Group Classification: Shorthair
Country of Origin: Burma/Thailand
Date of Origin: 16th century
Weight (M): 11-14 lbs.
Weight (F): 8-11 lbs.
Life Expectancy: 15+ years

History
Burmese cats can be found in 16th century illuminations from Burma and Thailand, where the cat was bred in monasteries. Today's Burmese was created in the U.S. in the 1930s from the breeding of a male Siamese and a brown female cat found on the San Francisco waterfront, believed to have traveled there from Burma.

General Description
A medium-sized cat with surprising weight for its size and a glossy, short, close coat, the Burmese. A rounded head, large, expressive golden eyes and sweet expression dominate their appearance.

While it is the Burmese's appearance that first may attract notice, it is the breed's personality that inspires lifelong devotion. Owners find them incredibly loving, intelligent, people-oriented and inquisitive. Cuddlers, they prefer to sleep under the covers with you and will drape themselves around your neck or sit on your shoulder. Devoted to their people, Burmese require regular affection and interaction to thrive. Easily trained, many will play fetch readily. Close a door to keep a Burmese out at your peril: the cat will see it as a challenge and not rest until it succeeds in opening it!

Colors
Sable, Champagne, Blue, Platinum

Notable Features
"A brick wrapped in silk" is the expression regularly used to describe the Burmese, because they appear thin and lithe, yet they have significant muscle weight.

Health and Care
Regular petting or an occasional brushing is usually all that is required to keep the Burmese short coat well groomed. Craving attention, this breed needs an interactive household, lots of playtime and plenty of affection. Fine for a single owner with little to do but love their cat, Burmese are often the choice for an elderly person because of their loving nature. A wonderful choice in a family where there are lots of people in the household willing to share their lap with the cat on a daily basis. The breed is very accepting of other animals and children.

Resource
National Alliance of Burmese Breeders; http://www.burmesecat.org