Burmilla Cat: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Burmillas are beautiful cats that are a cross between the Burmese and the Chinchilla Persian. They were bred by accident. In 1981, a female lilac Burmese escaped her room and had a clandestine affair with a male Chinchilla Persian. The first four Burmilla kittens resulted from this meeting of different breeds and were so pretty that a breeding program of Burmilla cats was developed.

Burmillas are medium in size and have a gorgeous silvery white coat that is shaded or tipped in apricot, caramel, beige, lilac, blue, chocolate, black, or gray. They also typically have green eyes.

Burmilla Kittens

Burmilla cats can be quite energetic and playful and get along well with most people and animals, so they are quite social. They are about as trainable as any cat, and they tend to be a healthy breed and have a long lifespan.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Burmilla Cat

1. The Burmilla and the Burmilla Longhair are recognized as separate breeds.

Both breeds have similar temperaments, but the Burmilla Longhair is considered a true semi-longhair. They are fluffy on their undersides, legs, chest, and tail. They also have black outlining the mouth, nose, and eyes (kind of like eyeliner). They are essentially the Burmilla but with longer and fluffier fur.

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2. It takes time for the eye color to develop.

Burmilla cats tend to have green eyes, but it can actually take up to 2 years for the color to develop.

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3. The Burmilla is the perfect mix of Persian and Burmese.

They are more outgoing and playful than the Persian, but they are more laidback and easygoing than the Burmese.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Burmilla

The Burmilla cat is the perfect mix of playful yet laidback. They tend to be quite kittenish well into adulthood, so expect a certain amount of mischievous behavior for most of the Burmilla’s lifespan.

They can be quite intelligent and curious cats, which can also mean a certain amount of getting into trouble. But the same could be said about most cat breeds. Burmillas also enjoy attention and affection from their loving families.

Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪

Burmillas are gentle, playful, and affectionate, so they tend to get along with people and children of all ages. But remember to teach your children to be gentle with their pets. Just because a cat allows little ones to be rough doesn’t mean the cat is enjoying it. Teach them to leave the cat where they are and how to gently pet them.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?

Burmillas get along well with other pets, including dogs, as long as they are cat friendly. The more they are all socialized with each other, the better the results. But always be careful with smaller pets like hamsters or birds. Cats will be cats, after all.

Things to Know When Owning a Burmilla

Food & Diet Requirements

All cats require meat in some form in their diets to keep in good health. Typically, giving your Burmilla commercially made dry cat food is fine because it has all the required nutrients, but you may want to add canned food too because it is comprised of about 80% water.

Water is essential for cats because it can help prevent kidney disease as they age. This also includes ensuring that your cat has constant access to fresh, clean water. Investing in a cat fountain is an excellent way to encourage cats to drink more.

Exercise 🐈

All pets need exercise and the Burmilla is no exception. Cats are quite good at exercising themselves, but playing with them will not only give them a good workout, but it can also be a bonding experience for both of you. Use interactive toys, and consider installing cat shelves and a cat tree for your kitty.

Training 🧶

Training cats can be possible, but you can’t expect the same results as with dogs. Burmillas are smart enough to be trained, but the main question will always be if they actually want to be.

Grooming ✂️

This depends on which type of breed you own. The shorthaired Burmilla only requires brushing about once a week, but the longhaired Burmilla will probably need brushing two or three times a week.

Beyond brushing, you’ll need to trim their claws regularly. A good cat scratcher works too and will also help save your belongings. You should also check their ears from time to time for any health problems (including but not limited to ear mites).

Finally, you should brush your cat’s teeth, though you can also use dental treats to keep the teeth in good condition.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Burmillas are a healthy breed overall, but like most cats, they are prone to certain health conditions. Just be sure to take your cat to their annual visits to the vet, as these will keep your cat in good health and any potential health problems can be caught as soon as possible.

Male vs. Female

There aren’t any noticeable differences between male and female Burmillas, though male cats in general tend to be a little bigger and heavier than females. Burmillas are usually medium in size and weigh 8 to 12 pounds.

If your Burmilla is male, you’ll need to get him neutered unless you plan on breeding Burmilla cats. Likewise, have a female Burmilla spayed. Not only does the surgery prevent pregnancies, but it can also reduce unwanted and more aggressive behaviors. It helps prevent future health conditions too.

It’s thought that female cats tend to be aloof and standoffish and that males are affectionate and outgoing. This might be true at times, but what really makes up a cat’s personality is how they are raised and treated over the course of their life.

Conclusion

Finding a Burmilla might be a challenge, but you can search online and post on social media — someone out there might be able to steer you in the right direction. If you’re interested in rescuing an adult Burmilla, try looking for breed-specific rescue groups, like Burmilla Rescue.

If you’re lucky enough to find one of these beautiful cats, be prepared for cuddles and engaging antics. The Burmilla cat is a lovely companion that will make an amazing addition to the family.

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Featured Image Credit: JE Jevgenija, Shutterstock