Burmese Cat
The Burmese was first described as early as 1350 in book of poems from Thailand (then Siam). It was not until the 1920s, however, that the first specimen made its way out into the world.
A single queen, named Wong Mau, was imported into the United States and crossed with a Siamese tom to begin the cat’s new line. Nearly all of today’s Burmese are descendants of Wong Mau.
The Burmese has the same affection for people as the Siamese, but is much less vocal. It enjoys people, both
Those it is familiar with and strangers. It is an intelligent, inquisitive cat that needs praise and attention, as well as regular, daily play time. Highly adaptable to new situations, the Burmese enjoys travel, especially when allowed to watch the countryside roll by. It is a good mouser and one of our longer-lived breeds, reaching ages up to 18 years.
There are four varieties recognized on both sides of the Atlantic, all with gold to yellow eyes: Brown (Sable in America), warm seal brown shading to lighter; Chocolate (Brown in America); Blue, blue-grey with fawn shading and lighter underside; Lilac, pink-grey.In Britain the whole range of Tortoiseshell variations is also recognized.
The fur is short and satiny. The body is medium in length and muscular in build, with forelegs longer thanhindlegs; it has small, egg-shaped paws and a medium-length tail that ends in a point. The head is round with high cheekbones, a short nose, round eyes, and medium ears that are rounded at the tips.
The glossy coat can be easily maintained with daily stroking with a gloved hand, possibly dampened with water. The Burmese is not a finicky eater. Vitamin supplements are recommended during the growing period. Females generally do not experience problem births, and litters usually include five kittens. The young ones begin life with light brown coats that darken as they age.