Burmilla Cats: Their History, Looks, and Winning Personality

151

The Burmilla cat is a relatively new cat breed that originated in the UK in the 1980s. With its distinctive tipped fur and playful personality, this burmilla breed has quickly become a popular choice for cat lovers around the world. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at where Burmillas come from, what they look like, and what it’s like to have one as a pet.

A Brief History of the Burmilla Cat

The Burmilla cat was first developed in 1981 by a British Shorthair breeder named Miranda von Kirchberg. She wanted to create a cat with the best traits from the Persian and the Chinchilla breeds.

To do this, Miranda bred a lilac burmese cat with a chinchilla persian. The burmilla kittens that resulted had a gorgeous shimmery silver appearance with a plush, silky coat.

Miranda was so pleased with the striking look of these burmilla cats that she worked to establish them as a new breed, named after her cattery – Allure Blazing Burmilla.

It took many years of selective breeding for the ideal Burmilla cat breed look to emerge. But today, this breed has gained championship status in many cat fancier associations around the world.

The Stunning Features of Burmilla Cats

The Burmilla cat breed has some very distinctive physical features that contribute to their uniquely beautiful appearance , This section will showcase what makes the Burmilla cat breed so stunning – from their eye-catching physical features to their playful yet adaptable personality

1-The Unique Physical Features of the Burmilla Cat

So what exactly makes the Burmilla cat stand out? There are a few key physical features that give this burmilla breed its signature beauty:

Coat Colors

Burmillas display a range of gorgeous coat colors with their signature tipped fur:

• Silver – This is the original and still most popular color. The silver-white base is tipped with black or dark brown.
• Golden – A warm honey base is tipped with shades of chocolate, caramel or red.
• Black – A jet black base is tipped with lighter brown or silver.
• Blue – The base coat is a light gray with blue-gray tips.
• Lilac – A pinkish gray base tipped in muted lilac.
• Chocolate – Rich brown base tipped in lighter milk chocolate hues.
• Red – Vibrant ginger base elegantly tipped with apricot or cream.

Vibrant Eye Colors

One of the most striking features of the Burmilla is their vivid and expressive eye color:

• Gold – Luminous and rich golden eyes are the most preferred. They complement the silver coat beautifully.
• Green – Emerald, olive, and chartreuse green eyes are also common. This eye shade paired with red tipped fur is especially stunning.
• Yellow – Bright lemon and rich amber yellow eyes are seen. Yellow eyes stand out against the darker face.
• Odd-eyed – Some Burmillas may have one blue and one golden eye. This unique trait is due to the Persian ancestry.

Graceful Physique

The Burmilla has a refined yet muscular build:

• Medium size – Typically 5-10 lbs when fully grown. Moderate in stature compared to ancestors.
• Slender but sturdy – Long, slender limbs and torso but with substantial bone structure and muscles.
• Elegant neck – Fairly long, arched neck, especially in females. Adds to a refined look.
• Muscular hind legs – Back legs slightly longer than front with muscular thighs for agility.
• Oval-shaped paws – Toes are elongated for grasping, running, climbing.
• Long tail – Plumed tail in balance with the body length. Expressive when moving.

2-Low-Maintenance Grooming

Despite their plush coats, Burmilla cats don’t require an extensive grooming routine. Here are some easy tips:

• Brush your Burmilla once or twice a week to remove loose fur and distribute skin oils. A slicker brush works well.
• Trim nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth and splitting.
• Check ears weekly and clean gently with a cotton ball to prevent waxy buildup.
• Use a stainless steel comb to help detangle any small knots.
• Burmilla cat coats typically stay clean and rarely need bathing.

With just basic weekly brushing and care, your Burmilla’s coat will stay lavishly soft and tangle-free. Their low-maintenance grooming needs make them an ideal breed for busy owners.

3-Playful Companions

Don’t let their graceful appearance fool you – Burmillas are active, athletic cats with playful souls!

Here are some of the traits that make them such fun-loving pets:

• Intelligent – Burmillas pick up tricks quickly and can play fetch, walk on a leash, and more.
• Energetic – They love to dash, pounce and play with interactive cat toys. Be sure to provide plenty of playtime!
• Affectionate – While playful, Burmillas enjoy lounging in laps and cuddling with their humans too.
• Adaptable – They do well in active households with children, other pets and frequent guests.
• Vocal – Some Burmillas like to chat with various chirps and meows. Be prepared for an expressive friend!

If you’re looking for a lively, smart cat that will thrive in a busy home, the Burmilla cat is a perfect choice.

4-Adaptable to Your Lifestyle

One of the great things about Burmillas is their versatility. They tend to adapt well to all different home environments. Here’s what you need to know:

• Households – Do fine in large, lively families or quieter adult homes. They bond closely with their humans.
• Other Pets – Get along nicely with cat-friendly dogs, other cats, and calm pets. Proper introductions are key.
• Children – Very tolerant of kids who treat them gently. Supervise young children though.
• Energy Level – While playful, they are not hyper and are happy lounging around the house too.
• Noise Tolerance – Adaptable to loud households as long as they have some quiet time.
• Apartment Living – Compact size and moderate energy makes them suited for apartments. Be sure to provide climbing trees, perches and toys.

No matter your lifestyle or family setup, the easygoing Burmilla cat is likely to adjust smoothly. Their versatile personality makes them a delightful family companion.

FAQ

Here are answers to some common questions about the marvelous Burmilla cat:

Are Burmillas lap cats?

While energetic at playtime, Burmillas do enjoy relaxing in laps when they want snuggles. Provide them with comfortable spots to lounge!

Do Burmillas get along with dogs?

In many cases yes, as long as the dog is cat-friendly. Slow introductions and early socialization helps them get along.

How much exercise does a Burmilla need?

Burmillas are moderately active. Plan on at least 20-30 minutes a day of interactive play with toys, teaser wands and more to keep them stimulated.

What is the lifespan of a Burmilla?

With good nutrition and preventive vet care, Burmillas often live 14-16 years. Make sure to keep your Burmilla indoors exclusively for maximum longevity.

Are Burmillas vocal cats?

Some Burmillas like to chat more than others. Expect at least some communicative meows, chirps and trills from this expressive breed.

Can Burmillas be left alone during the day?

As long as they have access to food, water, litter box and toys, most Burmillas adapt well to their humans’ work schedule. Be sure to give them plenty of playtime when you return!

The unique Burmilla cat really is a total package – with mesmerizing good looks, playful personality, and adaptable nature. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or a longtime aficionado, the Burmilla is sure to capture your heart and bring joy into your home.