Burmilla Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

4-7 kg

Length

20-25 cm

Lifespan

7-15 years

Jump To

About the Burmilla Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

Crossed between a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese cat, the Burmilla is a perfect in-between of the two breeds. A friendly face that’s fun-loving and enjoys being part of the family, they’re a cat breed that doesn’t like to miss out on the action.

Living with this cat is like having an extension of your family. They’ll become an active member of the household and a wonderful companion for those that are looking for a cat to join their family.

If you’ve been considering a cat for your home, then the Burmilla cats should be one for your consideration. Here’s everything you need to know about the Burmilla breed.

What Is the History & Origin of the Burmilla Cat?

The Burmilla is a cat that came into existence back in the 1980s in the UK. The breed was an accidental crossing of the Chinchilla Persian and the Burmese. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, it was Baroness Miranda Von Kirchberg who was responsible for the litter of kittens that came with gentle and friendly temperaments and extra thick coats!

Once discovered, the Burmilla breed was developed and expanded upon to preserve and make it official. The breed itself has only been officially recognised recently and, as a cat breed, remains pretty rare in comparison to some other breeds.

Standards were produced back in 1984, and the breed itself gained championship status in the UK during the 1990s.

What Is a Burmilla Cat Breed?

The Burmilla breed is a domestic cat originating from the UK in 1980. They’re a cross between a Chinchilla Persian and Burmese cat.

Burmillas are described as having semi-long hair and a medium-length coat. They’re distinctive with their ear tufts and fringing that’s found on the belly, legs and chest.

In proportion and shape, the Burmilla is fairly rounded. It has a round head, and the ears at the tip are also rounded. The eyes are slightly slanted and average in size.

Who Is a Burmilla Cat Best For?

Burmilla cats are an easy breed to get along with. They have a great personality that most humans, even those that prefer dogs over cats, will love. As a social breed, they make for the perfect cat for any household as a result. Whether you’re in a household that has other cat types and dogs or young children, you should get on well with the Burmilla in your home.

So whether it’s a young household, those with single occupancy or an older couple, these cats should adapt well to any environment they’re put in.

What Does a Burmilla Cat Look Like?

The Burmilla’s appearance is one of a soft and gentle appearance. With a darkened eye area that gives the cat a glammed up look, they make for an Insta-worthy feline. They often have green eyes, which actually darken as the cat gets older.

Coat

Their coat is soft and shiny and features black rimming around the eyes and the nose. The coat lengths can either be long or short, depending on the cat’s parents and come in a variety of colours.

Their shiny, silver-tipped coats are what make them known for being a Burmilla, so it’s a character appearance that’s easy to spot.

Colours

There are a number of colours available with the Burmilla. These are black, silver, brown, blue, lilac, cream and red.

Patterns

They usually come in two variations which are tortoiseshell or point pattern.

Burmilla Cat Grooming & Shedding

Grooming a Burmilla should be fairly simple, which makes them ideal for first-time owners of cats. The cat hair can be prone to matting, despite whether or not it’s a long or short coat. With that being said, weekly brushing is important to do in order to help remove any tangles or knots.

These cat types will also need nail trimming, as well as regular dental checks, and ear cleaning. Veterinarians also recommend vaccinating and treating cats for parasites.

How Do Burmilla Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

It’s worthwhile having other pets that the Burmilla can interact with. They are gentle and playful creatures that love to interact with their companions when they’re available.

The Burmilla temperament is the perfect mix between its Burmese and Chinchilla parents. They are friendly and engaging without being overly needy to their human companions.

These cats get along well with children, other cats within the household, as well as cat-friendly dogs. Make sure that all of the above are introduced to the cats properly before leaving them alone.

Living Needs

Burmillas love interaction and time spent with humans, as they’re an intelligent breed. They love connection and engagement with their human companions but won’t be too demanding when requiring attention.

The ideal owner should be a family that has a lot of playtime and attention to offer when they’re around the home. It’s also helpful to have a household that has other animals in the home.

They don’t need a huge amount of room, so even if you live in a studio apartment, they’ll be content. They’ll just need plenty of toys and opportunities to climb. As indoor cats, they’ll like to remain indoors for the most part and should be put on a leash when going outside.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Burmilla Cats?

With regular bursts of energy, this cat is the perfect mix of energies. They love energetic play in short bursts and then sleeping for long hours.

Introducing cat trees and interactive toys is going to ensure they burn through all their energy throughout the day.

Habits

Their habits are fairly predictable, spending time with their humans when they’re awake and ready to engage. They make the perfect pet for all households, and they have an easy-going temperament.

Activity level

Activity-wise, they have bursts of energy that will need catering to, whether that’s with playtime directly or by giving them some interactive toys to play with.

Vocalness

Their vocalness is perfect for those who don’t want a loud cat. They are fairly infrequent with their voices, so you won’t hear them much throughout the day.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Burmilla Cat?

Burmillas are fairly average in their sizing, making them perfect for any household of any size.

Height

The Burmilla, when fully grown, will have a height range of between 20 and 25cms.

Weight

To ensure they remain fit and healthy, their weight range should be between 4 and 7kgs.

Size

Burmillas are often around medium size, which makes them the average like most other cat breeds.

Are Burmilla Cats Easy to Train?

This breed is relatively easy to train and will even have fun learning from the training you give them. They’ll be attentive to your commands, and navigating a litter box for the first time should be easy enough.

Early socialisation is also important to have when it comes to ensuring your Burmilla is comfortable around other pets and humans.

Does the Burmilla Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Burmilla cats have very few issues when it comes to genetic health problems. They are known to suffer from a few allergies and can also have a higher risk of developing kidney problems.

This can happen as they age, which is typical for many cat diseases. It’s important to get your cat checked at least once a year by a vet.

What Is the Lifespan of a Burmilla Cat?

The average lifespan for this cat type is around 15 years. That’s a fairly good average in comparison to the pet parents that this breed comes from, along with other pets that have a slightly lower lifespan in comparison.

How Much Does a Burmilla Cat Need to Be Fed?

Burmillas need a diet of high-quality food, just like all cat breeds. These feline friends can be prone to gaining weight easily, so it’s important not to overfeed them where possible.

Getting recommendations from your veterinarian is important, especially if you’re a new cat owner and need guidance on what is a good amount of food per day.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Burmilla Cat in Australia?

Burmilla cats can typically cost around $800-$1,200 and have been rare since their existence back in the 1980s.

As long as you’re buying from reputable breeders, this is the cost that you’ll expect to pay. For adopting, you will likely be charged less. However, the number of cats available are going to be few and far between.

Learn more about: Burmilla Cat Prices in Australia

Burmilla Cat FAQs

How do I know if my cat is a Burmilla?

The Burmilla cat is easy enough to spot with its silver-tipped coat. They have a rounded body and head, with tips of ears that are also rounded. With eyes slightly slanted, they also have a darkening around the eyes that makes them stand out, especially with their bright green eyes. Their coat is either short or long but will always be soft to the touch.

Is a Burmilla cat hypoallergenic?

A Burmilla is not a hypoallergenic breed, so sadly, those that do suffer from allergies won’t be suitable for them. There are plenty of other cat breeds, though, that don’t produce a lot of dander and, therefore, will be perfect for cat owners that need hypoallergenic cats.

Are Burmilla cats friendly?

Burmillas are gentle and loyal as a companion. They’re a cross that creates both a placid but engaging cat that isn’t going to be too demanding or needy as a cat breed. They’re a perfect mix of their parents.