Burmese cat breed

Like all cats, Burmese cats thrive on a complete and balanced diet. But, they can be fussy with their food, and they’ll be sure to let you know. Make sure you provide your Burmese with the right level of nutrition to maintain their lean build. 

Ask your breeder which cat food they used and continue with this brand. If you want to change their food, do so gradually to avoid any tummy upset. Feed according to the recommendations on the packet so you don’t overfeed them.

Burmese cats have a soft, short coat that doesn’t shed much, so their grooming needs are very minimal. A weekly brush or comb is all that’s needed to keep their soft and silky coats in good condition. 

Don’t forget to trim their nails and clean their ears regularly, too. 

Known for being lively and energetic, it’s no surprise that Burmese cats retain their kitten-like characteristics well into adulthood. Despite their high energy levels, they’re best kept as indoor cats. Make sure they have lots of interactive toys to play with to keep them active and stimulated. 

The Burmese are also very good climbers and have a knack for getting into little nooks around the house. Invest in a perch or cat tree, ideally by the window so they can view the world around them. If you let your Burmese outside, it’s recommended they have a collar with a bell attached to prevent straying.

Training your Burmese cat can be a breeze. This breed is extremely clever, so they will pick things up quickly, including toilet training. They’ll enjoy puzzle toys and games such as playing ‘fetch’. They can also be taught to walk on a lead and perform various tricks.

Interactive play with your Burmese cat does wonders for their mental stimulation. This can include anything from cat wands and laser toys to everyday objects like string and yarn. 

Burmese cats have an increased risk of being affected by diabetes mellitus. The condition is likely to be inherited in breeding lines and can be fatal if left untreated. Diabetes usually affects cats aged between seven and 14 years and occurs when there isn’t enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels at an optimum level. Most diabetic cats will need regular insulin injections to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

This genetic mutation is seen in Burmese cats in the US and those imported from the US. The defect isn’t seen in European Burmese cats. Affected Burmese kittens are born with a severe malformation of the head and face and unfortunately have to be put to sleep. A genetic test is available for carriers of the defect gene.

This is inherited in some Burmese cats. Affected cats will have muscle weakness and struggle to lift their head up (ventroflexion of the head and neck) so their chin tucks down onto their chest. It’s treated with potassium supplementation. A genetic test is available for the gene mutation responsible for the condition. Affected cats shouldn’t be used for breeding.

This condition can affect Burmese kittens. It’s usually apparent when the kitten is about 10 days old. The chest is flattened, and the legs can be splayed. The kitten may be called a ‘swimmer’. Malformation of the chest can also occur. Affected kittens may have breathing difficulties. Both conditions can occur together and can be mild or life-threatening. Splinting the ribcage can be successful.

No cat is completely hypoallergenic – they all produce the protein in their saliva that is the cause of cat allergies. However, Burmese cats are considered to be one of the breeds that produce less dander and less of the protein Fel D-1 in their saliva. This means that they might cause less of an allergic reaction.

Burmese cats have a life expectancy of 10-18 years. They’re incredibly intuitive and playful, which means they have the ability to stray when outdoors. With cat insurance, you can get cover for your Burmese cat for straying, theft, illnesses and more to give them a chance at a happy, healthy life.

Burmese kittens will cost anywhere between £450 and £1,250. This does depend on the region and the breeder. Make sure that the breeder is a reputable and registered Burmese breeder.

Content provided from Vetstream’s Vetlexicon

Vetstream Ltd (online) Burmese. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/felis/freeform/burmese. 

David Bruyette, Carmel Mooney, Nicki Reed (online) Diabetes mellitus. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/felis/diseases/diabetes-mellitus. 

Leslie A Lyons, Susan Little (online) Craniofacial defect. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/felis/diseases/feline-craniofacial-defect. 

Prof Richard Malik, Severine Tasker (online) Hypokalemic myopathy (Burmese). In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/felis/diseases/hypokalemic-myopathy-(burmese). 

David Godfrey, Geert Verhoeven (online) Flat-chested kitten and pectus excavatum. In: Vetlexicon Felis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/felis/diseases/flat-chested-kitten-and-pectus-excavatum. 

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