Burmese
Get a free QuoteBurmese
Get a free QuoteBurmese Cat Insurance
Cheerful, playful and remarkably easy to care for, the Burmese cat is a lovely breed. And thanks to Burmese cat pet insurance from PIA, you can give your favourite feline the care and attention it deserves, without having to worry that an unexpected accident or illness might put you in a position to have to make tough financial decisions. With one of our coverage options, your Burmese cat will enjoy a long and healthy life as the happiest member of your family.
Myanmar, as it’s now called). However, all of the primary breeding took place in the US. In fact, all officially registered Burmese cats today descend from a single, dark-brown cat named Wong Mau.
The original matriarch belonged to Dr Joseph Thompson, who either brought her back with him, or purchased her from a sailor (depending on which breed expert you ask). In either case, Wong Mau was viewed as a chocolate-coloured Siamese cat. She actually mothered two different breeds – the Burmese and the Tonkinese.
Back in the US, Dr Thompson crossed Wong Mau with a seal-point Siamese cat.
He worked with a small team of expert breeders and one geneticist, and even ended up publishing his research in the Journal of Heredity. This became the first published research of its kind on feline genetics.
BURMESE: FAST FACTS
Average Height
25-28 cm
Average Weight
5-6 kg
Temperament
Playful, social, persistent, vocal
Lifespan
10-16 years
Known Genetic Issues
Polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, progressive retinal atrophy
Country of Origin
Burma
Coat
Short, satiny fur
Coat Colours
Sable, blue, champagne or platinum – all point colouration
Specific Care Requirements
The Burmese is not as independent as some cat breeds and relies on human contact; being left alone for long periods could cause undue stress.
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Burmese Characteristics
Given its similarity and geographical proximity to the Siamese cat, the early Burmese line was often crossed with Siamese cats. This practice halted in the 1950s, when breeders had sufficiently isolated what it was that makes the Burmese cat unique. And make no mistake: this cat is very much its own creature.
The Burmese boasts a solid, muscular body that has earned it the nickname, ‘the velvet brick’. The original had a coat of short, dark-brown fur (i.e. sable) – though other colour variations are now available. It has a large, rounded head with express gold or yellow eyes and medium-sized ears.
This is an active and social cat that loves to be part of the action. With that in mind, it makes an excellent addition to families with children or even other pets. That being said, the Burmese is only going to feel comfortable if it believes that it’s the apex pet in the house.
Our Pet Insurance Cover Options
Pet Essentials
Includes emergency boarding fees, overseas pet travel insurance & more.
Comprehensive
Covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills, offers multi-pet discounts & more.
Major Medical
Includes routine care cover, covers up to 80% of eligible vet bills & more.