Burmilla
Also known as: none
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Weight
- 3–6 kg
- Other names
- none
About the Burmilla
The Burmilla is a domestic cat breed originating from the United Kingdom. It features two coat lengths: semi-longhair and shorthair.
Body
Burmillas are medium-sized with muscular, elegant bodies, tending to weigh between 3–6 kg. Their distinguishing feature is their sparkling silver coat, and distinctive "make up" lining the nose, lips and eyes.
Coat
The Burmilla comes in two coat lengths, semi-longhair and shorthair. Semi-longhair Burmilla are known as the Tiffanie in GCCF. The most common (standard) coat is the shorthair. This is a short, close-lying coat, similar in appearance to the Burmese, but with a slightly padded feel. Due to the undercoat, it has a soft, silky feel. The recessive longhair gene inherited from the Chinchilla Persian can produce longhair Burmilla. These cats have a semi-longhair coat following the lines of the body, with a soft, silky feel and a large plumed tail. The shorthair gene is dominant and where a cat receives one of each, shorthair dominates. Two longhair Burmillas mated together produce longhair kittens, while shorthair matings depend on whether the longhair genes are carried by the shorthair parents.
Head
Gently rounded top of head; medium width between ears; wide at eyebrow level and jaw hinge, tapering to a short, blunt wedge. The profile shows a gentle nose break. Tip of nose and chin should be in line. Chin is firm, with good depth.
Overview
The Burmilla (a portmanteau of Burm -ese and Chinch- illa ) is a breed of domestic cat , that originated in the United Kingdom in 1981. It is a cross between the Chinchilla Persian and Burmese cats. In certain cat registries the breed falls under the Asian group , and is sometimes referred to as the Asian Shaded . Standards were produced in 1984, and the breed gained championship status in the United Kingdom in the 1990s.
Origin
The Burmilla was accidentally born in the cattery of Miranda von Kirchberg in the United Kingdom. Two cats, a chinchilla Persian kitten, called Jamari Sanquist, and a lilac Burmese , called Bambino Lilac Fabergé, were both awaiting a partner in different rooms. One night, the cleaner left the door open. The two cats mated, producing four kittens born in 1981. All four kittens were shorthair silver shaded females, named Galatea, Gemma, Gabriela, and Gisella. Impressed with the kittens'' appearance, she called a friend and fellow breeder, Therese Clarke, who shared her excitement. The two would go on to develop the litter into a new breed, with Clarke adopting Gemma and von Kichberg keeping Galatea, with the two serving as the foundation for the breed''s first lines. Clarke formed the Burmilla Cat Club in 1984, with the Cat Association of Britain officially recognizing the breed in 1994. A year later in 1995, the GCCF accepted the Burmilla for championship.
Colours
The Burmilla sports a variety of coat colours , including black, blue, brown, chocolate and lilac. Red, cream and tortoiseshell ( calico ) varieties have been bred, although these colours are not recognised by CCCA in Australia. Burmilla coat colours can be expressed in either Burmese expression, or full expression. The Burmilla is now recognised in golden shaded and golden tipped in FIFe and ACF registries, but only silver shaded and silver tipped elsewhere. The Burmilla''s shading comes in two major coat patterns which relate to the depth of colour; these are tipped and shaded . Tipped Burmillas have a light dusting of colour (1/8 to 1/4) over the top of a silver or golden undercoat. In the case of silvers , these cats can appear almost white. Shaded Burmillas have 1/4 - 1/2 of their hair length pigmented, giving the appearance of a mantle of colour over the back, shoulders and outside of the legs. The smoke pattern is not a Burmilla (in GCCF these fall under the Asian Smoke-category), and in some registries is only allowed to be registered for breeding, not showing. Smokes have only a small part of the hair root in the silvery-white or golden colour, and almost all hair length is pigmented. The cats have nose leather coloured correspondingly to their coat colour and outlined in the matching coat shading colour. In addition, their paw footpads correspond to the coat colouring: black silver cats have black or dark brown paw footpads, browns (sepia blacks) have dark brown, chocolates have pinkish brown, blues have blue-grey, and lilacs have dove-grey tinged with pink.
Recognition
In GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy), the Burmilla is considered part of the Asian group . It is accepted in FIFe as the Burmilla. Only the silver shaded and tipped varieties have been recognised in GCCF , FIFe , CCCA , ACF and CFA . As of late 2011, additionally golden shaded and tipped Burmillas are recognised within FIFe. The ACF also recognises golden shaded and tipped .
Temperament
The Burmilla is an irreverent and independent cat who adores its owner and displays many kitten-like characteristics, even into adulthood. In temperament they are sociable, playful and affectionate and get along well with children and other animals.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Burmilla?
The Burmilla is a medium-sized cat with a muscular build and a short, fine coat. It has a distinctive pointed pattern, with a lighter-colored body and darker-colored points. The breed comes in a variety of colors, including brown, blue, and chocolate. Burmillas are known for their large, wide-set eyes and their short, button nose.
Is the Burmilla a good family cat?
Burmillas are generally friendly and outgoing, making them a good fit for families with children. However, as with any cat breed, it's essential to socialize them well and provide adequate attention and care. Burmillas are also relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring moderate exercise and grooming.
What health problems do Burmillas have?
Like many breeds, Burmillas can be prone to certain health issues, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (heart disease) and patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation). Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups can help minimize the risk of these conditions. Regular grooming can also help prevent hairballs and other coat-related issues.
How much does a Burmilla kitten cost?
The cost of a Burmilla kitten can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a pet-quality Burmilla kitten can cost between £500 to £1,500 (approximately $650-$1,950 USD). Show-quality kittens may be more expensive, while rescue or adoption options may be more affordable.