About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 23-33 cm

Height range  : 38-46cm

Weight range : 3.6-5.4kg

Coat : Shorthair or semi-longhair , silky , smooth , dense coat with sparkling silver or shaded appearance.

Life expectancy years : 12-13 (depends on health situation)

Colors: black|blue|chocolate|lilac|caramel|beige|apricot|silver white|seal sepia|red|cream|golden.

Activitity Level : Variable

Origin: United Kingdom

Similar Breeds : Persian|Burmese

 

History

The breed began with an accidental mating in 1981 between a Chinchilla Persian male and a lilac European Burmese female that produced four black shaded silver female kittens. Their appearance inspired a breeding program to develop the new breed. CFA notes both longhair and shorthair varieties were accepted for registration in 2011 and advanced to championship status in 2014.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Playful

Personality

affectionate|sweet-natured|inquisitive|gentle|laid-back|playful|mischievous|social|intelligent|friendly|quiet|loyal|devoted|people-oriented|gregarious|independent

Needs

Needs attention , climbing spaces , perches , play , environmental enrichment , regular grooming , and weight management if exercise is limited.

Social Needs

Moderate to high social needs. Burmillas are affectionate and family-oriented , usually get along with children , dogs , and other cats , yet can tolerate some independence during the day.

Grooming 

Grooming is generally moderate. Weekly brushing is usually recommended though Hill’s also notes daily brushing to remove loose and dead hairs. Regular nail trims , ear cleaning , and dental care are also needed.

Nutrition

Nutrition should support lean body condition because this sturdy breed may gain weight if not exercised enough. Good-quality food , fresh water , and dietary adjustment for weight control or diabetes risk may be helpful.

 

Breed Standard

The breed standard describes an elegant medium-sized foreign-type cat with a gently rounded top head , balanced wedge , gentle nose dip , large luminous green eyes , medium to large ears , medium-length body , straight back , slender strong legs , and a pure silver white ground color with even tipping or shading. Both shorthair and longhair varieties are recognized.

Did you know?

The Burmilla began from an accidental 1981 mating and its eye color may take up to two years to fully develop. Its sparkling silver coat and outlined features are hallmark traits.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Polycystic kidney disease, Dental disease, Diabetes mellitus, Hypokalemic polymyopathy, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

 

Symtoms

Polycystic kidney disease -> 1. Increased thirst and urination may occur early 2. Weight loss , poor appetite , nausea , vomiting , lethargy , bad breath and dull coat may appear as kidney failure progresses

Dental disease -> 1. Bad breath , red swollen or bleeding gums and tartar buildup may occur 2. Drooling , dropping food , mouth pawing and reduced grooming may appear

Diabetes mellitus -> 1. Increased thirst , increased urination , increased appetite with weight loss may occur 2. Lethargy , poor coat and hind leg weakness or plantigrade stance may appear

Hypokalemic polymyopathy -> 1. Episodic muscle weakness , stiff or crouched walk and head droop may occur 2. Tremors , general weakness and reluctance to move may appear

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy -> 1. Early disease may be asymptomatic and a murmur may be the first sign 2. Increased resting respiratory rate , lethargy , open-mouth breathing and sudden painful hind leg paralysis from a clot may occur

Onset of symptoms

 

Polycystic kidney disease

1. Signs usually become noticeable in middle-aged to senior cats from about 3 to 10 years as kidney function declines

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low from reputable tested breeders 2. High from untested sources

Dental disease

1. Mild gingivitis may begin by age 1 to 2 2. Many cats may show dental disease by age 3 without prevention

Probability Of Onset:

1. Very high 2. The content suggests significant dental disease is likely without proactive care

Diabetes mellitus

1. Most often diagnosed in middle-aged to senior cats over 6 years 2. Risk may rise with overweight status

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate to high 2. It indicates inherited Burmese-related predisposition and excess weight may increase risk

Hypokalemic polymyopathy

1. Usually appears in young cats between about 2 and 10 months

Probability Of Onset:

1. Low from reputable tested breeders 2. Moderate from untested sources

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. May be detected by screening as early as 1 to 2 years 2. Clinical signs often appear in adult cats between about 2 and 8 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. Moderate 2. The risk may be lower when breeding cats receive regular cardiac screening

Reasons

Polycystic kidney disease       

1. Not a deficiency disorder 2. Potassium and water may become difficult to retain once kidney failure develops

 

Diabetes mellitus:

1. Metabolic carbohydrate intolerance rather than a nutrient deficiency

 

Dental disease       

1. Not a deficiency disorder 2. Mechanical abrasion for tooth cleaning may be lacking

 

Diabetes mellitus:

1. Metabolic carbohydrate intolerance rather than a nutrient deficiency

 

Dental disease

1. Not a deficiency disorder 2. Mechanical abrasion for tooth cleaning may be lacking

Hypokalemic polymyopathy

1. Potassium may be lacking because the body cannot retain it properly

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. Genetic heart disease rather than a deficiency

Normally Treament Methods

Polycystic kidney disease:

  1. Prevention may rely on choosing PKD1-negative tested lines
  2. Once kidney failure develops management may include prescription kidney diet , hydration support and medications for nausea or blood pressure
  3. Once kidney failure develops management may include prescription kidney diet , hydration support and medications for nausea or blood pressure

 

Dental disease :

  1. Daily tooth brushing and regular professional dental cleaning under anesthesia may help
  2. Extractions may be needed for crowded or severely damaged teeth

 

Diabetes mellitus

  1. Low-carbohydrate high-protein feeding , weight management and insulin therapy may be used
  2. Blood glucose , appetite , weight , water intake and urine output may need close monitoring
  3. Some cats may achieve remission with early management

 

Hypokalemic polymyopathy:

  1. DNA testing may help prevent affected kittens
  2. Severe episodes may need hospitalization and potassium support

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

  1. Echocardiographic screening may help identify affected cats
  2. Early stages may not need treatment for years
  3. Clopidogrel , furosemide , ACE-inhibitors and pimobendan may be used in some cases named in the text. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Polycystic kidney disease :

  • Potassium gluconate can,might be helpful for low potassium that develops with kidney failure.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for kidney support.
  • Kidney-support probiotics can,might be helpful for reducing uremic toxin burden
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Dental disease

  • N,A
  • N,A
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Diabetes mellitus

  • N,A
  • N,A
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Hypokalemic polymyopathy

  • Potassium gluconate can,might be helpful for replacing ongoing potassium losses
  • Potassium gluconate can,might be helpful for replacing ongoing potassium losses
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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • Omega-3 fatty acids EPA,DHA can,might be helpful for heart support.
  • Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for cardiac energy support.
  • Taurine and L-carnitine can,might be helpful for heart muscle support
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