| Height: | 10 – 12 inches |
| Weight: | 6 – 13 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Colors: | Silver, brown, black, cream-beige, blue-gray, lilac, red |
| Suitable for: | Families, seniors, people with other pets |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, friendly, playful, sociable, intelligent |
Burmillas are quirky, easygoing, medium-sized cats, a cross of Burmese and Chinchilla Persian cats. The breed first appeared in the 1980s, and it is rare nowadays, which is why these cats can be pricey. They have many attractive traits which will make you love them! They are playful and love to socialize, making them perfect for families and seniors. Burmilla cats are also an excellent option for people with other pets. These cats are unique and come in two coat variations and they are known for their big, almond-shaped eyes. They make a perfect addition to any household because they are extremely friendly and low-maintenance. 
Burmilla Kittens – Before You Buy…
What’s the Price of Burmilla Kittens?
Burmilla kittens can be expensive due to their rarity and complicated breeding process. The average price of these kittens ranges from $800 to $1,200, or even more depending on the breeder. Before buying one of these kittens, make sure to verify the details and health checks of the kitten’s parents. Since this breed is rare in the USA, you might be on a waiting list to get your kitten. 
3 Little-Known Facts About the Burmilla
1. Burmilla cats result from accidental breeding between the Burmese and Chinchilla Persian cats.
Although many breeds are intentional mixes of two breeds, Burmilla cats were bred accidentally. They first appeared in the United Kingdom in the 1980s and have been popular since then. These cats even gained championship status in the UK in the 1990s, but the Cats Fanciers Association recognized them in 2011.
2. Burmilla cats have inherited the best qualities from both breeds
Both Burmese and Chinchilla Persian cats have positive and negative characteristics, but it seems that the Burmilla breed has inherited only the best from these two breeds. They are sweet-natured, affectionate, and lovable. The species is not too demanding, which can be the case with Burmese cats. Also, they are way more playful, curious, and outgoing than Chinchilla Persian cats.
3. Burmillas take four breeding generations to gain all the standards and qualities of this breed.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Burmilla
These cats are gentle and playful, although quiet and not too vocal. Burmillas love company, but they also need their alone time and independence. They are laid-back but adventurous, so you should provide them with an environment where they can play and explore. These felines love to engage, and when it comes to intelligence, these cats are very smart and are quick learners.
Are These Cats Good for Families?
Burmilla felines are friendly and outgoing, which makes them perfect for families. They will get along with all family members and are especially fond of kids. These cats adore their owners and will keep their playful spirit even into adulthood. Burmillas also love to cuddle and will likely enjoy sleeping in your lap. They can be silly and mischievous, and perfect for houses and apartments, so you can have one even if you live in the city. They don’t need to spend much time outside, so you can occasionally walk them on a leash.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Due to their sociable nature, this breed easily gets along with other cats, dogs, or any other pet you might have. It’s best to introduce them to other animals in the early stages of life, but since they can easily adjust to new situations, bringing new pets in later years shouldn’t be an issue.
Things to Know When Owning a Burmilla:
Food & Diet Requirements
Like all cats, Burmillas require high-quality, protein-rich, nutritious food. They are not too prone to obesity like some other cat species, but you should still be careful not to overfeed them. The food should be primarily meat-based since these cats need a lot of protein in their diet—ensure that the products you are giving them have around 30%–40% protein. You should avoid too many carbs because cats cannot digest them well, which can cause serious issues. If they eat too many carbs they can become obese and even develop diabetes. When introducing new foods to Burmillas, begin gradually and offer food in small quantities. That will help them adjust to new tastes and textures in their nutrition. Also, ensure you include enough fresh water in their diet.
- See Also: How to Choose the Right Cat Food: Nutrition, Labels & More!
Exercise
Burmillas are highly energetic, active, and playful, so they need regular exercise. You can combine exercise and play and create a routine that includes interactive toys or puzzles. Anything that will stimulate your feline to run or chase objects will be perfect for hitting their exercise requirements. Since this is an intelligent breed, Burmillas can play fetch, although this might sound unusual for cats. Overall, it will be easy to make them exercise by involving exciting playtime and unique activities. 
Training
Although Burmillas are smart, they are not particularly fond of training, so it might be a complicated process. Take your time, and with dedication and care, training shouldn’t be too challenging.
Grooming
Grooming needs will depend on whether your cat has a longer or shorter coat. Shorthaired Burmillas are more popular because they require less grooming and care. You should create a daily brushing routine and monthly baths. Burmillas do shed, but not excessively, so daily brushing will keep their fur silky and soft. Their ears require the most care, so you should check them weekly. Usually, you can clean their ears by putting a few drops of water on a cotton ball and gently swabbing them. You will also need to clean your Burmilla’s eyes regularly—you can follow the same method used for ear cleaning. Like other cats, they have typical feline needs such as trimming nails, brushing teeth, and cleaning their litter box. When your Brumilla is still a kitten, you should quickly develop all grooming routines to help them adjust. To maintain your Burmilla’s health, also take them for regular vet check-ups.
Health and Conditions
Burmilla cats are typically healthy and live 10–15 years. Still, there are some health issues they are prone to. Serious Conditions:
- Polycystic Kidney Disease. A serious disease that can affect Burmilla kittens. Signs of this disease include vomiting, increased/decreased thirst, appetite, or urination. If you notice any of these signs, immediately contact your vet.
- Diabetes mellitus
Minor Conditions:
- A condition that happens to many cats where a fungus causes an infection of the hair, skin, or claws. This condition is not too harmful if you consult your vet on time.
- Heat exhaustion. Due to Burmillas being heat-sensitive, they can suffer from heat exhaustion. Typical indicators are sunken eyes, fast heart rate, and panting. During the summer months, keep your Burmilla inside and provide plenty of water.
