Burmilla: description of the breed, characteristics, features of habits and behavior (95 photos)

What does a Burmilla look like?

In the photo of the Burmilla you can see one of its key features - its eyes, outlined with black edging.
They look as if someone deliberately tinted them with eyeliner to make them even more expressive. Representatives of this breed have weak sexual dimorphism. The sizes of girls are not much inferior to boys. On average, animals weigh 4-8 kg, and their height at the withers is 25-30 cm.

Muzzle

The breed is characterized by a medium-sized head with a blunt wedge shape. The short, rounded muzzle has plump cheeks. In males they are always larger. The width of the skull gradually tapers off from the forehead to the chin.

The contour of the muzzle is harmoniously continued by widely set ears. They are slightly inclined forward and rounded at the tips. When examining the profile, a clear stop is noticeable. The cat's nose, like its eyes, is framed with a black outline.

Expressive large eyes are no less widely set. The curved line of the upper eyelid gives it a similarity to oriental breeds, but the lower eyelid is curved into a smooth crescent. Amber and green iris colors are allowed. Kittens have a more reddish hue. It approaches the standard soon after maturity.

Body type

The cat's body is compact and muscular. Despite her strong bones, she looks very elegant and even a little fragile, but this impression is wrong. The wide chest is well defined, and a small hump of wool is clearly visible at the withers. The length of the shoulders and hips is the same.

The hind limbs are longer than the forelimbs. Their muscles are well developed. The rounded paws are equipped with black pads. The movable tail is of medium length and gradually tapers to a rounded tip.

Coat and color

The standard allows two varieties of Burmilla: smooth-haired and long-haired. Both species have soft, smooth and silky fur. Its hairs are colored zonally, that is, the color of the undercoat and the awn are different.

The color of the Burmilla can be shaded, solid, smoky or brindle. The color of the hairs on the back is always darker than on the belly. The undercoat is colored silver or gold, and the guard hair has many more options:

• chocolate;
• cream;
• lilac;
• brown;
• blue (gray).

Due to the different pigmentation of the hairs, the coat has a characteristic shine. Cats inherited this feature from the chinchilla Persian.

Colors

Burmilla have a lot of colors, but they are all similar to each other. It seems that the gray cat was wearing a cape slightly darker than its color. So, a variety of capes:

• tortoiseshell;
• Bombay;
• cream;
• chocolate;
• smoky;
• lilac;
• brown;
• brindle:
• speckled black;
• mottled blue.

Thus, we can say that Burmillas have a fairly large range of colors. However, all these colors have a chinchilla tint.

Burmilla character

The sociable nature of the Burmilla and its “talkativeness” help to find quick contact with humans and other pets. Despite the fact that the cat loves to sit in the arms, she never imposes herself and chooses a time convenient for the owner.

If people pay attention to her, then the pet happily demonstrates her violent flow of emotions. She is not afraid of strangers and confidently greets them at the door.

The cat often suppresses its activity so as not to cause trouble to its owners. If you or your child takes the initiative on your own, she will happily support it. When playing with children, the chinchilla pet is very reserved and careful. Only she herself can suffer, since an attack on her little owner is taboo for her.

The cat's friendliness even extends to dogs. When communicating with other four-legged animals, she tries to show her superiority, she may become jealous, but she will never show open aggression.

Due to its intolerant attitude towards loneliness, the breed is suitable for those who have a lot of free time. You should not get this cat if you are a workaholic and rarely appear at home. Lack of attention has a detrimental effect on her psyche, so it is better to choose a different breed.

These animals have high intelligence. They quickly figure out how to open the kitchen cabinet and get to the food. The only downside is that a developed mind is combined with curiosity. On a walk, a pet can easily get lost if it gets carried away by something interesting.

Advantages and disadvantages

• High intelligence.
• Strongly attached to the owner.
• Friendly character.
• Affectionate.
• Moderately sociable.
• Good health.
• Non-aggressive.
• They are clean and take good care of their coat.

• They don't like to play and sleep a lot.
• They are not willing to make contact with strangers.
• They don't really like small children (but they don't show aggression).
• They leave a lot of fur when they shed.
• Allergenic.
• They don’t like water, and therefore don’t like swimming.
• They do not make contact with other animals; they prefer to hide or simply ignore them.

Raising a Burmilla

The basics of parenting are laid down by the mother, so it is very important not to take the baby away too early. She shows her kittens how to properly groom themselves, which makes training much easier in the future. Animals adopted through the nursery are already accustomed to the tray and scratching post, so they very quickly find their way around a new place.

