Ahhh.... so you're thinking of owning a Burmese, huh? Well, maybe you'd like to know a few things about them first.

Burmese are originally from the area around Thailand, (which was once called Burma). One female, named Wong Mau, was brought to the US in the early 1900's. All Burmese in America are descendants of this one cat. The man who brought her over was fascinated by her dark brown color and began breeding to produce more of the same.

For some time, brown was the only acceptable color of Burmese. However, as time went on, it was realized that other colors were cropping up, in particular champagne, a warm honey brown with darker points. CFA came to recognize (after much debate, argument, and struggle) 4 colors of Burmese: Sable, Champagne, Blue, and Platinum. But, in the rest of the world other things were happening. The Burmese were outcrossed to another type of cat and more colors were added. Most of the world also recognizes Cream, red, and torties of the 4 original colors, making for 10 colors total! Some registries in the USA, such as TICA, also now recognize these additional colors. CFA does recognize them, but as a separate breed, the European Burmese.

Enough History, how about temperament? Burmese are known for their outgoing, loving personality. They do not just tolerate their people, they adore them. They are rarely afraid of strangers, instead they run to the door and greet them as a new friend. They are very needy and want your constant attention. Because of this I do not recommend that people have a single Burmese as their only pet. This is particularly true with a male. (see male/female page. Some families with kids can probably get away with it as the kids will give it lots of attention, but otherwise you need two, or to have other pets in the house. Burms will demand to sleep under the covers with you, teach you how to play fetch, and come happily when they are called. They are not your typical cats, and many, many people who do not typically like cats have been converted in one trip to my house. It is important to know that they are not the type of cats to fade in to the background. They need you! If you work a lot or are not home a lot, please do not even consider a single Burmese! They will be very unhappy.

Burms deal well with children. Because of their easy-going, laid-back personality, they accept a lot of "abuse." My male lets me throw him up in the air and play as rough as I want with him, and yet he comes down purring and still plays very gently. They can handle being carried around in odd positions and a child's constant attention and noise. It does not bother them at all, though it might take a little getting used to for a cat that has not been around kids before.

Burms are small cats. Males weigh in around 9-14 pounds and females 5-9 pounds. They are compact and muscular. They rarely overeat, and I've never seen an overweight Burm, though I'm sure a few exist. They have a short coat that lies close to the body and is very smooth, silky, and shiny. They require very little grooming - petting them does most of it! They do not shed much and seem to be pretty good for people with allergies.

Something to really watch out for though, is that Burms can ruin you for all time. Once you have one, you're stuck. Many people never want any other kind of cat! They are addictive, and you will find yourself attached way too quickly!!!!