Burmese
Compact, muscular cats with magnetic, people-loving personalities.
Burmese are affectionate, social, and surprisingly heavy for their compact size — earning them the nickname "bricks wrapped in silk." They are highly intelligent, vocal in a soft way, and form deep bonds with their families. They actively seek out human company.
Key facts
| Origin | Myanmar, United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 8–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Medium |
| Grooming | Brush weekly |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Highly affectionate and social
- Long-lived
- Easy grooming
- Excellent with kids
✗ Things to know
- Can suffer separation anxiety
- Some prone to specific genetic conditions
- Very people-dependent
Ideal owner
A Burmese may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A Burmese may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, Burmeses can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Hypokalemia
- Diabetes
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Is a Burmese right for you?
The best way to find out if a Burmese suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Burmese a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Burmeses are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: sociable, affectionate, and intensely people-oriented.
Are Burmeses good for apartments?
Yes — Burmeses adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Burmeses good with children?
Burmeses are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are Burmeses hypoallergenic?
Burmeses are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a Burmese suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: Burmese on Wikipedia