European Burmese Cat Breed Information

Group

Short Haired

Weight

2.7-4.5 kg

Length

23-33 cm

Lifespan

10-15 years

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About the European Burmese Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Coming from Siamese ancestors, the European Burmese cat is one that’s strikingly beautiful with its rounded face shape and piercing eyes. Their charm and sweet-natured personalities can make any cat lover immediately fall in love with them.

Aside from being determined and curious in nature, they’re an ideal choice for any cat owner or individuals that are looking for a cat.

If you’re looking at adopting or purchasing a European Burmese, we’ve put together a whole heap of information on the breed- you’re welcome!

What Is the History & Origin of the European Burmese Cat?

The ancestors of the Burmese are the notable Siamese cats and the Myanmar cat of Burma. Ancient history suggests that they were often kept in temples and places by priests.

The first Burmese was considered to be a small, dark-brown cat called Wong Mau. Back in the 1880s and described initially as a chocolate Siamese, their bodies were often tan or brown, with black or seal-brown points.

Whilst they disappeared from Britain, they still remained in Thailand and Burma. Dr Thompson was the individual known for breeding the Burmese, which would then make their way over to parts of Europe. It was in Britain that the Burmese were bred with redpoint Siamese and British Shorthairs to create the European Burmese cats that we now know of today.

The Cat Fanciers Association registered the Burmese in 1936 and resumed in 1953 after breeders were found to be using Siamese in their breeding programs. The European Burmese breed is now also recognised by the CFA.

What Is a European Burmese Cat Breed?

A European Burmese cat breed is a domesticated cat that originates from Burma and developed in the US and Great Britain.

Bred with the American Siamese, the European Burmese is a medium-sized cat with short hair and an elegant body type with rounded contouring. Their eyes are large and expressive, ranging from stark yellow and amber.

Who Is a European Burmese Cat Best For?

These active and sociable cats get on with other pets in the household and are also considered cat-friendly dogs. With that in mind, they’ll certainly be suited for families with children and other dogs or cats.

It’s important to remember to always introduce pets slowly to the rest of the household and under supervision.

What Does a European Burmese Cat Look Like?

The European Burmese is a cat that has a rounded head and a long body that resembles that of the Siamese. Their ears are spaced out, and they have wide cheekbones.

With eyes that slant towards the nose itself, their eyes are what likely make them the most visually striking, especially with yellow or amber eye colours. They have slender legs and a medium-length tail.

Coat

This breed has a short and satin-type coat that comes in a range of colours. The coat is easy enough to manage with it being short, and as they’re hypoallergenic, you won’t get much in the way of fallout.

Colours

With the variety of colours that the cat comes in, you’re often spoilt for choice. These are apricot red, lilac, cream, blue, brown, chocolate, lilac tortoiseshell, cream and brown, to name but a few.

Patterns

The patterns of this cat type will often be a solid colour or a tortoiseshell pattern.

European Burmese Cat Grooming & Shedding

For grooming the soft, short coat of this European Burmese, a weekly brushing or combing is preferred. This helps to remove any dead hair. A bath is rarely needed but is beneficial if at any point they start to smell.

Keep their teeth healthy with regular brushing and trim nails when needed. Be sure to check ears for any dirt build-up too.

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

Conversational and full of love, the European Burmese is a highly energetic and friendly cat. Their temperament is sweet-natured and approachable to all humans and pets.

They’re suited for companionship with those that are around all day, and they’ll be sure to give you plenty of love in return.

Living Needs

It’s best to keep this cat indoors, especially as they’re a beautiful breed and potentially prone to being stolen by catnappers.

They also prefer staying indoors for the most part but do welcome leash walking if trained early on enough. Supervised outdoor play is best.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of European Burmese Cats?

As a cat type, this breed loves to be around its companions and enjoys a moderate amount of exercise. They’re playful and energetic felines, so they’re best suited for those who have a lot of love and attention to give.

Habits

If you’re someone who doesn’t mind an invasion of their privacy by your animals, then this cat is perfect for you. They love to know everything you’re doing, and they’re cats that have a habit of wanting to be around you at all times, whether it’s reading a book in bed to watching television in the living area.

Activity level

Activity levels for the European Burmese are one that is fairly high. They do love to explore the home, and they’re very playful, so plenty of toys are needed to keep them entertained. As a breed, they are able to learn quickly. Commands like fetch and walking on a leash can come easily to them.

Vocalness

As most cats go, they’re not all too vocal. However, with this one, you’ll find that they love to use their voice, which may or may not be beneficial to you as the owner. Some enjoy the more vocal cats, whereas others don’t.

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

The Burmese breed council offers plenty of guidance when it comes to this cat type. When looking for a cat to welcome into your home, the height, weight and size can be an influential contribution to your decision.

Height

This type of cat will typically average between 23 to 33cms in height. That’s an average and what you’ll mostly expect this breed to sit between.

Weight

The average European Burmese will sit around 2.7 to 4.5kgs, although this can vary. Depending on their height and genetics, they could weigh more or less. How much you feed them can also impact their weight.

Size

This cat is typically considered to be a medium-sized breed in comparison to others.

Are European Burmese Cats Easy to Train?

This breed is described as being similar to having a doglike personality, which means they’re great when it comes to picking up commands like fetch and retrieve. They can be easily house trained with a bit of persistence, and they can also be trained easily to get on with other household animals and members due to their sweet-natured and sociable character.

Does the European Burmese Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Even though the Burmese is a relatively healthy cat, it’s important to be aware of the issues that can arise. The following diseases are some of the common ones to look out for throughout their life.

Corneal Dermoid – Skin and hair that forms on the surface of the cornea. This can be dealt with through surgery.
Orofacial pain syndrome – An exaggerated licking or chewing motion that the cause or inheritance of the syndrome is unknown. Pain medications and anti-seizure drugs can help with this.
Kinked tail – A deformity of the tail but one that causes no pain or discomfort.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy – An enlarged heart that can form from birth or occur from an older age.

What Is the Lifespan of a European Burmese Cat?

You can expect the Burmese cats to have a fairly low mortality rate, and this goes for the European breeding stock too. As such, you can expect your European or American Burmese to live for around 10 to 15 years on average. That’s a great amount of time for owners to enjoy their cats.

How Much Does a European Burmese Cat Need to Be Fed?

Feeding your cat properly is important to help sustain their health and happiness. This cat type will enjoy a nutritional bowl of cat food that’s weighed properly, and that varies.

Any food from tinned food, dry food, cooked chicken or raw meat is going to go down a treat like it would with other cat breeds. Feed them two times a day once they’re an adult.

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

In relation to other cat types, this breed is a little more expensive, likely so due to its Siamese lineage. If you’re looking to buy one of these cats, it’ll likely set you back by around $1,200 up to $2,200 AUD.

It’s always best to do your research when looking for the right breeder so that you’re getting the best standard possible in a modern Burmese.

European Burmese Cat FAQs

Are European Burmese cats cuddly?

The European Burmese welcomes affection, and when it comes to being picked up and cuddled, they certainly won’t object to it. They love the fuss that their owners provide them when it comes to giving them some love throughout the day.

Are European Burmese cats hypoallergenic?

What makes the European Burmese breed so well-liked is the fact that it’s hypoallergenic. Yes, those with cat allergies can rejoice in the knowledge that this type of Burmese cat is hypoallergenic and, therefore, less likely to cause allergies for those that have them.

Can European Burmese cats adapt to different climates?

With no undercoat, this type of cat breed might not do so well in colder climates. It’s always recommended that you keep this cat type indoors so that they’re nice and warm at all times.