Do Burmese cats possess dog-like loyalty? Are they intelligent? Are Burmese cats affectionate and playful? Do they crave attention and company? Are Burmese cats good for families? Does their coat really feel like silk? If you’re looking for a shoulder-perching feline that wants to be at the heart of your world, then a Burmese could be your perfect cat match!
Expert approved
Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS
25th December 2025
The beautiful Burmese is a strong, well-built, elegant cat with a satin-like coat and captivating golden eyes. Best known for its sable coat with darker patches over the face and ears, Burmese cats actually come in an array of colours, including soft blue-grey, warm milk chocolate, dove-grey with a light pinkish tint, tangerine and blue with shades of cream.
“The Burmese cat is like a little ray of sunshine with his sleek, glossy coat and sunny personality,” says Your Cat. “Imagine having an ever-present, highly-intelligent sidekick with a mischievous streak glued to your side – that's what it's like to be owned by a Burmese!”
WHAT DO BURMESE CATS LOOK LIKE?
Burmese cats are medium-sized, with muscular bodies and a short, wedge-shaped head, wide-set ears and large, lustrous eyes. They have slender legs and a medium-thick tail that tapers to the tip. “When you pick up a Burmese it is very deceptive, you will find it feels much heavier than it appears – they are all cat!” notes the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
“The Burmese is a sturdy cat, like a little bulldog,” adds The International Cat Association (TICA). “It has a short, silky, single coat that hugs the muscular body and is a joy to stroke. These charming cats with rich colours, big gold eyes, and velvet paws will win your heart while you wonder how you ever lived without one in your life.”
WHERE DO BURMESE CATS COME FROM?
According to the GCCF, the origins of the Burmese cat are well documented: “They are indigenous to countries in Southeast Asia, specifically Burma (Myanmar), Thailand and Malaya and were imported into England during the late 19th century, but were not as well accepted as the flashier blue-eyed Seal Point Siamese, and so they gradually disappeared from the scene. Enter into the story Dr Joseph C Thompson, a practising psychiatrist based in San Francisco, California. In 1930, he brought a female cat called Wong Mau from Burma to the USA. Although fanciers of the day regarded Wong Mau as a dark Siamese, Dr Thompson was convinced she was distinctly different.”
After WWII, four Burmese cats were imported to the UK from the USA in 1949 and 1953, and in March 1955, the first blue Burmese kitten, Sealcoat Blue Surprise, was born in England. The breed was recognised by the GCCF in 1952, and the Burmese Cat Club was founded in 1954. Today, Burmese registrations reveal that they are the fifth most popular breed in the UK.
Read on to find out more about Burmese cats. Do they need a lot of attention? Do they like to chat? Are they good with children and other pets? What do Burmese cats like to do? From grooming and playtime to feeding, find out how to provide Burmese cats with everything they need to live a fulfilling and happy life.
But first, check out these Burmese cat facts!
7 BRILLIANT BURMESE CAT FACTS
- Burmese cats are medium in size. Adult females weigh between 6 to 9 pounds (3.1 to 4kg) and adult males 11 to 15 pounds (5.4 to 6.8kg).
- Sleek and athletic, their size is misleading as their compact, muscular build makes Burmese cats heavier than they appear, and they are often described as ‘bricks wrapped in silk’.
- In young Burmese cats, the colour points are darker, but as the cat gets older, the body colour becomes deeper until there is only a very slight difference between their body and the colour on the legs, head and tail.
- Ancestors of the modern Burmese breed were considered sacred companions and temple guardians in ancient Burma and were provided with student priests as their personal servants.
- By 1930, the breed had disappeared from Myanmar. In 2008, the China Exploration and Research Society (CERS) charity established a programme to revive the breed. Several purebred Burmese cats were brought from Australia and the UK to a dedicated cattery at the Inthar Heritage House, a cultural and conservation centre focused on preserving local traditions and the Burmese cat breed.
- Burmese cats exhibit playful, puppy-like traits, which they retain from kittenhood into adulthood, and can learn to play fetch!
