Get to Know the Sparkling Burmilla Cat

The Burmilla cat breed is a relatively new breed that was created by accident in the UK in 1981. A Burmese cat and a Chinchilla Persian cat mated, and the result was a litter of adorable kittens with a unique silver coat and green eyes. Since then, the Burmilla breed has gained popularity around the world for its charming personality and striking appearance. 

History of the Burmilla Cat

The Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg in the United Kingdom had a chinchilla Persian and bought her husband a lilac Burmese as a gift. Before the cats could be altered, a cleaner left the wrong door open and the cats mated together. (I can relate to this sort of an accident.) The result was so pretty she decided to develop the breed. 

Although a rare breed worldwide, the Burmilla was accepted to the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 2011 and The International Cat Association in 2015.

The Burmilla Breed Standard

A creation of a Burmese and a Persian, the breed comes in both longhair and shorthair. The longhair variety should meet the same standard as the shorthair. The only difference should be in coat length. It is described as a “Burmilla in fancy clothes.” The brachycephalic face of its Persian ancestor is not expressed in the Burmilla. 

Burmilla Body Structure

The Burmilla is considered a member of the Asian group of cats. It is an elegant cat of medium foreign type. While the cat looks similar to its Burmese ancestors, it is more refined with its own look. 

The Burmilla is more slender and less muscular than the Burmese. It has a rounded chest of medium width. The cat’s back is straight from the shoulder to the rump. 

They have slender legs with strong boning. The back legs are slightly longer than the front. The paws are neat and oval. A Burmilla’s tail is medium long, medium at the base and tapers slightly to a rounded tip.

Head Type 

The Burmilla head forms a balanced wedge, wide at the cheekbones and tapering to a blunt finish at the muzzle. Gently rounded top with medium width between ears. The profile shows a gentle dip but should not have a break. The tip of the cat’s nose and chin should be in line.and taper to a blunt finish at the muzzle. 

Ear Set

Burmillas have medium to large ears, broad at base, slightly rounded tips. Viewed from the front the outer line of the ear continues the line of the face. In profile the ears show a slight forward tilt.

Eyes

The Burmilla cat’s eyes are one of their most stunning features. They are large, set well apart and slightly oblique. They are accepted in any shade of green with “eyeliner” of Kitty’s coat color.

Coat 

Burmilla cats are known for their super soft coats. The shorthair Burmilla has a short silky coat that lies smooth with enough undercoat to give a slight lift. The Burmilla longhair’s coat is actually a medium-long coat. It should be fine and silky without a wooly undercoat. A fully plumed tail and tufted, finished ears are desired in the longhair.

Color: 

The Burmilla is recognized in shaded and chinchilla patterns in silver and golden. The shaded versions are tipped on the top ⅓ of each hair shaft resulting in a pure white undercoat for the silver and an ivory to honey ground color for the golden. There should be a striking contrast between the tipping and the silver or golden base.

The chinchilla pattern is tipped for ⅛ of each fur. The chinchilla cats are much lighter than the shaded cats. The tipping should be evenly distributed. The chin, ear furnishings, belly, chest, and underside of the tail are the pure white or ivory ground color.

The Burmilla is recognized in Black, Seal Sepia, Chocolate, Blue, Lilac, Caramel, Red, Cream, and Tortie. I haven’t ever seen anything other than the black or seal sepia silvers. I would love to meet a golden.

Allowable Outcrosses

Silver and Golden Persians, Exotic (shorthair and longhair) and the European Burmese are allowed until the end of 2028 in all accepted colors. Extensive use of the Persians and Exotics are discouraged to maintain the right face and head shape.

Want to Learn More About Other Cat Breeds? Check out our Cat Breed Page.

Burmilla Cat’s Personality Traits

The Burmilla is a blend of the outgoing, demanding Burmese and the placid and tolerant Persian. The resulting breed is a social, affectionate, easy-going breed. Burmillas are gentle but active, playful, and loyal cats that love their people but don’t need constant entertainment. 

Health and Lifespan of the Burmilla Cat

Burmilla cats are a generally healthy breed. The breed hasn’t been around as long as a lot of others, but there does not appear to be any breed – specific genetic problems. 

What Health Issues Affect The Burmilla Cat?

The breed has the same risk of disease as any cat. They do tend to get obese unless their guardians keep an eye on their weight. They may be more prone to the diseases that affect the Burmese cat and the Polycystic Kidney Disease that affects Persians among other breeds. Like most cats, Burmillas are prone to dental problems.

How Long Do Burmilla Cats Live?

 This hardy breed lives the average 12-15 years as any cat. 

Care and Maintenance of Burmilla Cats

The Burmilla is an easy care breed. Even the longhair version is a lower shedding cat. Their silky coats are prone to matting, but a weekly comb-out with a stainless-steel comb is usually enough. 

Like all cats, they need regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care. Because of the breed’s silver patterns, they do need attention to keeping their faces free of any tear staining.

Do Burmilla Cats Make Good Pets

Burmilla cats make excellent pets. The breed is easy going, affectionate, and social. They get along with everyone. A properly socialized Burmilla will happily live with other cats, dogs, kids, or seniors. They are great for first time cat owners.

The ideal Burmilla guardian should be prepared to offer their new feline friend a lot of one-on-one time. These kitties want a lot of playtime with their favorite people  and then want to sleep in your lap while you relax. 

Constant human companionship with a predictable routine is a Burmilla’s dream. 

Are Burmilla Cats Friendly?

Yes, they are generally very adaptable and easy to approach for strangers.

Are Burmillas Cuddly?

 Definitely. Other than the Ragdolls and Persians, a Burmilla is pretty close to the best of lap cats. Perhaps it is their Persian ancestry.

Are Burmilla Cats Good With Children ?

Burmilla cats are good with gentle children. They love to play and have fun.

How Much Do Burmilla Cats Cost?

Burmilla kittens sell for around $2000 depending on the quality of the cat, the pedigree, and your breeder. This is comparable to other breeds. When purchasing a pedigreed cat be sure you use a quality, preservation breeder.

Conclusion

The Burmilla cat breed is a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a beautiful, friendly and affectionate feline companion. With its striking silver coat, green eyes, and playful personality, the Burmilla is sure to steal your heart. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or a seasoned cat lover, the Burmilla is a breed that is sure to bring joy and happiness to your life. So why not consider adding a Burmilla to your family today.