What is special about Burmese cats?

Burmese are wonderfully tolerant cats. They get along well with people of all ages and other pets. As devoted companions, they don’t like being alone and will happily commandeer any free lap in sight.

How much do Burmese cats cost?

The cost of a Burmese cat varies by breeder and coat color, but expect to pay $600 or more.

Do Burmese cats like being picked up?

Many Burmese cats love being carried; after all, it’s the easiest way to stay close to their beloved humans. You might even see them perched atop their pet parent’s shoulder.

Are Burmese cats good at catching mice?

For cats, going after small prey like mice is a matter of instinct. But rodents carry diseases and pests that can be transmitted to your cat, so catching mice shouldn’t be encouraged, even if they “can” do it. There are better ways to address an infestation.

Burmese Cat

Updated June 8, 2026

What do you get when you mix the demeanor of a Golden Retriever with a golden-eyed feline? The Burmese cat. These playful kitties don’t mind public displays of affection: If you have an empty lap, a Burmese would like to call dibs.

Temperament

Cuddle Companion, Attention-Lover, Playful Partner

Weight

Up to 12 pounds

Life Expectancy

9–13 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

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Burmese cats are full of surprises. For starters, contrary to typical feline stereotypes, the breed is highly people-oriented and perfectly pleased to be picked up. In fact, they’re sometimes referred to as “Velcro cats” for this reason. And though Burmese are medium in size, they are heavier than they look and can weigh up to 12 pounds.

True to their name, Burmese cats do indeed trace their origins back to the Southeast Asian nation of Burma (now Myanmar). But with their doting demeanor, Burmese can feel at home just about anywhere they have a devoted human by their side.

Burmese Cat Characteristics

Remember: Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Trainability

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Vocal Level

Likes to be Picked Up

Likes to be Pet

Burmese Cat Appearance

According to the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), the ideal Burmese cat is medium-size with “substantial bone structure, good muscular development, and a surprising weight.”

From the tops of their rounded heads to the tips of their straight tails—and all the satin-like fur in between—Burmese are a beautiful breed to behold.

Ears
Burmese ears are triangular but rounded at the tops. They also naturally tilt forward a bit, lending Burmese an alert appearance.Burmese cats have large, round eyes that range in color from yellow to gold.
Eyes
Burmese cats have large, round eyes that range in color from yellow to gold.
Nose
Burmese have short muzzles and noses that vary in color according to their coat. Those with sable and champagne coats have brown noses. Blue-coated cats have slate gray noses, and platinum coats have lavender-pink noses.
Coat Length
Burmese have short, soft, and shiny coats that don’t shed much.
Coat Color
Burmese can be sable, champagne, blue, or platinum.
Tail
Burmese have straight tails that are medium in length.

Burmese Cat Temperament

A Burmese cat’s temperament is all about loving and being loved. Contrary to the stereotype of many cats as aloof and hyper-independent, Burmese generally don’t enjoy alone time. These friendly cats would prefer to stick by their human’s side—or, better yet, be in their arms. Burmese are happy to be handled.

Burmese are also happy to play with people of all ages, including small children, and are less likely to pick one special person they like the most. The International Cat Association (TICA) notes that Burmese tolerate the youngest family members with ease.

Burmese kittens are particularly playful, but adult cats enjoy playing games, too. And while soft meows and purrs are their default, Burmese are highly capable of getting your attention vocally if they need to.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Burmese Cat

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How to Care for a Burmese Cat

Burmese are fairly low-maintenance cats. They love being handled, and their fur needs little grooming to stay healthy. Pet parents will likely spend the most time simply providing companionship.

Considering how much hands-on attention Burmese desire, it’s a lucky break that they happen to be covered in soft, silky fur.

Burmese cats’ grooming needs are minimal, but it’s important to get them used to it as early as possible. Teaching your kitten to remain calm during nail trims, coat care, and brushing their teeth will be easier than waiting until your Burmese is an adult.

