Burmilla Cat

Breed Profile

The Burmilla is a stunning silver shadow in the cat world—a beautiful accident that resulted in one of the most glamorous and sweet-natured breeds in existence. Combining the laid-back luxury of the Chinchilla Persian with the playful mischief of the Burmese, the Burmilla offers the best of both worlds. With their shimmering silver-tipped coats, expressive green eyes, and “built-in eyeliner,” they are truly head-turners. But beyond their good looks, they are cherished for their independent yet affectionate temperament.

The “Accidental” Aristocrat

The story of the Burmilla began in London, England, in 1981. A Lilac Burmese female named Bambino was awaiting a partner, while a Chinchilla Persian male named Jemari Sanquist was living in the next room. Due to a cleaner leaving a door open, the two met, and nature took its course. The result was a litter of four female kittens that were so stunningly beautiful that their owner, Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg, decided to develop them into a new breed.

Named “Burmilla” (a portmanteau of Burmese and Chinchilla), the breed gained rapid popularity and official recognition in the UK in the 1980s. They are part of the “Asian Group” of cats in some registries but are recognized as a distinct breed in others, including the CFA and TICA.

A Look of Elegance

The Burmilla is a medium-sized cat, elegant but muscular, heavier than they appear. They have a “foreign” body type—not as cobby as the British Shorthair but not as slender as the Siamese.

The Coat: Their crowning glory is their short, dense, and silky coat. The hair has a pure silver or golden undercoat tipped with a contrasting color (like black, blue, chocolate, lilac, or caramel). This “tipping” gives the coat a sparkling, shimmering quality when the cat moves. They also come in a semi-longhair variety (often called the Tiffanie in some associations), though the shorthair is more common.

The Face: They have a gently rounded head and a distinct “sweet” expression. Their large, luminous eyes are almost always a vivid green, outlined in dark “mascara” markings that make them pop. The nose also features a dark outline (brick red leather outlined in color), completing the “makeup” look.

Personality: The Perfect Middle Ground

The Burmilla is often described as the perfect compromise for cat lovers who find the Burmese too demanding and the Persian too inactive. They have inherited the playfulness and intelligence of the Burmese but tempered with the relaxed, easygoing nature of the Persian.

Affectionate but Independent: They love their humans and will happily curl up on a lap for a cuddle, but they are not overly clingy. They are quite content to entertain themselves with a toy or watch the world go by from a window sill if you are busy.

Playful Clown: They have a mischievous streak and are known to be quite clumsy and funny, often performing “zoomies” or getting into silly situations that will keep you laughing. They remain playful into adulthood and enjoy interactive toys.

Social Butterfly: Burmillas generally get along well with everyone—children, other cats, and dogs. They are social creatures who enjoy company but don’t demand to be the center of attention 24/7.

Care and Wellness

Living with a Burmilla is easy.

• Grooming: Their coat is low-maintenance. A weekly brushing to remove loose hairs and distribute skin oils is all that is needed to keep them looking their sparkling best. They shed moderately, but less than many other breeds.
• Exercise: They have moderate energy levels. They need daily play sessions to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, but they don’t require the intense activity of a Bengal or Savannah. A few good climbing trees and some feather wands will keep them happy.
• Diet: Like all cats, they thrive on high-quality wet or dry food. They can be prone to becoming a bit “round” if overfed, so measuring their food is recommended.
  

Health

The Burmilla is generally a very healthy breed, benefiting from the hybrid vigor of its original cross. However, because of their Persian ancestry, they should be tested for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), though this has been largely bred out. They can also be prone to dental issues, so regular teeth cleaning or dental treats are a good idea.

Is the Burmilla for You?

If you are looking for a cat that is stunningly beautiful, affectionate without being smothering, and playful without being hyperactive, the Burmilla is an excellent choice. They fit seamlessly into most lifestyles, bringing a touch of silver sparkle and golden love to any home.