Training a Burmilla cat is based on mutual respect. Do not try to put pressure on your pet or try to threaten it. A good result is achieved only when the animal performs actions of its own free will.

To wean yourself from unwanted actions, use auxiliary tools: newspaper, spray bottle and your voice. If your pet persistently chews and scratches everything that moves, gently hit him with a rolled-up newspaper, spray him with water, or simply demonstrate your indignation. Do not shout or hit the animal, so as not to cause the opposite effect. An offended or frightened cat may begin to go to the toilet past the litter tray out of revenge or fear.

Trained pets can learn simple tricks. They quickly remember their nickname and are happy to bring toys. These simple commands evoke pleasant associations, since the animal receives affection and approval from the owner for its efforts.

Care instructions

Burmillas know how to take care of themselves: sharpen their claws and lick their fur coat. But, if you want your cat’s beauty to blossom to the fullest, she cannot do without your help.

Wool

The pride of the Burmilla is its coat - it doesn’t matter whether it’s short or long, it requires weekly combing (long-haired Burmilla’s often develop tangles). Buy a special brush with natural bristles (or a mitten) and comb your pet, starting from the head and ending with the tail. This procedure will rid the cat of excess hair and skin secretions, and will also stimulate blood circulation.

Bathing

You should only bathe your Burmilla if the cat is very dirty. Representatives of this breed do not like water and are very nervous. Use only special cat shampoo, for example, Anju Beaute Cachemire Shampooing, Bio-Groom, Royal Groom.

There are also tint products on sale: Jerob Parisian Purple Shampoo for lilac and blue coat colors, Jerob Mahogony Gold Shampoo for brown coats. Human products are not suitable for animals, as they can cause allergies, skin dermatitis and poisoning.

Ears

Cats' ears accumulate wax and dirt over time. They should be cleaned weekly with a cotton swab soaked in ear lotion (Iv San Bernard, All Systems Ear So Fresh, Beaphar Oftal). A fresh decoction of chamomile is also suitable. You can’t pour anything into your ears!

Claws

It is up to the owner to decide whether to cut or clip their nails. Burmilla herself is capable of sharpening them well, and your task is to install a high-quality scratching post in a convenient corner.

Eyes

When fur gets on the mucous membrane of the eyes, it often causes irritation. This, in turn, provokes profuse tear production. Get into the habit of wiping your pet’s eyes every evening with a cotton pad soaked in tea leaves or chlorhexidine solution. Special products include Tsiprovet, Maxitrol, Ziver, and Cliny drops.

In the photo there is a long-haired Burmilla cat

Burmilla health

With proper care, Burmilla health problems occur very rarely. Most of their diseases are hereditary, so when choosing a kitten, be sure to read the information about the parents.

To build a strong immune system, make sure you have enough vitamins. Typically, mineral and vitamin complexes are prescribed by a veterinarian, based on the tests of a mustachioed patient. They will have to be taken annually, since less frequent visits are fraught with late detection of hidden pathologies.

It is also important to remember about vaccinations. A vaccine is the only effective way to protect against viral infections. They promote the formation of an immune response and prevent infection.

Possible diseases

Artificially bred breeds are more vulnerable than native ones. The poor Burmillas inherited Persian polycystic kidney disease. Its appearance can be recognized by the following symptoms:

• frequent trips to the toilet;
• loss of appetite;
• sudden weight loss;
• lethargy and lethargy.

If such symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately. Numerous cysts on the kidneys impair the functionality of the organ and can lead to kidney failure.

Another possible pathology is congenital keratoconjunctivitis, that is, inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Due to the desiccation of the stratum corneum, the patient often develops vascularization, when blood vessels grow into the corneal tissue.

Males may develop orofacial pain syndrome. This disease has been little studied, so its exact cause is still unknown. Symptoms of the pathology include intense lip licking and constant chewing movements.

Animals are also vulnerable to allergies. To avoid an allergic reaction, never smoke around your pet and hide household chemicals in inaccessible places. If you experience a runny nose, watery eyes, red eyes, itching or rash, consult your doctor. The patient's condition is normalized with the help of individually selected antihistamines.

Reproductive health

The small number of representatives greatly complicates breeding. You can wait years for a purebred mating partner. If you cheat and try to act by analogy with the founder of the breed, then animals that meet the standard will appear only in the sixth generation. Because of this, matings between Burmese and chinchillas are practically not carried out.

