Burmilla: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The beautiful Burmilla is a newer cat breed from England that came about as the result of an accidental mating between a Burmese and a chinchilla Persian in the 1980s. This sturdy yet elegant cat boasts a silvery-white coat and almost appears to be wearing eyeliner—and nose liner! The breed, while still relatively rare, is beloved by its enthusiasts for being playful, inquisitive, and gentle.

Learn all about the Burmilla, from the breed’s history and care needs to its temperament and health.

Breed Overview

Personality: Friendly, playful, curious, sociable, independent

Weight: Up to 12 pounds

Length: Up to 20 inches

Coat Length: Short hair or semi-long hair

Coat Colors: Silver-white with tips or shading that can include black, blue, chocolate, cream, lilac, and tortoiseshell

Coat Patterns: Shaded or tipped

Eye Color: Green

Lifespan: 15 years

Hypoallergenic: No

Origin: United Kingdom

Burmilla Characteristics

The Burmilla is affectionate and sweet-natured. They love attention but not in the sometimes demanding manner of the Burmese. They tend to be relatively quiet, although they're generally more playful and curious than the Persian. Burmillas can even be a bit mischievous and are known for having slightly goofy, almost clown-like characters.

Although they do enjoy the company of their people, they have an independent streak, so they make great cats for working people. They also tend to get along well with other cats and dogs, providing the introductions have been done carefully.

History of the Burmilla

The Burmilla has a rather noble and recent history. The breed began quite by accident in the early 1980s when a chinchilla Persian and a Burmese, owned by a baroness in the United Kingdom, mated unexpectedly.

The resulting kittens had darkly shaded, thick, short coats. They were so striking that the baroness, who already bred Persians, decided to develop a breeding program for this type of cross.

They gained championship status in the United Kingdom in the 1990s, but it wasn't until 2011 that The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognized the Burmilla breed.

Burmilla Care

Burmillas enjoy being active, so they should have plenty of ways to release their energy and get some exercise daily. When it comes to grooming, they aren’t complicated.

Exercise

Burmilla cats often retain a kitten-like exuberance well into adulthood, making them fun pets. Because of this playful and curious streak, though, you should make sure your Burmilla is getting enough stimulation and enrichment around the home.

A bored Burmilla could seek out their own means of entertainment—and that could include destructive behavior. Give them cat trees and toys to keep themselves occupied when you can’t play with them.

Shedding

The Burmilla sheds a moderate amount, and you might notice extra shedding during certain times of the year, such as during the spring and fall. Brushing them often can help keep fur off your clothes and furniture.

Grooming

Short-haired Burmillas require little in the way of grooming. An occasional brushing will help remove loose hair and keep their coats shiny.

Longer-haired Burmillas benefit from regular (weekly) brushings and an occasional bath to keep their silky hair free of tangles.

All cats should have their claws trimmed often and their teeth brushed at least several times a week for oral health. You should always introduce the toothbrush gradually, keeping sessions short—if you pair it with lots of positive rewards, your cat should learn to accept these sessions more willingly.

Also, check their ears regularly to be sure they don’t need to be cleaned and aren't exhibiting symptoms of problems like infections that need to be treated by a vet.

Common Health Problems

So far, the Burmilla does not appear to have any specific genetic problems. They can, however, be susceptible to the same problems that affect all cats, especially as they age.

Problems that can be seen in the Burmilla cat breed include:

• Polycystic kidney disease: This inherited condition affects the kidneys, causing cysts to form on them. Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, blood in the urine, lethargy, decreased appetite, and others. There’s no cure but there are treatments.

• Periodontal disease: This is one of the most common health problems for any breed. Provide a good quality diet and introduce a dental hygiene regime from a young age.  If your cat tolerates having their teeth brushed a few times a week, this can make a big difference.

Appearance

The Burmilla is a muscular yet elegant medium-sized cat with a thick double-layered coat that feels soft and silky. Occasionally, they can have a slightly longer coat that is classed as semi-long hair. This is a result of the recessive gene from the chinchilla Persian.

Burmillas come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. They are either tipped or shaded. If they have a tipped coat, this means they have a light color that covers a silver or golden undercoat. The silver-tipped cats can often look close to white. Shaded Burmillas have a darker color pattern that primarily appears over the top of their back and shoulders and on the outside of their legs.

Diet and Nutrition

The Burmilla, like all cats, will need a quality, high-protein diet. They are not as prone to obesity as some other breeds, but care should still be taken to ensure you do not overfeed them. Also, always make sure they have fresh, clean water to drink.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Burmilla

Because of their rarity, you may have to travel a fair distance or be on a waiting list to secure a Burmilla kitten. You can also check shelters and rescues for Burmillas in need of homes.

Here are some resources to start your search for a Burmilla:

• Fanciers' Breeder Referral List (FBRL)

• The Cat Fanciers’ Association Breeder Listing

• Rescue Me!

• Petfinder

Burmilla Overview

The Burmilla is a very adaptable breed, and they make excellent family pets. The Burmese and the chinchilla Persian both have very different personalities, and the Burmilla has inherited positive attributes from each.

Pros of Burmillas

• Affectionate and playful

• A healthy breed

• Low-maintenance coat

Cons of Burmillas

• Rare (few breeders in the U.S.)

• Their curiosity can sometimes lead to trouble

• Can be independent

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More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Birman

• British Shorthair

• Turkish Van

Otherwise, check out all of our other cat breed profiles.