Burmilla
A silver-tipped cross between Burmese and Persian — gentle and elegant.
Burmillas combine the friendly Burmese personality with the silver-tipped coat of the Chinchilla Persian. They are sweet-natured, gentle, and playful in moderation — making them excellent companions for households who want a Burmese-like cat with a softer, less demanding personality.
Key facts
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 8–12 lbs |
| Lifespan | 13–18 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush weekly |
| Shedding | Low |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Striking silver coat
- Friendly without being demanding
- Excellent family cat
- Long-lived
✗ Things to know
- Rare outside UK and Australia
- Some breeders breed only specific colors
- Can inherit Burmese health issues
Ideal owner
A Burmilla 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 Burmilla may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Burmillas are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a Burmilla right for you?
The best way to find out if a Burmilla 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 Burmilla a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — Burmillas are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: sweet-natured, sociable, and easygoing.
Are Burmillas good for apartments?
Yes — Burmillas adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are Burmillas good with children?
Burmillas 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 Burmillas hypoallergenic?
Burmillas 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 Burmilla 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: Burmilla on Wikipedia