- Allergies
Minor Conditions
- Fungal infection
- Heat exhaustion
- Allergies
Serious Conditions
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Diabetes mellitus
Male vs Female
There are no significant differences between females and males when it comes to Burmillas.
- See Also: Singapura Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Temperament & Traits
Final Thoughts
If you manage to find a Burmilla cat, you will love having them in your family. Ensure that you’re getting them from a reputable breeder so they won’t have health conditions you are unaware of. You and your family will enjoy having this playful feline in your home, so get ready for endless love, cuddles, and playtime when your new Burmilla is around! Featured Image Credit: JE Jevgenija, Shutterstock
Cat Breed Facts & Characteristics
Origin |
United Kingdom |
Size |
20 to 30cms, 3 to 6 kgs |
Weight Range |
3 to 6 kgs |
Colours |
Can come in all cat colours but may be shaded or diluted |
Life expectancy |
10 to 15 years |
Coat |
Short and medium coat varieties available |
Temperament |
Independent, affectionate, playful |
Exercise requirements |
High |
Best suited for |
Couples, families, elderly |
Apartment Friendly |
Yes |
Personality
Burmilla cats are known for having a great mix of the best qualities of both the Burmese and the Persian. They are affectionate and friendly like the Burmese but a little easier going which comes from the Persian who are said to be very laid-back. This makes the Burmilla a popular choice for families. They are also known for being playful and moderately active so having plenty of toys and cat trees is essential to keep their mind and body healthy. Because they enjoy companionship, they can become lonely if left for long periods of time. They may therefore be better suited to a household where someone is home to keep them company, or perhaps adopting two could be a way to ensure they have suitable company if you are out a lot. They are well suited to apartment living. Keeping your Burmilla indoors or in a cat friendly enclosure helps keep them safe from roads, other cats, snakes as well as helps to keep wildlife safe from your cat.
Grooming
Burmilla’s come in a short and medium coat varieties. For the short coat, minimal grooming is required, but it is still a good idea to them used to being gently brushed from an early age. Brushing helps to remove loose fur. A cat grooming glove is a great option for a short coated Burmilla. The medium coat variety needs more frequent brushing to help remove tangles from the coat. You may not notice your cat scratching like you would with a dog, but the cat flea «Ctenocephalides felis» is the most common flea found on both dogs and cats. So, make sure your kitty is on flea control all year around and tick control if you are in a tick area.
Feeding
When choosing a food for your Burmilla, select a premium food appropriate to your cats age and life stage. As Burmilla cats can have urinary tract issues, consider foods that are formulated for optimal urinary health. Ensure that you follow the recommended feeding guides on the food appropriate to your pet’s size to help avoid obesity which can lead to serious illness like diabetes, which the Burmilla is susceptible to. Always ensure your Burmilla has a constant supply of fresh water available, and consider providing them with a water fountain, as many cats prefer to drink moving water. 
Common Health Concerns
As noted previously, feeding premium diets that are formulated for optimal urinary health may be helpful in preventing one of the top five reasons that Burmilla’s visited the vet in 2020 – urinary tract disease. Diabetes and cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma also featured in the top reasons Burmilla’s went to the vet in 2020. According to PetSure data from 2020, the five most common reasons for a Burmilla cat to visit the vet (excluding for routine visits like vaccinations) are as follows:
| Rank | Condition | Average cost for single treatment (average pet insurance claim amount) |
Highest cost for single treatment (highest pet insurance claim seen for this condition) |
| 1 | Cancer | $409 | $3,174 |
| 2 | Skin conditions, including itchy skin and dermatitis | $143 | $480 |
| 3 | Gastrointestinal problems, including gastroenteritis | $253 | $1,685 |
| 4 | Urinary tract diseases, including uroliths (stones) and urinary tract infection | $1,535 | $10,151 |
| 5 | Diabetes | $271 | $1,046 |
Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider. 
Most popular Burmilla names
According to PetSure data from 2017-2020, the most popular names for Burmilla cats were
Most popular names
- Alice
- Coco
- Lola
- Lucy
- Luna
- Ollie
- Buddy
- Chanel
- Charlie
- Elsa
Most popular female names
- Lola
- Lucy
- Luna
- Chanel
- Coco
- Elsa
- Lacey
- Mabel
- Miss
- Nelly
Most popular male names
- Ollie
- Buddy
- Charlie
- Coco
- Felix
- Frankie
- Jackson
- Kimba
- Mila
- Oscar
Did you know?
Burmilla cats were recognised formally as a breed in 2011 and are fairly uncommon today.
Where can I get a Burmilla cat?
Your local animal shelter or rescue organisation is the best place to look for a cat as shelters generally have many cats looking for loving homes. It may also be possible to find a Burmilla cat through a breed specific rescue.
References
- Cat Fanciers Association, The Burmilla, Accessed on 22/02/2021
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Petinsurance.com.au is general insurance issued by the insurer The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd (ABN 78 090 584 473; AFSL 241436) (Hollard); is promoted and distributed by Pet Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 38 607 160 930; AR 1234944) (PIPL) and PIPL’s authorised distribution partners (including Pet Culture Group Pty Limited ABN: 69 644 613 098; AR 001284860) (PetCulture) and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (ABN 95 075 949 923; AFSL 420183) (PetSure). PIPL and PetCulture are authorised representatives of PetSure. Any advice provided is general only, has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and may not be right for you. Consequently, before acting on this information, you should consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should obtain and consider the product disclosure statement (PDS) in deciding whether to acquire or continue to hold, Petinsurance.com.au Pet Insurance.
- How to prune shrub roses
- How to get married in north carolina
- How to train someone to do your job
- How to start over and have the life you want
- How to get pregnant