Burmilla Cat | Shimmering & Silver-Shaded Cat Breed
The Burmilla cat is an attractive breed of cat with a combination of beauty, fun and friendly traits. The Burmilla cat has a combination of a silvery coat, attractive green eyes, and a friendly character, which has made it one of the most popular cats in the world today. If you are seeking for a loyal friend for your family or a cat with a royal temperament, Burmilla cat breed will surely melt your heart.
In this article, the reader will find the Burmilla cat breed’s history and classification, breed characteristics, and its care, as well as the tips for being a responsible owner, fun facts, and the answers to the frequently asked questions about this beautiful breed.
History of the Burmilla Cat
The Burmilla cat is relatively new and was bred in the early 1980s in the United Kingdom. It is a result of a chance mating between a female Chinchilla Persian, Sanquist and a male Burmese cat. The kittens that resulted from this coupling had the coat of the Persian and the muscular build of the Burmese. This crossbreed became the basis for the Burmilla breed, which is a breed of domesticated cats.
While the breed’s birth was not planned, the outcome was a breed that is perhaps one of the most attractive breeds around with the characteristics of the two breeds. The Burmilla has a smooth, short-haired coat, large round eyes and friendly character and these traits made breeders’ notice this breed. The breed was gradually developed and standard for the purposes of beauty and temperament.
The Burmilla was admitted into The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1990 and thus quickly became popular among cat enthusiasts. The Burmilla cat breed is characterized by both elegant looks and friendly temper and that makes this cat rather popular among the cat lovers.
Classification of Burmilla Cats
By Purpose
The Burmilla cat was bred mainly for the purpose of getting an attractive and friendly cat. Unlike working breeds or breeds developed for certain work, the Burmilla breed was bred for the purpose of being a companion animal. Burmillas are friendly dogs and they do not have any aggressive behavior hence making them ideal for any household with families, single people, and senior citizens. They are usually gentle but also teasing, affectionate but not possessive.
Burmilla cats are also playful and friendly animals, they can easily accept kids, other cats, and even dogs. They are friendly and need attention so they are comfortable when they are taken care of by the members of the human family.
By Size
Burmilla cats are of medium size, they are muscular and at the same time elegant. The males are relatively larger weighing between 10 to 12 pounds while the female dogs weigh slightly less, 7 to 9 pounds. His body structure is muscular and well-proportioned which makes them have a regal, strong and stocky bearing.
The Burmilla has a round face and medium size ears, and large almond shaped eyes that add to the breed’s beauty. They have a short dense coat in different color combination; the most frequent ones are the silver and golden coat with chinchilla tipping. Another factor is that their coat is smooth, soft, and easily manageable, thus making the breed fascinating.
Most Popular Burmilla Cats
Although Burmilla cats are loved by their owners, the breed as a whole is also famous because of its friendly disposition and beautiful appearance. Quite a number of Burmillas today participate in cat shows and competitions where they have been noted to have excellent body structure and movement.
It is not as popular as some of the other breeds, but those who own the Burmilla cat know the value of having such a pet. This has made the breed to be friendly, affectionate, and intelligent, which has made many people to find the breed worthy to own.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Burmilla Cat
Thus, let’s take a look at several factors that one needs to pay attention to when planning to become a owner of a Burmilla cat:
Temperament: Burmillas are friendly cats, loving and socially oriented cats. They require the interaction with human beings and are known to develop a close association with their masters. If you are in search of a cat that will desire to stay with you, then Burmilla is your best bet. But it should be mentioned that some of them may not be as autonomous as other breeds, which means that they will need their owner’s attention and care.
Health Issues: Despite the fact that Burmilla is a healthy breed, sometimes certain genetic disorders should be taken into consideration. For instance, they are can be predisposed to diseases of the heart such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It is recommended that the dog be taken for a vet check up at least once every three months so that any developing illnesses are detected early.
Grooming Needs: Being a cat with a short coat, the Burmilla’s grooming requirements are moderate. It is recommended to brush the coat at least once, if not twice, a week this will help to keep the coat in good condition and remove any shedding hairs. However, Burmillas do not need a lot of grooming even though their coat looks very soft and expensive. Grooming is mostly required when the cat’s coat becomes especially dirty.
Space and Environment: Burmillas are quite active cats, though they would prefer some space in order to play and move around. When you have a Burmilla as a pet, make sure that it lives in an apartment or a house with good living conditions. They like to climb and to play, so cat trees or any other toys which will allow them to play will be useful.
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Where to Purchase Burmilla Cat
Before you get a Burmilla cat, it is advisable to go to a breeder who breeds the Burmilla breed. It is advisable to go for the breeders that are affiliated with cat associations like TICA or CFA since the breeders are strictly checked for their breeding practices and the health of the cats.
When you are planning to buy a Burmilla kitten, it is important that the breeder provides a health record of the cat including the vaccination and any genetic tests that the cat has undergone. This will assist you to avoid buying from some people who might be breeding animals that are unhealthy or bred inappropriately.
On the other hand, one may try to visit local animal shelters or rescue centers since sometimes Burmilla cats are up for adoption. Even if this breed is not often found in the shelters, it is advisable to adopt a cat as a permanent member of the family.
Tips for Responsible Burmilla Cat Ownership
It is always a pleasure to have a Burmilla cat as a pet but as with any other pet, there are certain duties that you have to perform. Here are some recommendations that may be helpful to make your Burmilla cat happy and healthy:
Offer Companionship: Another reason is that Burmilla cats are very friendly and can become lonely or stressed when left alone for long hours. In case you have a tight schedule, it is advisable to adopt another pet for the Burmilla to play with. On the other hand, ensure that you spend a lot of time attending to and engaging your dog when you are at home.
Burmilla’s Health: Like any other pets, Burmilla should be taken for regular check-ups so that any complications can be detected early. These visits assist in identifying other health problems that might be developing in your cat and vaccinating or treating your cat.
Fun Facts About Burmilla Cats
Chinchilla Coat: Burmilla has a wonderful fur coat because of the Chinchilla Persian genes. One of the hallmarks of the breed, its skin glistens silver, and anyone would notice it easily.
Gentle and Playful Nature: Burmilla has an elegant look but unlike other cats, they are playful. They are playful and they like to play with their owners, and their curiosity makes them to be good friends during playing.
Intelligent: Burmillas are an intelligent breed, they can be trained to do simple tasks or even tricks. They are intelligent and playful which makes them suitable for those people who like to engage their dogs in various activities.
FAQs About Burmilla Cats
Conclusion
The Burmilla cat is an attractive breed that has both looks and a friendly temperament. That is why people are attracted to the Burmilla cat for its beautiful silvery coat, friendly temperament or playful character. In this case therefore, you need to ensure that the cat is well cared for, well companied and given a lot of attention so that you can be able to enjoy many happy years with this elegant cat.