Purring fans, intending to have a pet, most often pick it up very meticulously. It takes into account the appearance, character, difficulty in caring, the degree of cohabitation with people and animals - everything that can leave an imprint on the pleasure when communicating with a pet. In this regard, the Burmese cat breed can be considered ideal. It is difficult to imagine an animal more suitable for communication. The only drawback may be considered to be the small distribution of burmese in Russia and the resulting high cost of kittens. But people usually make such sacrifices willingly.
Legendary backstory
The Burmese cat breed can be considered almost the oldest on the planet. Her story is closely linked to Burma; they have been known in Thailand since the 15th century - and these are only officially documented facts.
Representatives of the breed came to Europe only at the beginning of the twentieth century, and in a rather romantic way. Two Europeans took an active part in the defense of Lao Zong Monastery. Largely thanks to them, the temple was able to be defended, and the abbot gave the heroes two cats. In his part, this was akin to a feat, since the Burmese cat breed was considered in the monastery as the reincarnation of righteous monks. Unfortunately, only one animal survived the road to France. The kittens of this cat became the progenitors of the whole breed.
Modern breed type
In Europe and America, the Burmese cat breed was quite funny: its origin began with a kitten named Wong Mau, presented to the doctor from San Francisco, Joseph Thompson. It is believed that the cub was a descendant of the very cat that was awarded the heroic Europeans. Interestingly, Wong Mau was not a burmese in the full sense of the word. But the corresponding genes turned out to be dominant, thanks to which it was possible to consolidate the characteristic color with which the kitten conquered the doctor. A detailed breeding program was compiled, which was introduced by scientists at the University of California under the leadership of Dr. Keller. Active assistance was also provided by the felinological society of the city. As a result, after only four years, in 1934, the CFA approved the primary breed standard and issued registration to the first representatives of the tribe, in whose pedigree the Burmese cat breed totaled three generations. Two more years - and it was recognized as fully established. Due to the furious growth in popularity of the breed, it was decided to increase its genetic diversity, for which the Burmese were crossed with Siamese, Burmese and Thai imported cats, and even cats that only looked like Wong Mau. This practice ceased only in 1947, and since then only individuals comprising three generations of purebred ancestors have been recognized as burmese.
American and European Burmese
The popularity of the breed has expanded rapidly. In 1949, several of its representatives were brought to Britain, and seven years later, The Burmese Cat Club, the Club of Burmese breed lovers, was formed. In 1979, a similar Society (The Burmese Cat Society) was added to it.
In an effort to increase the population of the breed, the breeders conducted their own breeding, practicing crossbreeding with Siamese cats. However, the European Siamese was very different from the American: their proportions and outlines were more sophisticated, the skeleton was more elegant, the head was more elongated. Naturally, these qualities were transferred to the Burmese. The result was significant external differences from the American standard. And the European-Burmese cat breed in 1950 was singled out as an independent branch, with detailed refinements of the exterior. It got to the point that the CFA explicitly prohibits the crossing of "Americans" with "Europeans." Violation of this rule entails the “disqualification” of offspring.
Appearance
Despite the differences in the constitution, both the American and the English Burmese cat bear common features. The breed description indicates that the animal should be of medium size, with a weight between 3.6 and 6.5 kg. The bone is thin, but strong (no Siamese airiness). Eyes are bright, widely spaced, yellow in color, which can vary from light lemon to rich amber, with a deeper one being preferable. A green tint is a sign of culling the breed. The ears are medium, widely spaced, rounded at the tips, slightly inclined forward. Paws are rather thin and long, with graceful oval "feet". The tail is medium-long, its base is not wide, tapering towards the tip, and should end with rounding. Wool - the main thing that became famous for the Burmese cat breed - is very short, with thin hairs and pronounced shine. It fits snugly, the undercoat is almost absent.
The difference between the "English" and the "Americans" is manifested mainly in the structure of the head. In the former, it resembles a blunt wedge, with smooth, harmoniously rounded contours. The second has a round head and full face, and in profile. However, no matter what the Burmese cat breed is described, the standard emphasizes that its representative should not have any heaviness. Grace, elegance - and at the same time the weight is more than what a person who takes a cat in his arms expects to feel.
