burmilla
Intelligent, people-oriented, fun-loving, affectionate
Overview
Origin
United Kingdom
Life Span
15-18+ years
Height
8"-10"
Weight
8-12 pounds
Group
Medium-sized shorthair and longhair
Price
$500-$2,000
History
The Burmilla came into being as the result of a happy accident. In 1981, Baroness Miranda Von Kirchberg of the United Kingdom purchased a Chinchilla Persian male kitten named Jamari Sanquist. Before she could have him neutered, he crossed paths with a lilac Burmese female named Bambino Lilac Fabergé.
As a result of the mating, four female kittens were born, named Galatea, Gemma, Gisella, and Gabriella. All four kittens had short hair and were a gorgeous shaded silver color. The kittens were so beautiful that subsequent breedings were arranged and a new cat breed was developed.
The Burmilla breed was established in the UK. The breed is gaining popularity but is still relatively rare, particularly in the United States.
Care
Nutrition
Burmilla cats have no special nutritional needs. We recommend feeding your Burmilla cat high-quality food with plenty of protein and not too many carbohydrates. This breed can be prone to obesity, particularly in their later years.
Grooming
Burmilla cats may have short coats or semi-long coats. Either coat type is low maintenance, requiring only weekly brushing or combing. Regular brushing cuts down on shedding and helps prevent hairballs.
Exercise
Burmilla cats are moderately active, and enjoy playing together or with their human companions. Later in life, these cats may become a bit lazier, so it’s up to their human families to make exercise a priority. Daily activity and play is good for your cat's mental and physical health.
Health
Burmilla cats are generally healthy, however they are susceptible to hereditary polycystic kidney disease and allergies. Reputable breeders do their best to produce kittens without kidney disease by having the parents screened before breeding.
Breed Standard
Body
The Burmilla cat is medium-sized, with a softly curved shape that’s similar to that of a Burmese.
Head
The head is gently rounded. It is widest at the eyebrow level and jaw hinge, then tapers to a blunt wedge at the muzzle. The profile should show a gentle dip and the tip of the nose should be in line with the chin.
Eyes
The Burmilla cat has large and expressive eyes placed well apart at a slightly oblique setting. The eyes are any shade of green, with clear green preferred. Kittens and young cats under the age of 2 years may display a yellow tinge in their eyes. Amber eyes are permitted in red, cream, and torbie Burmillas.
Ears
A Burmilla cat's ears are medium to large in size, and broader at the base with rounded tips.
Color
Burmilla cat coats have a silver ground color with pure white undercoats and tipping or shading in black, brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, caramel, beige, and apricot. The eyes, nose, and lips are defined by fine black lines, or "make up," which make the cat's facial features stand out. Nose leather and paw pad color are appropriate to the base color.
Coat
The coat is dense, with fine hairs that contribute a soft, silky feel. Burmilla cats may have short hair or semi-long hair.
Tail
The tail is medium to long, tapering slightly to a rounded tip. In longhair Burmilla cats, the tail displays elegant plumage.
Legs & Paws
A Burmilla cat's legs are proportionate to the body, with strong bones. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front. The paws have neat, oval shaping.