Burmese Cat

History of the Burmese cat breed

The name of the breed speaks about the historical homeland of these cats, the state of Burma in the west of the Indochina peninsula, which changed its name to Myanmar in 1989.

The first Burmese cats appeared on the Old Continent in 1919. They were recognized as a separate breed in 1925 in France. During the Second World War, the genotype of the ancestors of modern Burmese was almost lost. But as a result of breeding and crossing with Siamese and persian cats , sacred Burma as we know it today, became by the middle of the last century.

The original history of the origin of the breed, that is, the period before its appearance in Europe, goes back centuries, and it is almost impossible to establish where these very intelligent and endowed with special charm pets came from. It is only known for certain that these cats in ancient times lived in Buddhist temples in Burma, protecting them from robber raids and protecting them from dark otherworldly forces.

A picturesque legend is connected with the history of the breed, taking us back to those distant times. In one of the mountain temples, Buddhist monks worshipped the blue-eyed goddess Cun Huance. She was revered as a guide of the souls of the dead to the afterlife. Some monks after death for some reason did not go to heaven and, according to legend, returned to the sinful earth in the guise of a cat. When black and white cats with yellow eyes began to appear on the territory of the monastery, no one had any doubts: These are the envoys of Qun Huanze. Accordingly, they were treated with special respect.

One such cat named Singh took root with an older monk named Moon Ha. According to legend, the Burmese cat originated from him. One day robbers descended on the temple, who wanted to profit from its riches and especially the statue of the blue-eyed goddess. The monks stood up to defend their monastery, but the forces were unequal. Moon Ha also died at the hands of bandits, who fell dead right at the feet of Tsung Huance. And then something incredible happened. A Singh jumped on the head of the deceased owner, whose fur seemed to flare up, illuminated by a bright glow. The robbers got scared, and the monks managed to drive them away. The faithful cat lay down next to Moon Ha's lifeless body and did not leave for a whole week, after which he died.

After these events, the appearance of the moustachioed purring inhabitants of the monastery began to change dramatically. The eyes turned from yellow to bright blue, and the black-and-white coat acquired a golden hue. A dark mask appeared on the muzzles, the tail and ears also darkened. Thanks to this legend, Burmese cats began to be called sacred. It was believed that if you treat a representative of this breed badly, offend him, then such a person is in trouble and he will surely be punished by higher forces.

For a long time this breed was known only in Burma itself and other Indochina states. The rest of the world learned about it only at the beginning of the last century, when the millionaire Vanderbilt brought sacred Burma to France in 1919. He bought two kittens, paying fabulous money for them, but only one reached his new homeland. This female gave birth to the first European Burmese.

The breed was officially registered only in 1925, giving it a name according to legend – sacred Burma. She immediately gained huge popularity in the secular circles of that time. Kittens were very, very expensive, and few could afford to buy them. Most likely, it was for this reason that during the Second World War the breed was threatened with extinction. By some miracle, the fans were able to save one cat and one cat. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, Burma survived and began to expand its population.

Since the second half of the last century, the furry Burmese goddess began to settle in other countries. In 1966, the first blue-eyed cats came to the United States, and they were brought to the UK a year later, in 1967.

Video: Burmese Cat

Appearance of a Burmese cat

Sacred Burma is a medium–sized cat, whose color resembles the coloring of its Siamese counterparts. Her fur is soft and delicate. Ideally, an individual of this breed has long and silky fur, and the color is color point. A distinctive feature of the Burmese, one might say, their business card is bright blue eyes and white "socks" on their paws.

These cats are especially loved by those who are delighted with the color of the Siamese, but dislike the latter for their lean structure and wayward behavior. Fans of Himalayan cats also find an outlet in sacred Burma, but those who do not like the latter for their short and squat body. The Burmese cat is a real find in this regard, it is a kind of middle variant, a kind of balance between these two breeds. And as a "bonus" the owners get her complaisant nature and livability.

