Black Burmese cats are beautiful, intelligent, and very affectionate animals. They are also extremely loyal and loving companions.
If you want to get a pet, then you should consider adopting a black Burmese cat.
The black Burmese cat is a breed of domestic cat originating from Myanmar (Burma). These cats are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and love for human company.
Black Burmese cats are very friendly and affectionate. They are great family pets and they love to play. They are also good at learning new things and they are very smart.
If you want to know about this fascinating breed then keep reading. We have put together this useful guide which tells you everything you need to know about black Burmese cats.
Contents
How Were Burmese Cats Created?
In the early 1900s, a cat was brought from Burma to the United States by a sailor. The cat had wide eyes and beautiful dark brown fur.
The sailor showed the little cat to a Siamese breeder who loved it straight away. He bred the cat from Burma with a Siamese cat, creating the Burmese breed.
The Burmese cat is now recognized by the International Cat Association as an official breed.
Appearance And Build
Burmese cats are classed as a medium build. They have a long, slender appearance which makes a lot of people think that they are lightweight.
However, their looks are deceiving. Burmese cats are quite muscular and with a sturdy, compact build.
A fully grown Burmese cat will range from 13 inches up to 20 inches in length, and 8 to 15 pounds in weight.
Burmese cats have a lot of round features. Their faces are round, their ears have rounded tips, their eyes are round, and their paws are round. This gives them a very endearing appearance.
When it comes to the coat, the fur of a Burmese cat is smooth and shiny. This glossy coat is deep brown in color, usually sable in shade.
Juvenile Burmese cats will have different gradients and shading, but this fades as they mature.
Whilst brown is the most common color, there are some other variations- champagne and warm beige, pale gray/platinum, and blue-gray and fawn.
Burmese cats tend to have yellow eyes, but some of them are blue eyes due to the genes from the Siamese cats.
Personality
Burmese cats are known for being very sociable and affectionate. They are happy to be handled, picked up, cuddled, and petted, making them very popular pets.
They adapt well to change and don’t tend to suffer from stress or anxiety-like some other breeds.
When Burmese cats are young, they tend to be very curious. They like to explore and investigate their surroundings, often climbing into narrow spaces and getting stuck.
They also enjoy watching their owners, especially from a high position where they can see everything that’s going on.
As Burmese cats grow older, their curiosity wanes and they can become lazy, often preferring to watch what is going on rather than getting involved.
They enjoy lounging around in a spot with an interesting view, like a windowsill where they can watch the world go by.
However, Burmese cats are very intelligent and can sometimes get bored. It’s good to have some toys on hand for those moments when they feel playful.
Burmese cats get a lot of happiness from spending time with their owners, bonding, and relaxing.
Make sure you put plenty of time aside to shower your cat with love and attention. They don’t like being left alone for long periods.
Burmese cats have a cute trait in the form of their deep, gravelly voice. It is different from the classic high-pitched noises that other domestic cats make.
Should Burmese Cats Be Allowed Outside?
Some people believe that keeping cats indoors is cruel. However, Burmese cats do not cope well with being outdoors.
They have poor survival instincts and are naturally very trusting, which means that they can easily get attacked by predators or caught up in dangerous situations. It is kinder to keep your Burmese cat indoors.
Burmese cats are a sought-after breed, so your cat is also at risk of getting stolen if you let it go outside.
Burmese cats do not tend to be frightened or cautious of strangers, so it would be easy for someone to pick them up and steal them.
If you are worried about your Burmese cat getting bored, there are things you can do to make their indoor space more entertaining.
They like to climb and jump, so get some cat furniture like cat trees and perches for them to explore. You can try different kinds of toys, but they might not be very interested in them.
Some cats like to watch television, and there are videos you can find online designed specifically to entertain cats. They feature birds, mice, and quick random action which your cat might enjoy.
Breeding
Burmese cats are a very popular breed, and supply cannot always keep up with demand.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Burmese cats were bred with Siamese cats as they were easier to come by than cats from Burma.
However, this diluted the breed, as the cats were being born with many more Siamese traits and stronger Siamese genes.
This crossbreeding was stopped in 1947. From then on, only cats born from three generations of purebred Burmese would be officially recognized as the breed.
Health Conditions
Over-breeding can cause health complications, making Burmese cats vulnerable to certain conditions.
Here are the most common health conditions that you need to look out for if you own a Burmese cat:
Lipemia
If your cat is suffering from lipemia of aqueous humor, then it will present as a milky film on the eyes.
Your cat will experience limited vision which can be difficult, but they will become accustomed to it over time.
Facial Defects
If a Burmese cat is born with facial defects then it is unlikely that the cat will survive. Facial defects often prevent the cat from being able to eat properly or breathe properly.
Diabetes
Many Burmese cats suffer from diabetes, but this can be managed with medication, insulin injections, and a careful diet.
Arthritis
Burmese cats can be prone to arthritis and osteoarthritis, particularly in the elbow joints. This can limit their mobility and cause pain.
If you think that your Burmese cat is suffering from any of these health conditions, make sure that you take them to a veterinarian immediately.
They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and which treatments will be most efficient.
How Long Do Burmese Cats Live For?
If Burmese cats are well cared for then they can live anywhere from 12 to 20 years. This will depend on the individual cat, their living conditions, diet, and whether they suffer from any health conditions.
Grooming
Burmese cats don’t shed much of their fur, which makes it easy to keep your house clean.
They require a weekly brush to keep their coats glossy, but you don’t need to bathe them. Burmese cats do a good job of grooming themselves.
You might need to help your Burmese cat with nail trimming and possibly ear cleaning. This depends on the individual cat, how much wear their claws get, and whether they experience a build-up of ear wax.
Making sure that your cat has access to a scratch post can help prevent its claws from getting too long.
Choosing The Right Kitten
If you are thinking of buying a Burmese kitten, there are a few things you should consider:
Don’t Rush The Decision
Make sure you have thought carefully about the responsibility of having a pet. You will need to commit to looking after this cat for up to 20 years.
You should also make sure that your home is suitable for a cat- is it safe? Is it big enough?
Do Your Research
Make sure you know a lot about the breed to ensure that this is the right pet for you. Will you be able to meet its needs? Does your lifestyle fit with having this kind of pet?
Select The Right Breeder
Make sure you look into the breeder to make sure that they are reputable. If possible, speak to other people who have had kittens from that breeder.
Does the mother get regular vet checkups during the pregnancy? Do the kittens have any injections before they come to you? Are the kittens handled and socialized?
If the breeder is trying to sell the kittens before they are old enough to be separated from their mother then this is a red flag.
Choose The Right Kitten
You should always go and visit the kittens before you choose one. Each kitten has their personality, and you will form a connection with some cats easier than others.
Start by just observing the litter to see what the cats are like, then you can start to interact with them.
The chances are, one of the kittens will take a shine to you. The cat often chooses their owner rather than the other way around!
Summary
Burmese cats are beautiful, intelligent, and affectionate animals. They are sociable and enjoy being handled, and they make wonderful pets.
If you want a Burmese cat then make sure you fully understand the breed so you can care for it properly, as each breed is different.
If you look after your Burmese cat then you can enjoy up to 20 years of companionship together.
