Introducing the Burmilla
Find out everything you need to know about the Burmilla : its characteristics, its behaviour, its training and how much one costs.
The Burmilla
The Burmilla, a glimmering gem of feline beauty
The Burmilla is an enchanting breed, seamlessly merging grace with a playful spirit. Originating from an unplanned crossbreeding between a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese, it derives its distinctive name, 'Burmilla', from this mix. This fortuitous combination blessed the Burmilla with a striking silver-shaded coat that sparkles with movement, making it a standout in the world of cats.
These cats are renowned for their affectionate and friendly disposition, making them excellent pets. They harmoniously blend the loving and loyal nature of the Burmese with the serene and majestic qualities of the Chinchilla Persian.
BURMILLA FACT FILE
This selection outlines the unique features of the Burmilla breed of cat.
Size
The Burmilla is a medium-sized breed, typically standing about 10-12 inches tall and weighing between 6 and 12 pounds.
Coat length
The Burmilla boasts a short to medium-length coat that is silky to the touch, providing a luxurious feel.
Allergies
Burmillas are known for their minimal shedding, making them a suitable option for individuals with mild cat allergies.
Coat Colour
Burmilla cats are admired for their striking coat colors, predominantly silver, with a variety of shading options ranging from black to lilac.
Living Environment
Burmillas adapt well to indoor living environments, thriving in loving and interactive households.
Sociability
Burmilla cats are renowned for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions for children and harmonious with other pets.
Health
Burmilla cats generally enjoy good health, but like any breed, they may be prone to certain genetic conditions.
Training
Characterized by their intelligent and affectionate temperament, Burmillas respond well to gentle, patient training, making them a delight to educate.
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Burmilla, a shimmering spectacle
The Burmilla is uniquely captivating with its shimmering silver coat, reminiscent of moonlight dancing on calm waters.
Size and weight of the Burmilla
The Burmilla is a medium-sized cat, exuding elegance in its stature. Males are typically heavier than females, with males weighing between 8 to 12 pounds and females ranging from 6 to 9 pounds.
The breed matures slowly, often reaching their full physical maturity around 3 to 4 years of age. Burmillas are characterized by a broad frame, a muscular build, and a notably plush tail, adding to their striking appearance.
The Burmilla coat
Coat length
The Burmilla's coat is a distinctive feature, boasting a short to medium length that is luxuriously dense and silky. The texture is plush, with a lustrous sheen that enhances its elegance, making it a delight to both see and touch.
The Burmilla is not considered to be a hypoallergenic breed; people with sensitivities or allergies may have reactions to its hair.
Coat colour
The Burmilla's coat color palette is quite specific, predominantly featuring shades of silver. This breed typically exhibits a stunning silver base with various shading options, including black, blue, chocolate, lilac, and caramel. The unique tipping of the fur adds depth and dimension to their coat, creating an enchanting, shimmering effect that sets the Burmilla apart.
Other characteristics of the Burmilla
Other physical characteristics
The Burmilla cat is characterized by more than its stunning coat; it possesses a graceful and agile demeanor that showcases its elegance. Its ears, medium in size, set wide, and slightly forward-tilted, enhance its gentle yet alert expression. The Burmilla has a well-proportioned body with strong bones and a muscular frame, yet maintains a certain sleekness. Its rounded, short muzzle contributes to its distinctive and appealing facial features.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Burmilla is its large, expressive eyes, typically green or gold, adding to its charm.
Grooming
Grooming a Burmilla is a relatively straightforward affair. Their short to medium-length coat requires regular brushing, ideally once a week, to keep it shiny and healthy. During shedding periods, it's beneficial to increase the frequency of brushing to manage loose hair.
Bathing should be an occasional activity, using a cat-friendly shampoo, to maintain their coat's natural oils and sheen. Although Burmillas are adept at self-grooming, assisting them with grooming rituals not only helps maintain their coat's health but also strengthens the bond between the cat and its owner.
TEMPERAMENT & BEHAVIOUR
What is the temperament of the Burmilla ?
The Burmilla is known for its gentle and affectionate temperament, making it a delightful companion for any family.
Burmilla sociability
A charismatic charmer
The Burmilla is renowned for its sociable and friendly demeanor, characterized by its affectionate nature and ease of forming bonds with humans. These cats often seek out the company of their owners, following them around the house, showcasing their need for interaction and attention. They are playful yet cherish their cuddle time, enjoying moments of affection and relaxation.
Their sociable nature requires an owner who can provide the attention and companionship they crave.
The family-friendly feline
The Burmilla's temperament is a blend of tranquility and patience, making it an ideal pet for families with children, and a friendly companion to other pets, including dogs and cats. These cats exhibit a peaceful nature and are known for their non-aggressive behavior.
