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Shorthair
#14 most popular

Burmese

The satin-coated, golden-eyed charmer who thinks they're a person.

Origin
Burma (Myanmar) / United States
Size
medium
Weight
6–14 lbs
Lifespan
12–18 yrs
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About the Burmese

All modern Burmese trace back to a single cat named Wong Mau, brought from Burma to the US in 1930. Breeders crossed her with Siamese to develop the modern Burmese — a compact, muscular cat with a glossy sable-brown coat and round golden eyes. Burmese are intensely people-oriented and want to be involved in everything you do.

Temperament
Trainability4/5
Child friendly4/5
Other pet friendly4/5
Stranger friendly4/5
Shedding2/5
Grooming needs1/5
Personality
social
playful
curious
dog-like
At a glance
Energy levelhigh
Coat lengthshort
Height9–13 in
Colorssable (most popular), blue, chocolate, lilac…
First-year cost$1,500–$3,000
Annual cost$900–$1,700

Common health issues

Every breed has predispositions. Knowing them helps you watch for early signs and discuss screening with your vet.

Hypokalemia (muscle weakness)
medium risk
Diabetes mellitus
medium risk
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
medium risk
Craniofacial defect (head shape mutation)
low risk
Exercise

30+ min daily. They love to play and explore.

Grooming

Minimal. Weekly brushing is enough.

Training

Highly trainable. They'll fetch, learn commands, and shadow you everywhere.

Cost of ownership

Watch for weight gain — they're food-motivated and prone to diabetes.

First year
$1,500–$3,000
Each year after
$900–$1,700
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Fun facts

  • 🐾The breed was founded from a single cat, Wong Mau, in 1930.
  • 🐾They retain their kitten-like playfulness into adulthood.
  • 🐾Burmese have been called the 'dog of the cat world' for their loyalty.

Best suited for

Families
Multi-pet homes
Owners wanting a 'velcro cat'

What next?

Calculate your costs

See first-year, annual, and 10-year costs based on your ZIP code and lifestyle.

Check a symptom

Pre-loaded with Burmese-specific health risks.

Identify a photo

Got a photo? AI will tell you if it looks like this breed.

Similar breeds

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Siamese

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Sphynx

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British Shorthair

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Persian

Medical disclaimer: This profile is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concerns.