| Characteristics | Description |
| Origin | Great Britain, 1950s |
| Other names | Havana Brown |
| Breed type | Short-haired, selective breeding |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 3–5.5 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15 years |
| Colour | Solid warm chestnut brown (chocolate), less commonly lilac |
| Coat type | Short, smooth, dense, shiny to the touch |
| Appearance characteristics | Elongated muzzle, large ears, expressive emerald green eyes |
| Temperament | Balanced, affectionate, intelligent, slightly shy with strangers |
| Intelligence | High — easy to train, quickly gets used to routine and commands |
| Character | Loyal, sociable, loves attention and contact with people |
| Behavioural characteristics | Follows the owner, ‘talks’ in a soft voice, requires communication |
| Attitude towards children | Good — patient, playful, but prefers calm treatment |
| Attitude towards other animals | Generally friendly, especially if acquainted from childhood. |
| Activity | Average — likes to play, but is not overly energetic. |
| Energy level | Medium-low |
| Sociability level | High — people-oriented, does not like loneliness |
| Attitude towards loneliness | Does not tolerate long periods without its owner well. |
| Shedding level | Low. |
| Coat care | Minimal — just wipe with a damp cloth to keep it shiny. |
| Health characteristics | Generally robust; may be prone to respiratory diseases. |
| Suitable for keeping | Ideal for apartments and owners who spend a lot of time at home |
| Owner type | Suitable for single people or families who value peace and sociability |
The Burmilla is an elegant, medium-sized cat with a sturdy build and expressive appearance. The breed is often compared to the Burmese cat because of its similar body type: a compact body, strong back, and muscular limbs.
The Burmilla's head has soft contours and resembles a rounded wedge in shape. The ears are set wide apart, and the eyes are bright, ranging in colour from green to golden yellow. A unique mark on the forehead in the shape of the Latin letter ‘M’ gives the cat a special charm. The coat is short, with a thick light undercoat and striking tipping — the tips of the hairs are slightly darker than the main colour.
Character
Burmillas have a moderate temperament. They enjoy attention and participating in family life — they consider themselves full members of the family. These cats easily become attached to people and may follow their owner around the house, waiting for a response or affection. Representatives of this breed are very intelligent and inventive.
Origin
Country of origin — Great Britain. The Burmilla breed appeared by accident in 1981 after an unexpected mating between a chinchilla male and a lilac Burmese cat.
The offspring inherited the Burmese type of behaviour, but surprised with their silver colouring and characteristic markings. These qualities were considered worthy of further selection, and so a new breed with a unique appearance and gentle temperament was born.
Behaviour
Burmese cats are reserved, observant, and prefer the comfort of familiar surroundings. They are also:
- not prone to vigorous activity, rarely fussing over trifles;
- loyal, calm companions who do not need constant entertainment;
- like to be close, but are not intrusive.
A comfortable environment and routine are more important to them than exploring new places. It is advisable to place their bed on a raised platform — cats feel more confident when they can observe what is happening from above.
Health
Veterinarians do not identify any specific diseases characteristic of Burmills. However, as representatives of the Asian group, they may inherit a predisposition to ailments characteristic of Burmese cats. Some lines have a tendency to diabetes.
Nutrition
Cats of this breed, like many others, tend to be picky eaters. At the same time, their diet must be strictly balanced and include more than 40 essential nutrients. The ratio of components depends on the age, lifestyle and health of the animal.
For example, an active kitten needs more calories and protein than an adult cat that leads a sedentary lifestyle. To avoid overfeeding or, conversely, underfeeding, it is important to stick to the portions specified by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Care
Caring for a Burmese is not difficult — they take excellent care of their own coat. However, your cat will be happy if you gently comb it from time to time. The quality of the coat largely depends on the cat's overall health, so don't forget to take it to the vet for regular check-ups.
Is it suitable for children?
Burma cats are not on the list of the most ‘child-friendly’ breeds, but much depends on the character of the individual animal and how it interacts with the child. With careful handling, these cats can become good friends for children.