- Burmese cats love to be handled. According to Burmese Rescue, they like being carried around, either in the crook of the arm or on the shoulder: “Some Burmese are definitely shoulder cats, so it is important to warn unsuspecting visitors that a Burmese can easily jump on someone’s shoulder from the floor!”
BURMESE CAT PERSONALITY PROFILE
Charming, cuddly, sociable, confident, trusting, energetic, mischievous and fun-loving are how this bewitching breed is described. If you’d love a cat companion with bags of personality, who wants to be the centre of your world, a Burmese could be a perfect fit.
“Playful, energetic, acrobatic and highly intelligent, the Burmese cat is the extrovert of the cat world,” says the GCCF. “Despite their very sweet expression, they are very mischievous, but they love – or should that be adore – people and human company. The most charming of cats, with their big gold eyes and spoon-shaped velvet paws, Burmese will win your heart.”
“A sweet and charming cuddler, the Burmese is an outgoing, people-oriented cat that loves to curl up on any available lap. Their playful nature extends to joining the games of the youngest family members,” adds TICA. “The Burmese has a soft, sweet voice and will enjoy a conversation with you if encouraged.”
“The Burmese cat craves company and can show great sensitivity to its owner's moods and feelings. With the right amount of love and play, this cat will be a well-behaved friend with just a hint of an attitude,” notes Petplan. “Cuddly, sociable and very trusting, the Burmese cat personality and temperament makes this breed one of the easiest to welcome into the family home. They adore human company and will often seek you out at home, just to be near you.”
Sleek and cheeky
Reported in Your Cat, Juanita Sharp of the Burmese Cat Club fell in love with the breed when she was just 17 years old: “I became captivated by a friend's pair of Burmese boys. The little blue lad would jump on my shoulders and purr for England – I was hooked by their sleek appearance and their intelligent, lively, cheeky and ridiculously affectionate characters!”
So, what makes the Burmese so special? “These characterful cats are alert, active, intelligent, ridiculously friendly and have an affectionate disposition with a ‘glowering expression’ and are just bursting with individual personality,” explains Juanita. “They have incredible temperaments. They love to get involved with whatever is going on around the house – they are naturally curious and playful, and immense time wasters! These clever felines go for door handles, cupboard catches, light pulls, bin lids – they can operate them all! Mine even like to ‘have a go’ at operating the computers!”
Hopelessly devoted to the breed, she adds: “Once you are a Burmese owner, you will wonder how you ever managed without one.”
Understand your cat better with our cat communication guide >>
IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A BURMESE CAT?
People-loving Burmese cats need a home where someone who’s always up for a game or two is around most of the day.
“Burmese should not be separated from human contact for more than a few hours at a time. They crave human contact, and if they are denied it for long periods, they will become withdrawn and may even lose their affectionate personality,” says Burmese Rescue. “Breeders recommend that people who work full-time and are away from the house for several hours every day get a pair of kittens. It is easier and more fun to have two Burmese than one. Not only will they keep each other company, but keep each other from becoming bored as they provide endless entertainment for themselves through their play.”
“Due to their sociable nature, they need a lot of human company – think about how this aligns with your daily routine. For those of us working from home, this shouldn’t cause a problem,” advises Petplan. “They’ll also need a lot of playtime – if you want a cat that is happy to entertain themselves, this is perhaps not the cat for you.”
An ideal family cat
“Highly intelligent, Burmese cats thrive with families who are willing to teach them tricks, play games and provide plenty of puzzle or interactive toys,” advises TICA. “They do best with families who give them plenty of attention and get along well with children and other pets. They are extremely people-oriented and tolerant cats that are an ideal pet for the whole family, including younger children.”
“They are very good with children, other cats and dogs and are said to stay close to home. If you enjoy the quiet life, the athletic, fun-loving and mischievous Burmese probably isn’t for you!” says the GCCF.
“Of all the cat breeds, the Burmese temperament is a fan favourite! The breed’s puppy-like behaviour makes them excellent family pets,” adds Petplan. “Thanks to their easy-going breed temperament and laid-back nature, Burmese have one of the best cat personality types to be around children, as long as they are well socialised, and the children are taught to respect the cat and give them space when needed.”
WHAT DO BURMESE CATS LIKE TO DO?
