LOVE IN A FUR COAT Profile of the Burmese Cat © Chrissy Russell

Of all the breeds of cat in existence, arguably one who truly deserves the title of "Love in a Fur Coat" is the beautiful Burmese.

Breed history
Like the Siamese and the Tonkinese, the Burmese cat originates from Asia. The cat that is universally accepted as the "mother of all Burmese" was a feline lady named Wong Mau, who was taken to San Francisco, California, US, in 1930 by Dr Joseph Thompson, a naval doctor. Possessing a keen interest in genetics, Dr Thompson realised that he was facing a breed of cat new to the Western world.

Wong Mau was fobbed off initially as a "bad Siamese". Unperturbed, however, Dr Thompson mated Wong Mau to a seal point Siamese. The resulting kittens were both brown solid and pointed, proving that she indeed carried a pointed gene.

Working with geneticist friends and cat breeders he began an experimental breeding program. The brown solids from Wong Mau's litter were kept and mated back to their mother. These matings produced only brown solid kittens, proving that they bred true, with a sound genetic background. The Burmese cat was born.

Thus began a chequered few years for the Burmese breed. Despite tremendous opposition from Siamese breeders, they were accepted into US cat associations, the CFA and the ACA, in the mid 1930's. Controversy continued to mar progress, and the Burmese was suspended by the CFA for 6 years in 1947. Thankfully, other associations continued to accept the breed. The first Burmese were recognised in the UK by the GCCF in 1955.

Characteristics
The Burmese cat is a stunning cat, with a personality to match. A medium shape and sized cat, of foreign type, the body is strong and muscular. The Burmese cat is surprisingly heavy when picked up. The head is rounded with a definite nose break. Eye colour should be any shade of yellow from chartreuse to amber. The coat is short and close lying, satin-like and distinctly glossy.

Colours recognised in the UK are:

Brown	Brown Tortie
Blue	Blue Tortie
Chocolate	Chocolate Tortie
Lilac	Lilac Tortie
Red	Cream

Temperament
Outgoing and friendly, the Burmese is not the type of cat suited to living alone. They are intelligent, alert, active, extremely friendly and affectionate. Their suitability as pets is five star, and they will bond as much with responsibly educated children and other pets. I often call my Burmese "Velcro Cats" because they have a habit of suddenly appearing on one's shoulders, and I spend time walking around the house with said Velcro Cat firmly attached! Countless visitors have been surprised to find one of my Burmese deposit themselves on their laps, backs, fronts … it doesn't matter to a Burmese, so long as they get a cuddle.

Exercise and Entertainment
These are extremely active and intelligent cats. They need mental and physical stimulation if they are not to become upset and destructive. A well-balanced Burmese is neither of these, but to be left all day with no company or stimulation is agonising for the gregarious, fun loving Burmese and inviting trouble. Company does not have to be human; another cat will do, but please do not insult his intelligence by pairing him with a quiet, static type of cat.

Provide plenty of entertainment for your indoor Burmese. Give him lots of entertainment. The best investment is a cat gymnasium, but that does not replace games and cuddles. Burmese love to play with their slaves (you didn't think YOU would own HIM, did you?) Even fully-grown adults melt into kittens with a twizzle stick waved under their nose, or a piece of screwed up paper flicked across the room.

Grooming
Grooming could not be simpler with the Burmese. They have a naturally glossy coat, which is maintained with a healthy balanced diet, correct flea and parasite control, general good health and a daily stroking. Once a week a gentle brush, and a wipe over with a chamois cloth will release any loose hairs, enhance the natural gloss, and provide another opportunity to bond.

Diet
A healthy balanced diet is essential; mine have a particular liking for James Wellbeloved Turkey & Rice, Pro Plan, IAMS, Royal Canin, Hills Science Plan. A little wet food if you are inclined, but not too much as it can have a long-term effect on their teeth and gums. A real treat for most Burmese is cooked chicken. Certainly no cow's milk, it can play havoc with oriental and foreign type tummies. If you want to give milk, use a cat-specific one available from pet shops and vets.

In conclusion, if you are looking for the perfect friend in a pet. Look no further than the Burmese. A cherished Burm will return your love tenfold.

www.ayshazencats.co.uk

(c) Aysha-Zen Cats 2002