Cat breed · Shorthair
Burmese
Affectionate, playful, people-focused
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)
- Height
- 23–30 cm (9–12 in)
- Life span
- 12–18 years
- Origin
- Burma (developed in the US and UK)
The coat
Short
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Burmeses right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Quick to learn
- Copes well in a flat
- Sheds little
- Next to no grooming
Be ready for
- Very talkative
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Burmeses weigh 3–6 kg (7–13 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Burmese
Burmese are sometimes called “dogs in cat suits”: they follow their people around, greet visitors at the door and often learn to fetch. Their short, glossy coat needs almost no grooming, and they are generally robust and long-lived.
They crave company, and a Burmese left alone for long days may become bored and vocal — many owners keep two. European Burmese have a higher risk of diabetes, so keeping them lean matters. Some develop a painful condition called feline orofacial pain syndrome, which causes pawing at the mouth.
Health to know about
- Diabetes (especially European Burmese)
- Hypokalaemia — low potassium (DNA test available)
- Feline orofacial pain syndrome
- Craniofacial defect in some American lines
- Dental disease
Care in short
- Plenty of play and company
- Measure food to prevent weight gain
- Weekly stroke with a soft brush or cloth
- Choose kittens from tested parents
Kit for a Burmese
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Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for saving the sofa
Sisal scratching post, 80 cm
4.6Tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling.
- Sisal rope cats prefer
- Wide weighted base
Best for indoor cats
Multi-level cat tree
4.4Climbing, perching and hiding in one piece of furniture.
- Several perches
- Replaceable posts
Similar breeds
Questions owners ask
How big does a Burmese get?
Adults usually weigh 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) and stand 23–30 cm (9–12 in) tall.
How long do Burmeses live?
Typically 12–18 years.
Are Burmeses good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Burmeses shed?
Not much.
What health problems are Burmeses prone to?
Diabetes (especially European Burmese); Hypokalaemia — low potassium (DNA test available); Feline orofacial pain syndrome; Craniofacial defect in some American lines; Dental disease.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts