Breed Profile: Burmilla...Consider PetPlan!

Breed Profile: Burmilla

Breed

Burmilla (Burmese-Chinchilla mix)

Physical Description

The Burmilla is a medium sized cat, with a dense and silky silver coat. Its striking features include green eyes with dark penciling around them and a distinctive M pattern on the forehead. The nose is rusty red, also with a dark outline. The Burmilla has tracings of Tabby markings on the head, legs and tail and a silver-white undercoat. It comes in 5 colors, either shaded or tipped:  black, blue, brown chocolate and lilac. Because of the Chinchilla in their lineage, Burmillas can carry the longhaired gene. Longhaired Burmillas are their own breed.

Origin

The first Burmilla was born in Britain in 1981, after an accidental meeting between a Lilac Burmese female and a Silver Chinchilla male. The kittens were so attractive that the owners decided to develop them into a new breed. Three years later, a Burmilla standard was established and the breed received official recognition in 1997.

Temperament

These nice-looking cats have a nice temperament, too; outgoing, friendly and sociable, and good with children. The Burmilla is just as playful as the Burmese, but not as noisy or demanding. They are laid back like the Chinchilla, but typically more adventurous and inquisitive. Burmillas are intelligent cats who love to play, crave affection and enjoy being a part of the family.

Exercise Needs

The Burmilla needs lots of play, but be careful trying anything too tricky, as they are known to be a bit clumsy. Be sure your Burmilla gets enough exercise so that he maintains a healthy weight; the physical and mental stimulation will help keep him happy, too!

Grooming Requirements

Shedding is moderate because Burmillas have a double coat, so a weekly brushing is recommended to help remove dead hair. Baths are rarely necessary. Trim your cat’s nails regularly, and be sure to brush his teeth at least once a week to prevent periodontal disease. If ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft cloth dampened with ear care solution.

Common Health Problems

Burmillas are healthy cats with no predisposition to specific hereditary diseases and a lifespan of about 10-15 years. Yearly physical examinations are recommended for younger cats; senior pets should see their vet twice a year for physical examination and blood work. Because they are not always the most graceful of felines, they may be more prone to accidents and injury--making it worthwhile to consider pet insurance to cover your vet costs should the unthinkable happen!

Is the Burmilla the right cat for you?

If you are looking for a sweet cat who is loyal and people-friendly, then the Burmilla is the breed for you!

Having a Burmilla as your companion is a daily commitment to exercise and play, but sharing activities with your cat will deepen your bond and help keep you both healthy. Because they crave affection, Burmillas can be demanding at times, and sometimes follow their owners and cry for attention. Asians are very intelligent – they’ve been known to figure out how to open doors, and appear to understand language when spoken to. Because they are both curious and friendly, there’s a risk your Burmilla could stray, so it is best to keep your cat indoors or in a secure yard or garden.