Head

It is proportional to the Burmese, almost round in shape, wide and expressive. The length slightly exceeds the width, the forehead against the background of a rather rounded skull is distinguished by some bulge.

The muzzle is well developed: wide, rounded, with full and prominent cheeks. It is as if she is "hidden" under a dark mask. Cheekbones bulge. The chin is strong and strong.

Medium-length nose, "Roman", transition (TICA) from the forehead to the muzzle is clearly outlined (FIFe – without transition).

Eyes

The eyes of the Burmese cat are large, expressive, almost round in shape, set wide apart. Sapphire blue, their color can vary from light blue to dark blue. A dark shade of the eyes is more preferable.

Ears

Are located on the sides of the head, a slight forward tilt is noticeable. The size is medium, the tips are rounded. They can be placed both moderately and widely. The inner part of the auricle is expressively pubescent.

Neck

The neck of Burmese cats can be short or medium length, muscular and wide.

Body

Squat, elongated shape and dense constitution, with well-developed and strong muscles. The bone structure is powerful. The average weight of an adult Burmese cat is about 6 kg.

Legs and paws

The legs are thick, strong, of medium length, distinguished by muscularity. Rings may appear on the legs with existing color variations. Large, strong and round paws, with tufts of wool between the fingers.

Tail

Fluffy, medium length, color uniformly dark. Fluffy tip. The Burmese usually "wears" his tail raised.

Color

Burmese cats are characterized by various variations of color points, these can be gray-blue and dark brown markings, red and chocolate, cream and purple. The palette of the rest of the wool can vary from white to cream.

Pigmentation, as in Siamese cats, is allowed only on the muzzle (the so-called "mask"), ears, limbs and tail. Another sign of the Burmese are white paws, "shod" in "slippers" (or "socks") – a touch of white, without impurities, color on all four limbs.

On the paws, the coat is spotless white and on the front legs does not rise above the pastern. On the hind legs, the "slippers" end with a sharp "spur". It is located at a certain distance (1/2 or 1/3) between the hock joints and the large paw pad. The color of the pads is also different, the following variations are allowed: pink, dark brown, coffee with milk, pink with dark spots, cinnamon colors.

Burmese kittens are born with an immaculately white color. Marks and "socks" begin to appear after 1-2 months. The final coloring is set only in adults. Over the years, the coat darkens.

Possible vices

Eye color, far from the accepted standard. Silvery shine in one or both eyes, strabismus. The presence of white or colored spots on the chest and abdomen, as well as the head, like the Persians and Siamese. Non-standard tail structure.

Disqualifying vices

The absence of white "slippers" ("socks"), "spurs" and "gloves" and the presence of white inclusions on colored areas of wool.

Nodularity or curvature of the tail. Excess of the "spurs" of the hock joint.

Spots where they should not be: colored – on light wool or "gloves", white – on points. Colored spots on the paws.

Photos of Burmese cats

Character of Burmese cats

This graceful Asian beauty is distinguished by an extraordinary mind and quick wit. It seems that she understands the owner almost half a word. When someone is talking, the Burmese looks closely into the eyes, literally peers, as if he understands what he is talking about and even tries to catch the hidden meaning. Buddhist monks, who noticed such a feature in cats of this breed, nicknamed them "the eye of heaven".

The character of Burmese cats, as they say, without extremes. Excessive passivity is not observed for them, but they also do not have too violent temperament. These pets are distinguished by calmness and poise. Playfulness, friendliness and affectionateness are the main features of sacred Burma, for which she is loved. These remarkable qualities, oddly enough, are more pronounced in males, although, it would seem, it should be the opposite. When playing with their owners, intelligent Burmese cats will never scratch in the heat of excitement. The ability to "keep yourself in hand", as a true sign of a noble breed, is clearly in their blood.

