Burmese Cats

Breed: Burmese
Temperament: lively, affectionate
Cost: from $300
Lifespan: 12 -16 years
Recommended for: families, people wanting an active cat
Maintenance: low

Appearance

Burmese are slim, athletic cats with a short, silky coat and golden eyes. There are many colours including; brown, blue, lilac, chocolate, cream, red, lilac-cream (also called lilac torti), blue torti, chocolate torti and brown torti.

Temperament

Burmese are intelligent, affectionate cats, vocal (but not as demanding as Siamese), active and playful. Burmese kittens are especially well known for their inquisitive nature. Some can be trained to retrieve toys or balls of paper. Most are outgoing and accept strangers well.

Some breeders claim the torti coloured Burmese are especially outgoing, mischievous and rascally. They have earned the affectionate nickname of naughty torties.

As there have been cases where individual Burmese have acted aggressively, reputable breeders urge prospective buyers to inspect parents of a kitten for any aggressive tendencies.

Health and lifespan

Hypokalemia is a condition when blood potassium levels drop, initially causing cramping, then paralysis. This can be treated with oral supplements. As with other Oriental breeds, lactose intolerance is common and milk should be avoided. Burmese will wander if allowed and as a result, many are hit by cars.

Feeding

A varied diet such as canned food, cheese, some mince and dried biscuits should be adequate. They should not be fed solely on dry food as this may cause kidney problems.

Breeding

Burmese usually have large litters, between six and eight kittens, with few problems. Kittens are born with coffee-coloured coats which then develop into the final colour.

Cost

From $300

Housepet Potential

Many Burmese will scratch the furniture if not provided with a scratching post and some breeders trim their claws. They are known climbers and a well-aimed water pistol should be used to dissuade cats from climbing curtains and furniture.

Grooming

Minimal grooming required. Hand stroking should remove loose hairs.

Space and exercise

Burmese are an ideal cat for the average home or flat, although they do like room to roam. They tend to exercise adequately on their own and are not a breed which puts on weight easily.

Ideal owner

Most Burmese make good pets for families with children but they won't tolerate teasing. Many people living alone find the Burmese a companion which will 'talk' to them, however, someone who spends a lot of time away from the home should probably have two as they can be destructive if bored.

History

Most breeders agree that the Burmese seen in Western countries today were derived from one female, Wang Mau, imported from Burma in the 1930's. As this was the only cat of its type in the West, it was mated to a Siamese, then the progeny mated back. The Burmese has been recognised as a breed since the 1950's - 60's. It is one of Australia's most popular, pedigree shorthair cats.

Further information:

Our story was filmed in NSW with Fiona Cooper
Phone: (02) 4576 5404
figaro@zeta.org.au

Burmese Cat Society of Australasia Inc
Ray Auland, phone: (02) 9622 9793
Margaret Walker, phone: (02) 4325 3391

NSW
NSW Cat Fanciers' Association (CCCA)
PO Box 485
Round Corner, NSW, 2158
Phone: (02) 4587 8789

Waratah State Cat Alliance (ACF)
PO Box 2478
Taren Point Business Centre
Taren Point, NSW, 2229
Phone: (02) 9544 1910
Fax: (02) 9527 36985

ACT
Capital Cats Incorporated
PO Box 404
Dickson, ACT, 2602
Joanne Duffy - Phone: (02) 6258 7402
Leslie Roberts - Phone: (02) 6231 6538

QLD
Queensland Feline Association Inc
Sec: Mrs Valerie Harney
8 Cooper Rd
Northgate, QLD, 4013
Phone: (07) 3260 6575

Council of Federated Cat Clubs of Queensland
Sec: Marie Mahoney
497 Oakey Flat Rd
Morayfield, QLD, 4506
Phone: (07) 5498 6078

Burmese Cat Club of Queensland
PO Box 211
Wilston, QLD, 4051
Phone: (07) 3857 2743, (07): 3805 2800, (07): 3805 2811
Fax: (07) 3805 2811
Email: burmeseqld@hotmail.com

SA
Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of SA
35 Buckneall Rd
Glanville, SA, 5015
Sec: Mrs Nell Evans
Phone: (08) 8449 5880
Feline Association of South Australia Inc
Sec: Mrs Betty August
PO Box 736
Murray Bridge, SA, 5254
Phone: (08) 8532 3314

TAS
Cat Control Council of Tasmania
Mrs T Plumbridge
17 Cheltenham Way
Prospect Vale, TAS, 7250
Phone: (03) 6344 6464

VIC
Burmese Cat Society of Victoria
Bev McMillin
'Adina', Falconer Road
Park Orchard, VIC, 3114
Phone: (03) 9876 1090

WA
Burmese Cat Club of Western Australia
Jenny Cassoti
Phone: (08) 9295 2658
Email: purrever@one.net.au

NT
Cat Association of the Northern Territory
PO Box 3870
Darwin, NT, 0801
Phone: (08) 8932 3485

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