Burmese History

In the early 1930's Dr. Joseph Thompson of San Francisco acquired an attractive walnut brown female from Burma, which he named Wong Mau. Through selective breeding to Siamese, it was established that the Burmese is a distinct breed. Lighter coloured kittens were occasionally produced and eventually the American breeders requested recognition from CFA for these 'dilute' colours; first as another breed named Malayan, then later as a dilute division of Burmese. The four colours recognised by the ACF are brown, chocolate, blue and lilac. or as named in America, sable, champagne, blue and platinum. Most of all regardless of colour, the Burmese temperament remains the same.

Burmese carry surprising weight for their size and have often been described as 'bricks wrapped in silk'. Their coats are very short, satin-like in texture, and generally require little grooming other than a daily petting. There is a range in Burmese head and body types; the more compact cats with the rounder heads are seen in the show ring. Burmese have large, expressive eyes that are great pools of innocence and seductive appeal, irresistible in effect. These eyes are their most persuasive weapons in an arsenal of endearing traits that mask an awesome power to hypnotise their owners into lifetime love affairs through which they effortlessly rule their families.

Most people have heard of Persians and Siamese and can tell the difference between the breeds. Many times I've been asked, "What is a Burmese"?

A Burmese is love on four feet. The monkey who will climb anything then look down on you and say "Aren't I clever"? A Burmese will climb your legs, jump on your back - or your front - and twine around your neck whispering sweet nothings, not to mention having the odd nibble of your ear.

As Kittens, Burmese are quite lively. They often seem clumsy when they attempt feats beyond their capabilities and land on their rears with solid little thumps. They will be playful well into adulthood. As Burmese grow, their high intelligence emerges and their own individual personalities start to unfold. Burmese converse with their humans, using soft sweet voices (they are neither loud nor raucous). They are good with children, will tolerate the family dog, and if introduced to it at an early age as something pleasant, most will enjoy travelling in a car.

Many times I've been told "If I'd known a cat could be like this, I'd have had one years ago" It doesn't seem to matter if someone in the family doesn't like cats because that is the person your Burmese will attach himself to - until that person is sold on Burmese and couldn't imagine the house without one - then it's love all round for everyone.

Summing up: Burmese are beautiful; a joy to behold; the perfect pet; with voices not as loud as Siamese or as soft as Persians; loving; fearless; and intelligent (who else wants to play at some unearthly hour of the morning, and wakes you up by licking your face or nibbling your ear?).
A Burmese is softness in your arms; a lovely warm coat around your neck; a comfort when you are sick and the nearest thing to perfection found in a cat.

Take time to become friendly with one - it's the road to happiness.

Extracted originally Burmese Whisper