When overwhelmed, they prefer to retreat and relax in a quiet space rather than display any form of aggression. Their amiable and accommodating nature makes them a perfect fit for a harmonious household, where they can interact and bond with all family members.
Living environment of the Burmilla
An adaptable companion
The Burmilla cat is remarkably adaptable to various living environments, thriving in both apartments and houses. Their contentment is closely linked to the presence of their owners, as they form strong bonds and prefer not to be left alone for extended periods.
Ideally, a Burmilla should have access to safe spaces where they can play and explore. While they don't demand excessive space, a stimulating environment is beneficial to keep them engaged and happy.
If you're worried about losing track of him, you can fit him with a GPS collar so you can track his movements and locate him if he escapes.
Playful yet peaceful
The Burmilla, known for its playful and gentle nature, requires regular mental and physical stimulation to stay content. Engaging toys and interactive play with their owners are crucial for their well-being, helping to channel their energy positively and prevent boredom.
Boredom in Burmillas can sometimes lead to mischievous behaviors. It's equally important to provide them with calm, cozy areas for rest, ensuring they have a balanced and peaceful lifestyle.
Training the Burmilla
Proper training for a Burmilla cat should begin at a young age to establish good behaviors early on. Their education should be grounded in kindness, understanding, and consistency. Reward-based methods and firm, gentle guidance help them learn effectively.
Burmillas are intelligent and respond well to playful learning, making training through engaging activities an ideal approach. This not only aids in mental stimulation but also helps in preventing unwanted behaviors. Consistency in training is key, ensuring that good behaviors are reinforced from the start, setting the foundation for a well-behaved and sociable companion.
Which cat breed is right for you?
Choosing a cat that matches your personality and lifestyle will ensure your well-being and his!
HEALTH & NUTRITION
How to take care of the Burmilla ?
This breed typically does not have breed-specific health issues, making it a relatively easy cat to care for in terms of health.
Health of the Burmilla
Health concerns
Overall, the Burmilla is a sturdy breed with a strong constitution. They are generally healthy and not prone to frequent illnesses. However, like many cat breeds, Burmillas may be susceptible to certain hereditary conditions. Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease are among the conditions to be aware of.
Conducting a DNA test can help detect these diseases early and prevent their transmission. Regular veterinary visits are crucial for maintaining the Burmilla's health, including vaccinations against common diseases such as feline typhus and rabies, as well as routine check-ups to monitor their overall well-being.
Feeding the Burmilla
Optimal nutrition for a sleek figure
The Burmilla, with its elegant and muscular body, requires a well-balanced diet to maintain its sleek physique and overall health. High-quality kibble should form the cornerstone of their diet, providing all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions.
To enhance their regular diet and support their renal health, incorporating green vegetables rich in water can be beneficial. This combination ensures that your Burmilla stays in top condition, both physically and internally.
Activity level and diet control
While Burmillas are not overly active cats, preferring indoor comfort, they still require regular play and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. This breed can have a tendency to gain weight if their diet is not properly managed and if they lack sufficient physical activity.
Encouraging your Burmilla to engage in play, running, and jumping is vital to prevent weight issues and promote overall health. Interactive playtime not only helps in keeping them fit but also provides essential mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between the cat and its owner.
BREEDING OR ADOPTION & COST
How much does a Burmilla cost?
The Burmilla is a cherished breed for its beauty and temperament. While there are several breeders specializing in this breed, it's important to consider a few factors before adoption.
Choosing the right Burmilla
Finding the right breeder
Purebred cats like the Burmilla are typically bred by professional breeders or catteries. It's crucial to visit these breeding sites before adopting to assess the living conditions and ensure they meet high standards.
From June 10, 2024 you must have your cat microchipped by the age of 20 weeks old and register its details in a relevant database such as Petlog or The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). This is a legal requirement in Britain, and failure to comply could result in a fine of
.
It's also important to ensure that health check-ups and DNA tests have been conducted on the kitten and its parents to identify potential hereditary health issues.
The price of a Burmilla
The cost of acquiring a Burmilla kitten can vary based on factors like lineage, pedigree, the reputation of the breeder, and the age of the cat. Generally, the price range for a Burmilla kitten may vary but is typically within the range of
to
.
Opting for an adult Burmilla might be less costly. Beyond the purchase price, there are ongoing costs associated with cat ownership, including healthcare, nutrition, and grooming.
The annual cost of maintaining a Burmilla can be estimated, but it's important to remember that this is a commitment, with Burmillas having a lifespan of approximately 12 to 15 years. Therefore, adopting a Burmilla is a decision that should be made with careful consideration of both the initial cost and long-term commitment.
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