate and sweet-natured. It loves attention but not in a demanding way. It is quiet and not overly vocal but will communicate with its owners with soft chirps and purrs. It is playful but not hyperactive, enjoying toys and games but also relaxing on the couch. It is curious and intelligent, always interested in what is going on around it.
The Burmilla cat breed is sociable and gets along well with children, other cats, and dogs as long as they are introduced properly. It is not aggressive or territorial but rather friendly and tolerant. It adapts well to different environments and lifestyles as long as it has enough companionship and stimulation. It does not like to be left alone for long periods of time.
Health and Care
Common Health Issues
The Burmilla cat breed is generally healthy and robust, but it may be prone to some health issues and genetic problems that affect its parent breeds. These include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which causes cysts to form in the kidneys; respiratory infections, which can affect the nose and eyes; obesity, which can lead to diabetes and other complications; and dental issues, such as gingivitis and tooth decay.
To prevent or treat these health problems, it is important to take your Burmilla cat to the vet regularly for check-ups, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, dental care, and screening tests. You should also monitor your cat’s health at home and report any signs of illness or discomfort to your vet as soon as possible.
Diet and Nutrition
The Burmilla cat breed has no special nutritional needs, but it does benefit from a high-quality diet that provides enough protein and not too many carbohydrates. You should also avoid overfeeding your cat or giving it too many treats, as this breed can be prone to obesity, especially in its later years. Obesity can lead to diabetes and other health complications, so it is best to keep your cat at a healthy weight. You can use a portion-control feeder or a measuring cup to ensure that your cat gets the right amount of food every day. You should also provide your cat with fresh water at all times and avoid giving it cow’s milk or human food.
Exercise
The Burmilla cat breed has moderate exercise needs and activity levels. It is not a couch potato, but neither is it a hyperactive ball of energy. It enjoys playing with toys, scratching posts, cat trees, and perches that stimulate its physical and mental abilities. It also likes to explore its surroundings and satisfy its curiosity. You should provide your Burmilla cat with enough enrichment and stimulation to keep it happy and healthy. You can also play with your cat regularly to bond with it and keep it entertained.
Where to Buy a Burmilla Cat
Because of their rarity, you may have a hard time finding a Burmilla cat for sale. You may have to travel a long distance or be on a waiting list to secure a Burmilla kitten from a reputable breeder. The average price of a Burmilla kitten ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the breeder’s location, reputation, and the quality of the kitten.
If you are looking for a Burmilla breeder near you, you can use online directories such as:
- Fanciers’ Breeder Referral List (FBRL)
- Breeder Directory Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA)
These websites list registered and ethical breeders who follow the breed standards and health guidelines for their cats. You can also contact local cat clubs or associations for referrals or recommendations.
Alternatively, you can adopt a Burmilla cat from a rescue or shelter. Although this breed is rare, you may be lucky enough to find one that needs a loving home. You can use online platforms such as Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet to search for available Burmilla cats in your area. You can also visit your local animal shelters or humane societies and ask if they have any Burmilla cats or mixes for adoption. Adopting a Burmilla cat is usually cheaper than buying one from a breeder, and you will also be saving a life.
Conclusion
The Burmilla cat breed is a beautiful and charming cat that combines the best traits of its parent breeds: the Persian and the Burmese. It has a silvery-white coat with dark tips or shading that gives it a glamorous look. It is also friendly, curious, and gentle, making it a wonderful companion for many cat lovers.
The Burmilla cat breed is not for everyone, but if you are looking for a cat that has both beauty and personality, you might want to consider this rare and lovely breed.
FAQ
Q: What is the origin of the Burmilla cat breed?
A: The Burmilla cat breed originated in the United Kingdom in 1981 as a result of an accidental mating between a Chinchilla Persian male and a Lilac Burmese female.
Q: What are the main characteristics of the Burmilla cat breed?
A: The Burmilla cat breed has a silvery-white coat with dark tips or shading that can be black, blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, or tortoiseshell. It has a round, wide head, green eyes, and medium to large ears. It is medium-sized, stocky, and muscular.
Q: What is the personality of the Burmilla cat breed?
A: The Burmilla cat breed is friendly, playful, curious, and sociable with an independent streak. It is affectionate and sweet-natured but not demanding. It is quiet and not overly vocal but will communicate with its owners with soft chirps and purrs. It is playful but not hyperactive, enjoying toys and games but also relaxing on the couch.
Q: How do I care for a Burmilla cat?
A: You should brush your Burmilla cat’s coat weekly to remove loose hair and dirt. You should also trim its nails monthly, clean its ears regularly, and brush its teeth daily or weekly. You should feed your Burmilla cat a high-quality diet that provides enough protein and not too many carbohydrates. You should also provide your Burmilla cat with enough enrichment and stimulation to keep it happy and healthy.
How much is a Burmilla cat?
Burmilla cat can cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the breeder, the location, and the quality of the cat. Burmilla cats are rare and not easy to find, so you may have to travel a long distance or be on a waiting list to get one.
