Small cute burmese cats are very popular in the USA. They are well known in Europe, although there their numbers are slightly lower. In our country, this is a rather rare breed. She is little familiar to Russians, since her active development began only in the mid-90s.
Burmese cat has a specific appearance and friendly character. The owners of these animals believe that the Burmese cat breed (expert reviews confirm this) perfectly combines ideal body proportions with the size and color of pets.
Breed features
To appreciate all the advantages that burmese cats are endowed with, you need to learn a little about its history. Joseph Thompson brought an unusual kitty from Burma to the United States in 1934. They have been living on the Indonesian island for about 500 years. The image of animals with a similar appearance is attributed to the XIV-XVII centuries.
The first animals with a unique color of fur were bred in the USA in the 20th century. American breeders crossed the eastern beauty with Siamese relatives. As a result of the experiment, a new, very pretty branch appeared.
The Burmese cat breed has continued to improve for generations. Breeders sought to give her the proportions of Persian cats. At the same time, they sought to maintain a unique rich chocolate shade of wool. The progenitors of the subspecies were called “copper cats”. If you have ever seen this animal, you should understand the reason for this name. The coat of this beauty is silk, very delicate. It shimmers every second and changes tone when the animal moves.
Views
Burmese cats today are represented by two varieties: European and American. What are their similarities and differences? The American Burmese cat breed has the following characteristics: a rounded muzzle and smooth body shapes, devoid of any sharp corners. Ears - medium length, flattened, set quite wide.
American burmese is divided into two types: modern and traditional. They are evaluated at exhibitions according to a single standard, but they have a different type and bloodlines. Breeders often try not to mix them in breeding. In this regard, the cat breed American Burmese (traditional and modern) exist in parallel within the framework of one standard.
The appearance of the breed in Europe
In 1949, three burmese cats were brought to England by Lillian Derby (a breeder). Unusual animals immediately attracted the attention of specialists. In the mid-50s, a club of fans of this breed appeared in the UK. To increase the number of its representatives, breeders also used Siamese. So there was a new, more modern type of breed, if you want, more refined.
Over time, the appearance of European representatives began to differ from relatives from America, they appeared more sophisticated forms. European breeders thought about getting new colors, but their American counterparts did not share such an undertaking. They believed that a chocolate burmese cat (photo you can see in this article) as a result of such an experiment will lose its personality.
In the early 90s, CFA representatives began to notice that in Europe the number of Burmese cats was reduced. It turned out that the English breeders did not exhibit animals due to the apparent difference in phenotype with the "Americans." In 1993, it was decided to distinguish two lines: European Burmese and Burmese cat.
American burmese
American Burmese cats are medium-sized animals with well-developed muscles. These beauties weigh much more than it might seem at first glance, so they are often called as a joke "bricks that are wrapped in silk."
A careful, expressive look makes these pets unlike other feline representatives. Burmese cats have a dull short wedge shaped head. It is slightly rounded, with distinct cheekbones. Looking at the animal from the side, you can see how the forehead is rounded at the Burmese. This makes the transition to the nose more expressive. The ears are slightly inclined forward, they are medium in size, wider at the base and rounded at the tips. The eyes are large, expressive, widely set, rounded in shape. They can be from light yellow to dark amber. The more saturated the color, the more valuable the individual.
The tip of the nose and chin are in line. The neck is well developed, short. The body is compact. The chest is round and wide. The limbs are proportional to the size of the body, moderately thin. Paws are rounded, small. The tail is straight, medium length, slightly tapering towards the tip.
Hair coat
Burmese wool is thin and shiny. Its texture resembles an atlas. The hairs are very tight to the body, they are short. The undercoat is missing. In any color, the lower body is lighter than the legs and back, but the transition should be smooth, without stripes or spots. On the ears and muzzle, a slight contrast is acceptable.
Burmese European
The European Burmese cat breed is distinguished by a narrowed, wedge-shaped muzzle. Ears of "European women" at the tips are pointed and set much closer than those of overseas relatives. And the look of large oval eyes seems a little trickier than that of the "Americans."
The hind legs are slightly longer than the front. Paws are oval. The coat is thin and short, tight to the skin.
Colors
Sable - the basic color, thanks to which this cat is now known throughout the world. The body of the animal is painted evenly brown, which can vary from a shade of coffee with milk to dark brown. It is important that the paw pads and the tip of the nose are of the same suit.
Chocolate - representatives of this variety are very similar to the previous ones, but have a darker muzzle. The lower part of the paws and nose can vary in color from cinnamon to dark chocolate.
Blue - one of the most charming varieties of "Burmese". They differ from Russian blue in a softer shade of wool, and from the British - a light tonality of color. Paw pads and nose are bluish-gray.
Purple - these burmese cats seem the most moving. This color is unique. Only a Burmese cat can boast of it.
Platinum is an unusual and refined color. May have various shades. But the most valuable is light platinum with a pinkish tint.
Character
Despite the close relationship with Thai cats , Burmese cats are the embodiment of calm. It is amazing that with such a temperament, this kitty can well stand up for herself in a fight with other feline cats. It will not bring into awe much larger opponents.
Burmese cats are extremely curious and perky, and these qualities do not disappear with age. Burmese kittens are able to play for hours with their master and among themselves. And mature animals explore every corner of the apartment.
Burmese easily makes contact with people, poses no danger to children, and easily gets along with dogs. Unlike many other breeds, this kitty can easily endure travels, including automobile ones. There is another unique feature of this beauty - she lies in her ability to feel the most minor malfunctions of her master's bio-energy. Moreover, the animal is able to correct it. And future owners should know that Burmese cats are worried when they witness quarrels and scandals.
Care
It is worth noting that these charming creatures are intended only for apartment maintenance. Such cats can not stand the cold at all and are very sensitive to drafts due to the lack of undercoat. If the owners plan to walk their pet in the future, they should be trained on the street and on a leash from a very young age, but only after all the necessary vaccinations and insecticide treatments have been completed.
Burmese must have a berth (house or bed). Animals are cleanliness, so you need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of their bowls and tray. In addition, your pet should have several toys. Since both varieties of the breed are short-haired, they do not require special care.
Owners do not notice hairs on the couch or carpet, even during molting of the animal. Such a cat should be bathed only in cases of emergency, for example, if she is preparing for an exhibition or is simply very dirty. It is important to know that such a pet has a hypoallergenic coat. Even an allergy sufferer can afford a four-legged friend.
To preserve the health of your baby and maintain an exquisitely iridescent shade of her fur coat, carefully consider her nutrition. In addition to high-quality dry feed, the diet should be supplemented with fish, meat and poultry.
Burmese cats: owner reviews
Today in our country there are still not very many of these charming animals. Nevertheless, the happy owners of these cats with enthusiasm describe their pets. According to them, these are extremely affectionate, neat and funny creatures. They are not picky in food, do not require complicated care. Most owners note that kittens surprisingly quickly get used to the tray, practically do not fade, which greatly facilitates care.