The Burmese cat does not tolerate loneliness and does not distance itself from other animals in the house, it easily gets along with cats of other breeds and even dogs. But if the owner pays a little more attention to other pets, the Burmese may become jealous. Representatives of this breed get along well with children, they play with them with pleasure. If the atmosphere in the house suddenly heats up and a scandal is brewing, wise sacred Burma in some incomprehensible way can defuse the situation, forcing the household to smile and forget about quarrels.

At the same time, representatives of this breed have an independent character, and this independence manifests itself more and more clearly as they grow older. It seems that the famous writer Rudyard Kipling copied his "Cat who walked by himself" from them. If a Burmese doesn't want to, you can't keep him indoors by force. He likes to walk in the fresh air, indulge in games in the garden or in the backyard, go outside.

Despite the fact that affectionateness, playfulness and friendliness are a common condition of Burmese, they are characterized by frequent mood swings. They often show such traits as excessive curiosity, excessive perseverance and at times extreme obsession. Achieving this goal by any means, the Burmese cat, sometimes, angers the owners, who, irritated, can offend her. In such cases, the Burmese immediately changes mercy to anger – shows aggression. If you offend him very much, then he can leave such a master forever. Representatives of this breed also do not tolerate indifference to themselves.

In order to diversify the "leisure" of these animals and so that they feel that their owners are not indifferent to them and really love them, it is necessary to create conditions for their full development from an early age. It would be nice to arrange a kind of "teremok" for them, where they could play and relax. Burmese are easy to teach simple commands, to a specific place in the house and to a scratching post. They are attached to the owner firmly, but they endure a long separation painlessly.

Despite such a trait as obsession, the Burmese cat is no stranger to tact. If she feels that the owner is not in the mood, she will not approach once again for a portion of affection, but will wait for a more appropriate moment.

Care and maintenance

Myanmar is one of the hottest countries on our planet, so it is not surprising that its native is a very thermophilic animal that does not tolerate drafts. We are used to the fact that ordinary domestic cats can sleep on a rug, in a chair, but only the Burmese cat prefers to sleep under a blanket. She is completely unsuited to life in the yard and on the street, especially during the cold season. Sacred Burma does not perceive precipitation either, it is frankly afraid of them.

The characteristic features of this breed are also manifested in the structure of the vestibular apparatus – its representatives land poorly. Therefore, if you let the cat out on the balcony, be sure to put a grid on the window so that your pet does not fall down when, driven by natural curiosity, he begins to explore everything around.

The coat of Burmese cats does not require special care. They do not have an undercoat, so combing with a special brush is enough to carry out once every two weeks. Daily grooming is required only during the molting period – in order to avoid the formation of tangles on it. The ears also require simple hygienic procedures: it is enough to wipe their inner surface with a wet swab twice a month.

Bathing Burmese cats is a separate story. They don't like water treatments, so be patient. Bathing takes place quickly and without much nerves, only if Burma is accustomed to it from an early age.

Feeding

The diet of Burmese cats should be balanced. Unlike many people, they are not inclined to food "addiction". No matter how much food you leave for Burma, she will eat exactly as much as she needs without overeating. In addition, in addition to natural activity, they have a good metabolism, so they are not overweight either at an early age or in adulthood.

At the same time, our Indochinese aristocrat is a real gourmet, that is, she loves to eat delicious food. For her, it is not the quantity of food that matters, but the quality. Natural meat food is the main priority in her menu. If you treat your pet with turkey, beef or chicken, he will be very grateful to you and will respond with even more love. Some individuals enjoy eating boiled fish. But fatty meat and food with salt content from the diet of these cats should be excluded, as this is fraught for their health: the kidneys and liver may suffer.

Many of us are used to feeding pets with food and dishes "from the table", that is, the usual everyday food that the whole family eats. Sacred Burma should not be given such food! Spicy and smoked foods should also not be included in her diet. Ready-made food can be added to the menu, but only if it is a product of the highest quality. Cheap food for your pet, of course, will not kill, but it can negatively affect the condition of its fur and skin, as well as the digestive tract.

