Burmese

The Burmese is a compact shorthair cat breed developed in the United States during the 1930s.

In 1930, a sailor brought a dark brown female named Wong Mau from Burma to San Francisco, presenting her to Dr. Joseph Cheesman Thompson. Thompson organized breeding trials with seal point Siamese to isolate the distinct sepia inheritance pattern. The Cat Fanciers' Association granted official recognition in 1936, suspended it temporarily in 1947 due to heavy outcrossing, and restored full championship registration in 1953. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy recognized the breed in 1952, and the Fédération Internationale Féline followed in 1960.

Males reach 4.0-5.5 kg (9-12 lb) and feel heavy for their size when lifted, which gave rise to the description of a brick wrapped in silk. A compact body carries a broad, rounded chest, a straight back, and rounded paws. Short, fine, and glossy, the coat lies close to the body like satin. Breed standards emphasize an outgoing, affectionate, and trusting temperament. These animals vocalize with sweet voices, follow family members from room to room, and participate eagerly in active domestic routines.

Grooming demands minimal effort, requiring only a weekly rubdown with a rubber brush or damp cloth to collect loose fur and preserve gloss. Active by nature, the cats make full use of scratching posts and climbing furniture indoors. Documented genetic and medical conditions in the breed include congenital hypokalemia, GM2 gangliosidosis, Burmese head defect, diabetes mellitus, and calcium oxalate urolithiasis.