Burmese Cat

Burmese cat
History
The ancestors of the Burmese are the Siamese and the copper cat of Burma (now known as
Myanmar). Its thought that they were temple and palace cats bred and kept by priests. The
matriarch of the modern Burmese was a small, dark-brown cat named Wong Mau. She
belonged to Dr. Joseph Thompson, who either acquired her from a sailor or brought her back
himself from his travels, depending on which story you believe.
Wong Mau was at first thought to be a Siamese with a chocolate-colored coat. Such Siamese
werent unheard of. Chocolate Siamese were described in the 1880s. Their bodies were tan
or brown, and they had seal-brown or nearly black points. The seal-point Siamese, also known
as royal Siamese, had lighter bodies that contrasted with their dark points and were preferred
by breeders and the public. The chocolate-colored cats eventually disappeared in Britain, but
they still existed in Thailand and Burma (now known as Myanmar), where they were probably
the offspring of natural (as opposed to human-directed) matings between free-roaming
Siamese (pointed) and solid-colored Burmese cats. Wong Mau was one of them. It was her
destiny to become the matriarch of two new breeds: the Burmese and, later, the Tonkinese.
Dr. Thompson bred Wong Mau to a seal-point Siamese named Tai Mau. His breeding program,
in conjunction with breeders Virginia Cobb and Billie Gerst and geneticist Clyde Keeler,
produced kittens with beige, brown and pointed coats. The results, including the discovery of
the Burmese gene, were so interesting that Thompson published an article on the subject in a
1943 issue of the Journal of Heredity, the first such piece on feline genetics.
The Cat Fanciers Association began registering Burmese in 1936 but suspended registrations
in 1947 because breeders were still using Siamese in their breeding programs. Registrations
resumed in 1953 after the practice was stopped. Today the Burmese is a popular breed among
cat lovers.
Personality
The Burmese is energetic and friendly. He has the charm and determination of
his Siamese ancestors, and enjoys conversation as much as that breed, but hisvoice is soft
and sweet, belying his tendency to run the household with an iron paw sheathed in velvety fur.
He is highly intelligent and seeks out human companionship, so hes not best suited to a home
where he will be left alone much of the day. If no humans will be around to engage his intellect,
be sure he has the company of another pet. He gets along well with other cats and with dogs,
but of course another Burmese will be his best pal.
The Burmese is about as curious as cats come. Expect him to explore your home thoroughly
and know all of its nooks and crannies. He is playful and remains so into adulthood. Tease his
clever mind with interactive toys, and teach him tricks that will allow him to show off for an
audience. Besides sit, roll over, wave and come, he can learn to fetch a small toy or walk on a
leash. With proper early conditioning, car rides and vet visits will be a breeze.
A Burmese is a good choice if you dont object to complete loss of privacy. This cat will want to
be involved in everything you do, from reading the newspaper and working at the computer to
preparing meals and watching television. He will, of course, sleep on the bed with you and may
even snuggle under the covers. When you are sitting down, he will be in your lap or right next
to you, waiting expectantly to be petted. You will be scolded if you ignore him. Guests will
receive his full attention, and it is likely that he will win over even those who claim to dislike
cats.
A female Burmese is the very definition of queenliness. She likes attention and she likes to be
in charge. Males are more restful, satisfied to fill a lap. Whichever you choose, its likely that
you will soon find yourself yearning for another.
Health
Both pedigreed cats and mixed-breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that
may be genetic in nature. Burmese are generally healthy, although they can be prone to
gingivitis and may be sensitive to anesthesia. The following diseases have also been seen in
Burmese:
Lipemia of the aqueous humor, a transient milky appearance of the eye during
kittenhood, which usually resolves on its own.
Corneal dermoid, the presence of skin and hair on the surface of the cornea, which
can be successfully corrected surgically.
Orofacial pain syndrome, indicated by exaggerated licking and chewing motions

and pawing at the mouth. The discomfort can increase when the cat is excited or
stressed, and the cats often are reluctant to eat because the activity is painful. Some
cats must wear an Elizabethan collar and have their paws bandaged so they dont
hurt themselves. Some cases resolve on their own, then recur. The cause and the
mode of inheritance are unknown. Pain medications and anti-seizure drugs can help,
as can consultation with a veterinary dentist to rule out dental disease.
Congenital peripheral vestibular disease, causing head tilting, poor balance, rapid
eye movements and uncoordinated walking in kittens. Some kittens with the
condition may also be deaf.
Burmese head defect, a craniofacial abnormality.
Hypokalemic polymyopathy, muscle weakness caused by low levels of potassium in

the blood, which is sometimes seen in Burmese kittens. Signs include general
weakness, a stiff gait, reluctance to walk, and head tremors. It can be treated with
potassium supplements given orally.
Flat-chested kitten syndrome, a deformity that can range from mild to severe.
Kittens who survive to adulthood usually show no signs once they reach maturity.
Kinked tail, usually as a result of a deformity of the tailbone. It causes no pain or

discomfort.
Elbow osteoarthritis, an early onset of arthritis in the elbow, limiting the cats
activity or mobility.
Endocardial fibroelastosis, a heart condition in which the left ventricle of the heart
thickens, stretching the heart muscle. Signs usually develop when a kitten is 3
weeks to 4 months old, good reason to wait until 4 months to bring a kitten home.
Dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart.
Diabetes mellitus, an endocrine condition caused by a defect in insulin secretion or

insulin action that results in high levels of sugar in the blood.

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Burmese Cat

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Burmese cat

Orofacial pain syndrome, indicated by exaggerated licking and chewing motions

Burmese head defect, a craniofacial abnormality.

Hypokalemic polymyopathy, muscle weakness caused by low levels of potassium in

Kinked tail, usually as a result of a deformity of the tailbone. It causes no pain or

Dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart.

Diabetes mellitus, an endocrine condition caused by a defect in insulin secretion or

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