While every cat is an individual with a unique set of likes and dislikes, there are certain things that are extremely important to Burmese cats.
Top of the list is hanging around with their human family, joining in with everyday activities, and playing lots of games together.
Featured in Your Cat, Emma Matthews of the Burmese Cat Society says: “Burmese are an extremely sociable breed who love human company and insist on being involved in every aspect of your life. They love to play, and their favourite game is often to play fetch.”
“Burmese assume that they are fully accepted in all aspects of human family life,” adds the GCCF. “They do not like to feel ‘neglected’ and are always willing to help! They are very playful and will appreciate an assortment of toys and games in which you will need to fully immerse yourself!”
Burmese cats want you to have lots of games up your sleeve!
“They’re very playful and can be lots of fun to be around, so make sure you have lots of games up your sleeve,” says Petplan. “They like cat toys that involve human contact and are keen to please their owners. Part of their genetic breeding was to maintain their close relationships with humans, and as such are a less independent breed. They’ll require a bit more attention and would suit a family where there’ll be a lot of human contact.”
The insurer also notes that Burmese cats enjoy being up high, so cat trees and other cat-friendly climbing spaces will need to be provided – including available humans: “They’re energetic and fun-loving and like to enjoy the world from a high vantage point (such as their owner’s shoulder).”
As they are smart and playful, Burmese cats relish the opportunity to learn new things and are fairly easy to train. Petplan adds: “Clicker training, which uses positive reinforcement techniques, would be a fun exercise to try! However, you still need time and patience – and success depends on your cat’s individual personality and willingness, as well as your training skills.”
According to owner Emma Matthews, clever Burmese cats may bring some rather unusual items back with them after one of their adventures. She divulges that her Burmese has been known to ‘borrow’ items from the neighbours, including socks, golf balls, and small items of clothing left on a washing line, revealing: “There is no better introduction to your new neighbours than returning their missing underwear while trying to explain that your cat stole them!”
The unconditional love Burmese cats give makes it easy to forgive any misdemeanours. Emma adds: “They seem to crave human contact; loving nothing better than draping themselves around your shoulders, but they also know when you need them to comfort you, make you laugh, or just to annoy that unwanted visitor that doesn't like cats!”
GROOMING YOUR BURMESE CAT
When it comes to grooming, Burmese manage to keep themselves looking good without much help from their human – although they do enjoy the attention!
“These are low-maintenance cats, which do not require combing or bathing or any unusual handling,” says Burmese Rescue. “The coat is kept in condition by simply stroking it with your hand and occasionally with a rubber brush, just to remove dead hairs. The rubber brush is recommended in late spring, when all cats shed out their winter coat.”
“Their satin-like coats require weekly grooming with a rubber brush to remove loose hairs and polish the coat to a high gloss,” advises the GCCF. “The oils from your hand and gentle stroking of the coat help maintain its balance, and a quick wipe with a chamois will give that final finishing touch. Most Burmese thoroughly enjoy this simple grooming ritual and may well insist upon it!”
“Burmese cats don’t require a great deal of grooming as they are fairly self-sufficient and don’t tend to shed much fur,” adds Petplan. “Brushing once a week is usually sufficient, though, like most cats, they can enjoy the attention grooming brings if socialised to it as a kitten. Brushing sessions can also be a great way to spot any bites, stings, skin problems and lumps and bumps. Their ears need to be cleaned regularly, so this should definitely be considered as part of your cat grooming routine. Your vet can advise you on the best way to do this.”
The ultimate cat grooming guide >>
FEEDING YOUR BURMESE CAT
All cats – from tiger to domestic tabby – are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat meat to survive. Meat contains essential amino acids which they can’t make themselves. Cats also require high levels of protein and can benefit from food that’s appropriate for their life stage.
Industry body UK Pet Food states: “Cats vary from many species, requiring a significant amount of protein in their diet, plus certain nutrients, such as taurine, as part of a balanced diet with just the right amount of fats, carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals, to stay in peak condition. Nutrients must be present in the correct amounts for their stage in life and in the correct proportion to each other, in order to provide a nutritionally complete and balanced diet.”