The diet of small kittens should include low-fat chicken and ground beef, fermented dairy products. Such a menu will guarantee the preservation of the brightness of the coat in adulthood. Babies need to be fed 4-5 times a day in order for them to develop fully, the serving size should not exceed 150 grams. Fermented milk products should also be given to adult cats, which is beneficial for their health. Elderly and old cats are usually fed twice a day, a single serving should be 200-250 grams.

Health and diseases of the Burmese cat

Hereditary and genetic diseases in representatives of this breed are rare, and all thanks to careful breeding. In general, the health of Burmese cats is quite strong. By making it a rule to regularly visit a veterinarian for preventive examinations and routine vaccinations, you thereby guarantee your pet an active life and longevity.

The life expectancy of Burma is from 12 to 14 years. There are happy exceptions to this rule – for example, Lady Catalina's cat. This representative of the Burmese breed from Melbourne, Australia was born on March 11, 1977 and lived for 35 years, having got, thanks to her longevity record, into the Guinness Book. Burmese cats also differ in fertility, the number of kittens in one litter can reach 10. There is a documented fact when a cat gave birth to 19 babies at once, and this is also a record.

In some cases, very rare, Burmese suffer from such a heart ailment as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Her symptoms – shortness of breath and cough after active games, lethargy – usually begin to manifest from an early age. In Burmese cats, there are also pathologies of the vestibular apparatus and corneal dermoids. The latter are successfully treated with a course of special antibiotics, but on condition that the disease is not started. As preventive measures, regular deworming and age-appropriate vaccinations are provided.

In order for a cat to grind its claws, it must be accustomed to a scratching post. Try to place a house or a couch for your pet low, since climbing almost to the ceiling is not the style of sacred Burma, it is a sedate animal. The couch should be made of natural materials, any "chemistry" can negatively affect the health of the Burmese.

How to choose a kitten

When buying a Burmese kitten, or any other breed, I want to be sure of its pedigree and health. Buying by hand or in online stores cannot guarantee this. The most reliable way not to make a mistake is to buy a kitten in a certified kennel. Owners of such establishments, as a rule, value their reputation, paying special attention to the health of kittens, their upbringing and social adaptation. Here your future pet will be vaccinated against infectious diseases and proglistogonat. Leaving the nursery, kittens will come to your house already adapted, sociable, accustomed to the tray and scratching post.

Many, at their own risk, still buy kittens of the Burmese breed not in certified nurseries or at all with their hands. In this case, carefully examine the kitten. A baby who has no health problems is usually cheerful and active, he has clear eyes, clean ears and a shiny thick coat. Ask if the kitten was vaccinated, if he has a veterinary passport, what the baby was fed.

If you notice discharge from the nose or eyes, then it's better not to buy such a kitten – it's more expensive for yourself.

Photos of Burmese kittens

How much does a Burmese cat cost

Nurseries specializing in breeding Burmese cats are very rare in Russia. Buying purebred kittens can result in a round sum. So, an individual of the show class will cost your wallet about $700. The breed class is cheaper, about $600. Even cheaper, about $500, a pet-class kitten will cost. A Burmese kitten without accompanying documents can be purchased for only $100. Such animals are usually born from unplanned mating and, accordingly, will be without a pedigree.

It is not recommended to purchase kittens at bird markets, through questionable ads or from the hands of random people. There is a high probability that such a Burmese will have a bad heredity, and he will be with a whole bunch of diseases. Many connoisseurs of the breed, in order to save money, take such risks. To minimize them, when buying, pay attention to the general condition of the future pet. The kitten should be strong, not sluggish, with a thick shiny coat, without purulent discharge from the eyes and ears.

When all doubts are left behind, and you decide to make a purchase that will ultimately be successful, be sure: from now on, a faithful friend is next to you for many years. Representatives of the Burmese cat breed are very noble creatures who invariably respond to attention and care with great love and devotion.