Last Updated: 16/03/2026
Burmese Breed Guide
Thinking of a Burmese? Our breed guide covers facts, health and care.
Author: Dr Maree Monaghan BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 4 minutes - short read
An affectionate, highly social, and energetic cat, the Burmese has a short, fine, smooth coat that comes in solid colours like sable and champagne. They are very playful, trainable, and thrive on attention and interaction, often displaying a moderate to high tendency to vocalise their desires.
All about Burmese
Place of origin
Thailand
Weight range
3.5 - 6.0kg
Coat type
Short, Fine Smooth
Height range
20 - 25cm
Coat colours
Sable, Champagne, Blue, Platinum
Life expectancy
10 - 16 years
Coat markings
Solid (Sable, Champagne, Blue, Platinum)
Grooming needs
Low
Shedding factor
Low
Health issues
Hypokalaemia, Diabetes Mellitus
Eye colour
Gold/Yellow
Energy level
High
Family suitability
Excellent, Affectionate
Tendency to vocalise
High
Compatability with other pets
Very Good
Trainability
High
Nutrition
Maintaining an ideal body weight through precise nutrition is vital for the Burmese to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Best food for adult Burmese
Adult Burmese benefit from a high-quality, protein-rich diet that supports their lean muscle mass and active lifestyle. Since they are prone to diabetes, choosing a diet with higher fibre, a low glycaemic index and controlled carbohydrate levels can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Incorporating wet food into their diet is also beneficial for hydration and weight management, as the increased moisture content helps them feel fuller.
What to look for
High protein content from quality animal sources to maintain lean muscle.
High fibre and low glycaemic index ingredients to support healthy blood sugar levels.
L-carnitine to assist with fat metabolism and weight maintenance.
Best food for Burmese kittens
Burmese kittens are incredibly active and require a calorie-dense diet to support their rapid growth and boundless energy. Look for kitten formulas enriched with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain and vision development during their formative months. A balance of vitamins and minerals, specifically calcium and phosphorus, ensures that their bones and joints develop correctly to support their athletic future.
What to look for
Added DHA for optimal cognitive and retinal development.
High calorie density to support rapid growth and high activity levels.
Highly digestible proteins to support a sensitive developing digestive system.
Flea & worming
Consistent flea and worming prevention is essential for Burmese to protect them from skin irritations and internal parasites that can compromise their overall health.
Best flea and worming treatments for Burmese
A comprehensive spot-on treatment or oral tablet that covers fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms and ticks for outdoor cats is the best choice for this breed. Even if they are strictly indoor cats, parasites can still find their way inside, making year-round protection a necessity. Owners should look for products that are easy to administer.
What to look for
All-in-one protection covering fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms.
Easy-to-apply spot-on for stress-free administration.
Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose
Health
Using targeted health products can help manage the specific breed predispositions of the Burmese, particularly regarding their metabolic and dental health.
Best products to keep Burmese healthy
Given their risk for diabetes, weight management tools like digital pet scales and automatic feeders to avoid overfeeding are excellent health investments for Burmese owners. Dental health products, such as water additives that inhibit plaque formation, dental chews, or soft-bristled toothbrushes and toothpaste, are also recommended to prevent periodontal disease, which can exacerbate other systemic health issues.
What to look for
Dental hygiene products like toothpastes or rinses to help prevent periodontal disease.
Weight management aids for cats prone to weight gain or with lower activity levels.
Automated feeders or slow-feeding bowls to prevent overeating and support weight management.
Training and activity
Due to their high intelligence and energy, providing Burmese with the right toys is crucial for preventing boredom and destructive behaviours.
Best toys for Burmese
Interactive toys that challenge their problem-solving skills, such as treat puzzles or battery-operated motion toys, are perfect for the clever Burmese. They also enjoy toys that allow them to mimic hunting behaviours, like feather wands or small balls they can fetch. Because they are so social, toys that involve play with their owners are often their favourites and help strengthen the bond between pet and parent.
What to look for
Interactive puzzle toys that provide mental stimulation and rewards.
Fetch-friendly toys like small felt mice or lightweight balls.
Durable wand toys to encourage bonding and physical exercise.
Grooming
The short, sleek coat of the Burmese is low-maintenance, but regular grooming remains important for bonding and skin health.
Best grooming products for Burmese
A soft bristle brush or a grooming glove is ideal for the Burmese, as it removes loose hairs without irritating their sensitive skin. While they do not shed excessively, a weekly grooming session helps distribute natural skin oils, keeping their coat looking glossy and healthy. This is also an excellent time to check for any lumps, bumps, or skin issues while providing the physical affection they crave.
What to look for
Soft-bristled brushes that are gentle on their fine, short coat.
Wipes for quick, stress-free clean ups.
High-quality claw trimmers with a safety guard to prevent over-cutting.
Sleep, travel and home
Creating a comfortable and vertical environment is essential for the athletic Burmese, while safe travel accessories ensure their security during vet visits.
Best beds and cat trees for Burmese
Burmese love to be high up, so a tall, sturdy cat tree with multiple levels and perches is a must-have for their home environment. For sleeping, they prefer warm, enclosed beds or "cat caves" where they can feel secure and tucked away. Since they are known heat-seekers, placing their bed in a sunny spot or choosing a self-warming plush bed will make them very happy.
What to look for
Tall, stable cat trees to satisfy their instinctual desire to climb.
Enclosed "cave" style beds to provide a sense of security and warmth.
Removable, machine-washable covers for easy hygiene maintenance.
Best travel accessories for Burmese
Because Burmese can be quite vocal and active, a sturdy, well-ventilated hard-sided carrier is best for travel. Adding a familiar-smelling blanket or a synthetic pheromone spray inside the carrier can help keep them calm during car rides. For more adventurous Burmese, a secure, well-fitted harness and lead can allow them to explore the outdoors safely under supervision.
What to look for
Hard-sided carriers for maximum safety and easy cleaning.
Secure, escaped-proof harnesses for supervised outdoor time.
Pheromone calming sprays to reduce travel-induced anxiety.
Burmese FAQ
