Burmilla

The Burmilla is a medium-sized pedigree cat known for its shimmering silver coat, expressive eyes, and affectionate, playful nature. It originated in the UK in 1981 from a cross between a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese, combining a soft, shaded coat with a sociable, people‑oriented temperament.

Origin and History

The breed began with an accidental mating in Britain between a Chinchilla Persian male and a lilac Burmese female, producing four silver‑tipped kittens that prompted a formal breeding program. Breed standards followed in the 1980s, and the Burmilla is now recognized in several registries, sometimes grouped within the "Asian" cat family or called the Asian Shaded.

Appearance

Burmillas are medium build, sturdy yet elegant cats, with males typically more robust and females finer and daintier. They have gently rounded heads, wide‑set ears, large slightly almond‑shaped eyes (gold to green, often bright green in adults), and a short, dense coat with a pale undercoat and darker "tipping" that gives a silver, shaded look and an "M" marking on the forehead.

Key Physical Traits

Feature	Description
Size	Medium, muscular, 8–12 lb typical adult weight
Head/Ears	Rounded head, moderate wedge muzzle, wide‑set, slightly forward‑tilted ears
Eyes	Large, expressive, any shade from gold to green; luminous green favored in adults
Coat Types	Mainly shorthaired, with a dense, soft coat; semi‑longhair variant also exists
Color/Pattern	Silver base with shaded or tipped pattern in various colors (e.g., black, brown, lilac)

Temperament and Behavior

Burmillas are typically friendly, sociable, and people‑oriented, often forming strong bonds with their owners while retaining a streak of independence. They are playful and inquisitive, often remaining kitten‑like into adulthood, but are generally gentler and more laid‑back than many high‑energy breeds, making them good family companions.

Care, Grooming, and Health

Their short coat is low‑maintenance and usually only needs weekly brushing, while longhair Burmillas benefit from a little more frequent grooming to prevent tangles. In general they are considered a healthy breed, but lines may share some Burmese‑linked issues (such as a possible predisposition to diabetes in some families), so responsible breeding and regular vet checks are important.

Summary Table

Trait	Description
Origin	United Kingdom (1981)
Parent Breeds	Chinchilla Persian × Burmese
Size	Medium, sturdy yet elegant
Weight	8-12 lbs
Coat	Short, dense, soft (semi-longhair variant exists)
Color	Silver base with shaded or tipped pattern
Eyes	Large, expressive, gold to green (green favored)
Temperament	Friendly, sociable, playful, affectionate
Activity Level	Moderate - playful but laid-back
Grooming	Low maintenance - weekly brushing
Suitability	Families, good with children and other pets

The Burmilla is an ideal companion for families seeking a beautiful, affectionate, and playful cat with a shimmering silver coat and gentle, sociable nature.

References

← Back to all breeds