The Burmese: Copper Cats of Asia

The Burmese Cat Breed in Brief:

Origin: Burma (now known as Myanmar)

Weight: 8-15 pounds

Average Litter Size: 3-5 per litter

Grooming Needs: Low

Life Expectancy: 15-20 years

Good With Kids: Yes

Good With Other Animals: Yes

First mentioned in the ancient text known as “The Cat-Book Poems,” the history of the Burmese cat can be traced back to some where between the founding of Ayudha, Siam in 1350, and the destruction of the city, in 1767. Known as the “copper cats,” because of their uniquely copper-brown coats, these solid little felines are the perfect cat for someone who prefers a stockier, more brick-like cat, reminiscent of the traditional apple-headed Siamese.

The History of the Burmese Cat

The copper-coated cats of Asia can be traced back to Siam, perhaps as early as the fourteenth century but the Burmese, as we know him today, has been developed from a single little female cat by the name of Wong Mau. Wong Mau was brought into the United States in 1930, after she was gifted to Siamese breeder, Dr. Joseph Thompson of San Francisco. Given to him by a sailor, Wong Mau was an exotic little cat, built even more compact than the traditional Siamese that Thompson bred, and yet showing that same gorgeous pointed shading of the Siamese breed. Becoming so enamored with the young female’s personality, as well as her beautiful color and body type, Thompson set about to create a cat that would reproduce Wong Mau’s beauty and personality.

No male had accompanied Wong Mau into the United States, so Thompson experimented by breeding the little copper cat to one of his Siamese males, a seal point individual known as Tai Mau. Some of the resulting kittens carried the pointed gene, proving that Wong Mau also carried the recessive pointed pattern too (in order to produce a pointed kitten, both parents must carry one of the recessive pointed pattern genes). This led Thompson, and the geneticists that were working with him, to believe that Wong Mau was not actually a purebred Burmese cat but was, in fact, a Siamese and Burmese hybrid, because she did not throw kittens that bred true to type. Interesting to note is that the Siamese and Burmese hybrid breed would later go on to be known as the Tonkinese, further down the road.

Crossing Wong Mau’s offspring back to her, as well as breeding the offspring to one another, Thompson and his team were able to identify three different varieties of kittens, within the different litters: one variety looked like Tai Mau (the Siamese male who was originally crossed with Wong Mau), one variety that looked like Wong Mau herself (a medium-toned brown cat with darker points), or they were a dark, solid-colored chocolate brown (a color that would eventually come to be known as sable. It was the sable that Thompson was most taken with, and so he and his team became all the more determined to isolate the gene that created this color. These sables were then bred to one another or crossed back to their mother, Wong Mau, eventually producing three full generations of cats that bred true, as well as carried that unique brown coat color.

In 1941, three more brown-coated cats were imported from Rangoon, so as to expand upon what was a very limited gene pool. Fortunately, Wong Mau lived a very long, healthy life and was able to produce many litters of kittens during her time. Most of the Burmese that are available today, are the direct descendants of this single exotic feline. Wong Mau’s temperament and striking style is stamped upon every one of these uniquely beautiful cats.

The Burmese Cat’s Appearance

The Burmese is often described as a more brick-like, more compact version of the Traditional variety of Siamese. In truth, however, there are actually several different varieties of the Burmese breed, all of which are recognized by various associations. The Contemporary Burmese cat is the more popular cat that is found in the shows; medium-sized, he is a powerful little cat with an impressive amount of bone, powerful muscles and shorter legs. He is generally accepted in one of four universal colors: blue, champagne, platinum and sable, but some associations are tolerant of other colors.

The Traditional Burmese shares the Contemporary’s sturdy and muscular form, as well as the cat’s substantial amount of bone. His head, however, is not as shortened as the other, instead leaning towards a more apple-headed style that is reminiscent of the classic Siamese. There is quite a bit of controversy amongst breeders of the two varieties, as the Contemporary Burmese is known to run the risk of various breathing problems, due to his shortened face and nose. Breeders of the Traditional Burmese claim that their variety is hardy and free from such health problems.

A third variety, the European Burmese, is a moderate cat that is somewhat lighter in build than his American counterparts. Described as having a foreign body type, he should be neither heavy nor svelte in type, but somewhere in between.

The Burmese Temperament

The Burmese is a very active and affectionate individual, known for his love of mischief. Preferring a well-balanced lifestyle, he enjoys being handled and is affectionate, but he is too curious and busy to settle for being a mundane lap pet. Keenly intelligent, these beautiful little cats love to problem solve and are very likely to learn tricks, such as how to open doors or finding a way up to the tallest point in the room so he can watch you with those mischievous eyes.

Burmese cats tend to do well with people, regardless of age, and they usually get along with most other pets. In fact, it’s highly recommended that you get a second cat or other animal to keep your Burmese company, if you are away for long hours during the day. Burmese thrive on companionship.

Burmese Cat Grooming Requirements

Care of your Burmese kitten is surprisingly easy. A weekly brushing will help to remove any excess dead hairs that would otherwise stick to your couch, and will help to remove any excess dander. While the Burmese cat does shed fairly frequently, this weekly brushing will help keep shedding to a minimum.

Burmese Cat Health Concerns

Burmese Cats, particularly the show variety of Contemporary Burmese, are known to suffer from various health concerns, particularly dealing with their shortened faces and noses. Additionally, some problems are believed to be inherited, possibly from the Siamese outcrossings which were at one time allowed to broaden the gene pool. Some of these problems include the following:

• Susceptible to respiratory infections and pneumonia
• Premature tooth loss
• Some breathing problems

Is the Burmese Cat the Right Breed For You?

If you’re looking for a quiet and placid lap cat, chances are the Burmese is not for you. Also, if you don’t have a lot of time to spend with a cat and you’re not willing to adopt a second cat for companionship, you may again want to think again. The Burmese cat is one who is loyal, loving and true, but he is rather demanding of attention. Good with kids and animals alike, if you don’t mind ensuring your feline friend always has company, perhaps the Burmese may be the ideal member to adopt into your family!

Shawna L. Krautheim

2007