Bathing: Burmese cats don’t generally need baths. However, an occasional bath is OK, particularly if your cat gets into something.
Brushing: Burmese don’t shed much, but brushing their fur once a week with a rubber brush can help remove dead hair and distribute healthy oils that keep their coats glossy.
Nail trimming: Burmese should have their nails trimmed every two to four weeks. The National Alliance of Burmese Breeders notes that while Burmese enjoy being carried, they may not respond well to strong restraint. Use high-value treats like a Churu to reward your Burmese for sitting nicely for nail trims.
Dental care: Brushing your Burmese cat’s teeth with a cat toothbrush and cat toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental disease.

Like all cats, Burmese are obligate carnivores. This means their diet must include:

Large amounts of animal protein
Essential amino acids (e.g., taurine)
Fats for energy and essential fatty acids
Certain vitamins and minerals (e.g., vitamin A)

This universal fact aside, every cat is an individual. Your cat’s life stage, weight, and health are all important to consider when determining the best food and feeding plan for your pet. Partner with your veterinarian to find a high-quality, AAFCO-compliant food that meets your cat’s unique nutritional needs.

Remember that cat treats contain calories, too, and should never make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.

Burmese are active, intelligent cats who need to exercise both their brains and their bodies. And though their spunk wanes a bit as they grow from kitten to adult, it never fully disappears.

Burmese enjoy games, food puzzles, and skills training. True to their doglike personality, they can even enjoy playing fetch.

If you decide to try teaching your Burmese new skills, such as to sit or shake, use a positive, rewards-based approach. Treats, cuddles, praise, and play can all be used as rewards that help keep your cat motivated during short training sessions. Using a clicker will also be useful.

Of course, being a Velcro cat comes with its own exercise: Expect your Burmese to follow you wherever you go. You can even take them on walks with a leash and harness.

Burmese are a breezy breed. They are also tolerant housemates, getting along with people of all ages and even other pets—dogs included.

Because they are so people-oriented, Burmese do best in homes where they can get the attention they need. If you’d have to leave your cat home alone much of the day, a Burmese probably isn’t the best choice. At the very least, consider adding another pet to your family.

Burmese will want to go wherever you’re going; they might even follow you into bed. Burmese are safest living as indoor cats, though it doesn’t matter if you live in a teeny apartment or a sprawling mansion. All they need is to stay by your side as much as possible.

Burmese enjoy watching what’s happening outdoors, so make sure they have opportunities to safely observe. Cat trees, window perches, and catios can all support hours of bird and people watching.

Burmese Cat Health

The average Burmese cat lifespan is 9–13 years, but they often live much longer. Like all breeds, they are predisposed to certain health conditions.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in cats. Signs of HCM include appetite loss, heart murmur, arrhythmias, blood clots, heart failure, fluid in the lungs and abdomen, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. HCM can often be treated with medication, but other cats may need a regular thoracocentesis—a procedure that drains excess fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) and/or in the abdomen—or even oxygen therapy.
Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes in cats is a common endocrine disease. Cats with diabetes either can’t produce enough insulin (Type 1) or can’t use the insulin they produce (Type 2). In cats, Type 2 diabetes (aka insulin-resistant diabetes) is far more common. Signs of diabetes include increased thirst, increased frequency and volume of urination, accidents outside the litter box, weight loss, vomiting, and lethargy. There isn’t a cure for cat diabetes, but it can be managed with insulin injections and diet changes.

Burmese Cat History

The Burmese breed traces its beginnings back to a small female cat named Wong Mau, according to the breed club. A sailor brought Wong Mau from Burma to the United States in 1930 and gave her to Joseph Thompson, an American doctor in San Francisco. Believing that he had a new breed in his midst, Thompson hoped to reproduce her unique traits.

In 1932, Thompson bred Wong Mau with a seal point Siamese cat named Tai Mau. The dark brown kittens produced from continued breeding went on to become the foundation of the Burmese breed, and TICA notes that Wong Mau is now believed to have been a Siamese–Burmese hybrid.

The Burmese breed was officially recognized by TICA in June 1979.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Burmese Cat

Burmese Cat