The birth of offspring is planned no earlier than the third heat. Pregnancy lasts about 9 weeks, and the moment of birth is calculated individually. To get healthy kittens, it is important to carefully study the pedigree of your partner and examine your own pet.

Pet class animals are not allowed for breeding. Such pets undergo castration or sterilization, which eliminates reproductive function. Surgery may also be required for more elite representatives if their owner does not intend to raise kittens.

History of the origin of the shorthaired Burmilla breed

If breeders spend years to create some breeds and carefully select cats for crossing, then the appearance of the short-haired Burmilla can be considered a coincidence and a great success. Its homeland is Great Britain.

The Burmilla is the result of a mating between a Burmese cat and a Persian Chinchilla cat in 1981. These animals lived with the English Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg, who was a fairly well-known breeder in felinological circles of Foggy Albion. The short-haired kittens resulting from spontaneous crossing had unusually beautiful fur with a silver tint, expressive eyes and a friendly disposition. The name "Burmilla" was coined by combining parts of the names of the parent breeds ("Burmese" and "Shila").

Miranda and her friend Teresa Clark decided to continue breeding the Burmilla shorthair. Geneticist Roy Robinson agreed to draw up a breeding program to consolidate the characteristic traits.

Already in 1984, the GCCF organization adopted a breed standard and founded its Club, one of the founders of which was Teresa Clark. Around this time, kittens previously transported to Denmark gave birth to their first offspring, thus establishing the Scandinavian line of Burmilla Shorthair breeding in Europe.

A decade later, other large organizations began to recognize the breed: FIFe - 1994, WCF - two years later, in 1996. TICA's turn came only in 2008, CFA - in 2014. Today, such cats are bred in Europe, Australia, North America, although they are rare and somewhat expensive (a kitten can be purchased for $500 or more). More recently, in 2014, a Russian breeding program for these animals was developed, based on thirty years of experience of foreign colleagues.

Features of feeding and diet

Balance in the diet is important. Too few nutrients can lead to health problems, and too much food can lead to obesity. An adult pet is fed twice a day, giving no more than 150-200 g at a time. Up to 1 year, frequency and portions depend on age:

• newborns - mother's milk on demand;
• from 2 to 3 months – 5-6 times a day, but not more than 120-160 g per day;
• from 3 to 4 months – 4 times a day, 200-240 g per day;
• from 4 months to one year – 3 times a day, 250 g per day.

Try to feed in a certain place and do not give in to nighttime provocations. This will help wean the animal from begging and serenading you while you sleep. Also, adherence to the regime has a beneficial effect on the digestive tract.

When eating natural foods, use lean meat and poultry. Serve them along with cereals and vegetables. For a shiny coat and smooth bowel function, include fermented milk products in your menu.

Suitable vegetables include beets, zucchini, carrots and pumpkin. You will have to avoid tomatoes and eggplants, as they often cause diarrhea. Grapes and raisins are also prohibited. They can lead to acute poisoning.

For simplicity, you can use ready-made food. All norms are indicated on the packaging, which makes it easier to calculate portions based on the age and weight of the pet. Opt for quality products. Economy class food has low energy value and questionable ingredients. Not only will they not satiate the cat, but they can also provoke a number of diseases in him.

Diseases

Burmilla's health is quite good. Timely vaccinations will help avoid serious diseases in the future. Many cat owners think that if their pet does not leave the house, then they do not need vaccination. However, it is not. Germs can appear at home and through dirty shoes, and the animal will get sick without direct contact with the infection.

The first vaccinations for Burmilla kittens are given at the age of 3 months, after performing anthelmintic procedures.

These animals suffer from diseases inherited from chinchilla cats and from Burmese cats.

These diseases include polycystic kidney disease. Your cat is urinating frequently. The disease can cause kidney failure in the animal. They do not have other genetic diseases.

They are prone to obesity; poor quality food can cause problems with the blood vessels of the heart.

Care and maintenance

Care and maintenance of the Burmilla differs slightly depending on the length of its coat. For short-haired dogs, it is enough to brush them once a week, while for long-haired dogs you will have to spend 3 times more time. Also, the frequency of brushing will have to be increased during shedding. This is necessary to prevent tangles.

