Burmese(cat)
August 5th, 2008Description
Burmese is a lively, affectionate, and even-tempered cat with a sleek, glossy coat. They are deceptively heavy due to their muscularity. They continue to be playful long into adulthood and old age.
Though the original color of the American-type Burmese is solid sable brown, other colors (not recognized in all associations) include blue, champagne, platinum, and tortie colors. American Burmese are commonly bred in two types: traditional and contemporary, the latter being a more rounded look. They are only accepted in the traditional four colors of sable, champagne, platinum, and blue.
The European (Foreign) Burmese can be found in brown, chocolate, red, cream, and tortie colors, whereas the American-type Burmese may only be bred in the traditional four colors. Seekers of this cat breed should go to the European Burmese cat breed page.
History
In the early 1930’s, Dr. Joseph Thompson of San Francisco acquired an attractive walnut-brown female from Burma which he named Wong Mau. Through selective breeding to Siamese, it was established that the Burmese is a distinct cat breed. Lighter colored kittens were occasionally produced and eventually the American breeders requested recognition from CFA for these “dilute” colors; first, as another cat breed named Malayan, then later as a dilute division of Burmese.
Characteristics
The Burmese is considered a foreign shorthair in the United States. Accepted eye colour for the cat breed is gold or yellow, although interbreeding with Siamese may lead to blue or green. Blue eyes or teal (”aqua”) eyes, are genetically impossible in a pure Burmese cat. The coat is known for being glossy, with a satin-like finish. As with most short-hairs, it requires no additional grooming. The shape of the British cat breed is more moderate but must not be Oriental, while the American cat breed is sturdier in build. Longer lived than most pedigree cats, they often reach 16 to 18 years of age.[citation needed]
Burmese are vocal like the Siamese but have softer, sweeter meows. They are people oriented, forming strong bonds with their owners, gravitating toward all human activity. The cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) cat breed information on the Burmese implies that all survival instinct of flight or fight seems to have been bred out of them.However, other sources note that, while rarely aggressive with humans, Burmese cats tend to be able to defend themselves quite well against other cats, even those larger than themselves.
Burmese maintain kitten interests and energy throughout their adulthood and are very athletic and playful. In some instances they even retrieve items as part of a game.