Permissible colors
There are several permitted colors for Burmese. But the main principle remains unchanged: the upper body and limbs should be painted darker than the lower half. Low-contrast points are not considered marriage: paws, ears, tail and mask on the face may be darker compared to the main tone. But preference is still given to even colors. Any moire and stripes are discarded, although kittens can wear a light tiger moire - it disappears with age.
According to CFA standards, the Burmese cat breed can have four colors:
- Sable, sometimes called black. It is also considered basic. Color - dark chestnut, with a golden tint, on top two tones darker. The nose lobe and paw pads are deep brown.
- Blue. The coat is bluish-silver, the nose with pads on the legs is gray with a blue tint.
- Violet, it is also platinum, the color is characterized by a pinkish tint of the main silver-gray tone. The pads and nose are pink with a slant in lavender.
- With chocolate color (the second name is “champagne”) the body has a beige-honey color, similar to the shade of milk chocolate. The lobe and pads give the tone of cinnamon.
These colors (sometimes under different names) are recognized by other felinological organizations of Europe and America.
TICA allows for more colors of Burmese cats. This is explained by the fact that Siamese with cream and red colors were used in the selection work of this organization. Moreover, among the founding manufacturers there were cats of rare colors like cinnamon and faun. In addition, by the standards of TICA, tortoiseshell “decoration” is also permissible in Burmese. As a result, the list of permitted colors reaches almost two dozen.
Cats, Burmese breed: character
It was thanks to him that the Burmese became so popular. No other breed has such positive reviews. It can be said that when a Burmese cat is mentioned, the description of the breed and character is usually accompanied only by enthusiastic epithets. It is curious that even with the occasional crossing of the Burmese with other breeds, character traits remain fixed in the offspring, even if it does not inherit external characters.
First of all, sociability. A Burmese cat absolutely needs a company - first of all a human one, but the society of other animals is quite welcome. The pet will be on the heels of the family members, at the first opportunity will climb into his hands. Burmese sleeps with family members, and loves to “butt”, asking for affection.
Next is playfulness. The Burmese cat breed loves fun and never tires of taking part in games. In this case, the cat will carry the necessary toy for the owner, hinting at the continuation of the holiday. If you work out with your favorite pet, he will easily master the completely canine “aport” command.
The third most important quality is patience combined with kindness. Even if a small child hurts a cat, it will never be scratched.
Advantages of a beautiful pet
All the joys of life that the breed of Burmese cats will give you (a photo of its representatives is in the review) can be reduced to a very valuable list.
- Keenness, and most importantly, vindication: even an offended animal will forgive, forget and not take revenge.
- The complete absence of aggression: the cat will move away from the interfering, but will not drive away.
- Conflict-free to all those present.
- Love for children. Let her get tired of the game, but the cat will not hide from a small workmate.
- Burmese are more intelligent than most breeds.
Purely aesthetic component can not be mentioned: the cat will become a real decoration of the house.
Possible difficulties
When purchasing an animal of this breed, it is worth remembering that the Burmese are very curious and fearless. The cat safely escapes from the apartment - and on the street all sorts of dangers can wait for it, so this moment requires control. In addition, you can accidentally lock your pet in a washing machine or cabinet drawer, which the animal climbed to examine. And of course, you should not leave him alone for a long time - it is difficult for pets to tolerate it. Despite such difficulties that the Burmese cat breed can deliver, reviews about it are exceptionally warm. The joy of communication, liveliness and friendliness of a cat more than redeem the possible inconvenience caused by it.
Take care of your pet
It is noteworthy that for such an elegant and in every sense positive cat the care is extremely simple. You do not need to bathe it regularly - only in case of severe contamination of the animal. Wool doesn’t get stuck in warlocks, although to maintain its aesthetic appearance, burmese need to be combed regularly - and even then only once a week. The only thing you should pay attention to is a balanced diet. The magnificent view of the skin and the activity of the four-legged friend depends on it.
“Descendants” of Burmese
Despite the fact that the Burmese cat breed is young enough, she has already become the founder of several other breeds. With the participation of the Burmese, Australian Tiffany, Thai Bobtail, Australian Smoky, Bombay and several others were created. Burmese has brought originality of color and remarkable character to all these branches, albeit somewhat inferior to the “original”.