In addition to grooming, don't forget about:

1. Nail trimming. This procedure will not be necessary only for those who have free access to the street.
2. Cleaning the ears, eyes and mouth. The cat should be cleaned daily to remove eye discharge that accumulates after sleep. The ears are quite small, so they accumulate dust and dirt for a long time. To keep them clean and healthy, monthly treatment with a special lotion, vegetable oil or plain water is sufficient. Like your ears, you will have to brush your teeth once a month. This will prevent the formation of plaque and caries.
3. The washing up. Bathing is carried out only when dirty. Pets living at home are washed less often. To maintain the quality of the coat, veterinary shampoos designed for short-haired or long-haired cats are used.

Accustom your animal to grooming from childhood. Cats really do not like any procedures that limit their freedom. If you have never bathed your pet during the first two years of its life, then you can rest assured that the procedure will end in psychological trauma for the cat and physical trauma for you.

Purchase and kittens

Breeders know that the Burmilla breed is one of the 10 rarest breeds. Therefore, they often inflate prices or try to slip the buyer a kitten of a different species.

Burmilla kittens are very cheerful and playful

What to look for when choosing a kitten

When buying a Burmilla kitten, it is recommended to pay attention to some features:

• The kids are active, mobile, without signs of illness,
• The breeder provides all documents for the kitten, certificates of its vaccinations.

If the kitten has any defects, but is not purchased for breeding or exhibitions, then you can ask for a price reduction.

The best breeders and nurseries

There are few Burmilla nurseries. These cats cannot be crossed with other breeds except Burmese, so as not to lose the main characteristics. To purchase a truly real kitten, it is recommended to contact the following nurseries:

• Burmilliant,
• Chatburdeoa,
• Lambert.

All breeders are required to provide documents and certificates confirming the breed of kittens.

Tips for choosing a kitten

It is better to buy Burmilla kittens only from licensed establishments. If you don’t know how to choose a purebred animal and not run into a mestizo, then stick to this option and don’t try to save money.

Nursery employees often provide free consultations to future owners, showing documents for kittens and their parents. After meeting the kids, you can easily make a choice, since their health is confirmed by the presence of a veterinary passport. The presence of sick animals is permissible only if they are isolated in a separate room and are not put up for sale.

How to choose the right kitten

They buy a kitten at the age of 2-3 months, until this time the baby needs mother's milk. It is important to inspect your cat's fur for any clumps. The breed is characterized by short hair. The baby's short, delicate fur is visible in the photo.

Burmilla kitten

When purchasing, you need to ask what vaccinations your baby has had.

Basically, Burmilla kittens cost from 30 to 50 thousand Russian rubles. Moreover, females are more expensive than males.

Appearance

The Burmilla cat breed can be described in two words: majestic and graceful. They have a lean, muscular body, a long, medium-thick tail, and large, crescent-shaped eyes. They have a short muzzle with prominent cheeks.

The length of the coat depends on the genes of the animal: there are both long-haired and short-haired cats. Some have a bump on the nose, which is considered a disqualifying sign.

Flaws

Burmilla kittens need constant attention; they do not feel well alone. Having matured, they still cannot be left alone and continue to require constant care from their owners.

They are often quite noisy and active; lying on a person’s lap for a long time is clearly not to their liking. They are also susceptible to genetic diseases.

Feeding the cat

For proper development and good health, the Burmilla needs adequate nutrition. It is most convenient to feed such a cat with premium or super premium dry food. When choosing food, you should pay attention to the following brands:

• Farmina;
• Pronature;
• Grandorf;
• Brit Care.

All of them meet international quality standards and do not contain questionable additives.

With a natural type of nutrition, sources of animal protein should predominate in the Burmilla’s diet. In addition to meat, the cat is given:

• porridge;
• offal;
• vegetables;
• ocean fish;
• eggs;
• sour milk.

In order not to harm the health of the Burmilla, pork, baked goods, sweets, smoked meats and sausages are excluded from its diet. Also, the cat is not given fresh milk, exotic fruits, bones, river fish or any food from the owner’s table.

Reviews about the breed

In addition to its charmingly beautiful appearance, the Burmila also has a kind and flexible character, and is absolutely not conflict-prone or picky. Below we have selected the most interesting reviews from Burmilla cat owners:

Burmilla breeder's comment on blood mixing

If a cat has the opportunity to go outside, she will definitely take advantage of it, and perhaps even prove herself to be a dexterous hunter.

Burmilla will be happy in any family if she is respected, appreciated and not deprived of care.