Burmese cats require high-quality nutrition
“The most important aspect of care is providing high-quality, premium cat food,” says Burmese Rescue. “Quality food is reflected in the high shine of the coat and the tight, muscular body. Quality dry food is important for keeping teeth and gums healthy, and also for maintaining good muscle tone.”
Burgess in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS advises: “Along with high protein levels, cats require a careful balance of vitamins, plus the essential amino acid taurine necessary to promote a healthy heart and eyes. A complete diet will have all the necessary vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids in the right ratio.”
How much and how often should you feed your cat?
Adult cats are generally fed twice a day. Alternatively, as cats in the wild naturally eat lots of small meals per day, you could try splitting their daily intake into several small meals (unless advised otherwise by your vet). Providing dry cat food in a variety of ways, such as in treat balls or cat puzzles, can deliver a much more exciting and rewarding experience for your cat.
Portion control is also important, so get into the habit of measuring out accurate amounts each day. Giving your cat a little more than they need means they could become overweight. Likewise, if you don’t feed enough, your cat will not get all the nutrients they need and will become underweight.
“Your Burmese cat’s diet should be monitored to maintain their lean-but-stocky stature – this is a breed which will quickly show if they’re putting on more weight than is recommended,” notes Petplan. “Burmese should feel much heavier than they look, so ask your vet about how to body condition score your cat to keep an eye on it.”
Dr Moyes adds: “By following the on-pack instructions, it’s easy to measure out exactly the right-sized portion that’s suitable for your cat’s age and lifestyle to ensure they consume the correct amount of nutrients. For instance, house cats may need fewer calories than cats who spend much of their day roaming outdoors. Dry cat food is a good option as it’s easily portioned, may be better for dental health and encourages extra water consumption.”
Wet food v dry food
Unlike wet cat food, dry cat food stays fresh inside the pack until you’re ready to serve it to your cat. And that’s not all! Other benefits include:
- Free feeding – As dry food can be left out because it won’t spoil, this suits those cats who prefer to graze their food over the day rather than at specific mealtimes.
- Helpful for healthy teeth – Munching on crunchy kibble encourages chewing and helps to keep teeth clean.
- Makes feeding more fun – Dry food is easier to use with food dispensers and puzzle toys, providing environmental enrichment and mental stimulation.
- Portion control – By following the on-pack instructions, it’s easy to measure out exactly the right-sized portion to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
Make sure to supply plenty of fresh water, too, in a separate place from their feeding area. Lots of cats aren’t keen on drinking water from a bowl, preferring moving water to still – so it may be worth investing in a cat fountain if you don’t want them drinking from a dripping tap!
GETTING A BURMESE CAT
If you’re interested in adding one of these fabulous felines to your family, find out as much as you can first and decide if you’ll be able to provide them with everything they need to be a truly happy and contented cat.
If you’re looking for a kitten, only ever buy from a reputable, registered breeder.
Alternatively, visit Burmese Cat Society Rescue, Burmese Rescue and the Burmese Rescue Group Facebook page to find beautiful rescue cats looking for happy new homes. Also check out other rescue charities such as Cats Protection, Battersea, Blue Cross, RSPCA and Woodgreen, who’ll be delighted to hear from you, and can provide you with lots of helpful advice on adopting a rescued cat.
EVERY CAT DESERVES A DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS DINNER!
At Burgess Pet Care, all our cat food is made using premium ingredients to ensure excellent quality and superior taste to help keep your cat happy and healthy – from kitten, to adult and mature and Burgess Neutered Cat with Chicken – an advanced, high protein, complete food with added L-Carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight.
- Salmon? Duck? Chicken? Let your adult cat pick their favourite flavour with our fussy cat bundle >>
- Our cat diet and nutrition guide is here to help you create a meal plan that's tailored especially for your feline friend.
- How often should you feed your cat? Find out why little and often suits most cats – and the reason why play should be part of your feeding routine.
- Adapting your cat’s diet throughout their life What you choose to feed your cat at different life stages can make all the difference.
CARE MORE Find out more about caring for your cat from Burgess, the Pet Care Experts.
Is your cat a Burgess cat? Join our Pet Club for exclusive offers and competitions – and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.
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