In this article we will show one of the most special breeds of cats, considered to be a fairly exclusive breed due to the small number of copies that exist throughout the world. We are talking about the burmilla cat, originally from the United Kingdom, a breed that emerged spontaneously, and is also quite recent. For all these reasons, this cat is still very unknown to many people.
On our site we reveal everything you need to know about the burmilla cat breed, its origin, its physical characteristics, its character, care and much more. Do you know where this curious name comes from? If the answer is no, read on and find out!
Origin of the burmilla cat
The burmilla cat comes from the United Kingdom, where a Burmese catwas crossed with a male Persian chinchilla in 1981. This encounter occurred by chance, so the first litter of the breed we know today as burmilla arose in an unplanned and natural way. Now, why the name "burmilla"? Very simply, the first to discover the breed named it after the combination of "burmese" and "chinchilla".
Since barely three decades have passed since the first specimens were born, this is considered to be one of the most recent cat breeds. In fact, the breed has not been recognized even in its country of origin, where it is considered an experimental breed according to the Cat Association of Britain. In the same way, it is not registered in the United States either. However, official international organizations such as the FIFe (International Feline Federation) did register the standard as early as 1994.
Characteristics of the burmilla cat
The burmilla cat is a medium-sized, weighing between 4 and 7 kilograms. Its body is compact and solid, as are its limbs, which have developed muscles, the front legs being thinner and slightly shorter. Its tail is straight, long and ends in a round tip. His head is wide and round, with full cheeks, some slanted green eyes outlined by black-rimmed eyelids. The ears are medium in size, triangular in shape with a rounded tip and a wide base.
After reviewing the characteristics of the burmilla above, it is logical that the question arises: "are there burmilla cats with blue eyes?". The truth is that no, all specimens of this breed must have green eyes to be considered pure.
The burmilla cat's mantle is somewhat longer than that of a burmese cat, being also soft and silky, as well as very shiny. The coat has quite a lot of volume due to its bilayer structure, with a shorter undercoat that favors insulation. Accepted colors are those with a white or silver base combined with lilac, tan, blue, cream, black and reddish.
Burmilla puppy
If something differentiates the burmilla puppy from the rest of the kittens, it is, without a doubt, the color of its eyes and coat. Thus, the baby burmilla cat already has beautiful green eyes and white or silver fur that develops the combined coloration as it grows. Apart from these traits, differentiating a puppy of this breed from others can be difficult, so it will be necessary to go to a veterinarian specialized in cats or wait for it to grow a little.
Character of the burmilla cat
Something highly remarkable about the burmilla cat is its magnificent and captivating character, as it is a cat attentive, affectionate and very attached to its familyThose who live with a burmilla assure that it is a very good-natured cat, that loves company and is used to getting along with all the members of the household, whether they are other people, a cat or practically any other animal. In short, it is a very tolerant feline, especially suitable for families with children, as it loves to spend time with them playing and being pampered.
The burmilla is a very balanced cat, since although he loves games and activities, he is very calm. In this way, it is strange that he shows a nervous or restless attitude. If it appears in this way, it means that something is not right, so you may be suffering from a he alth or stress problem, something that we will have to identify and treat. In this sense, it also highlights the communication skills of this feline breed.
Burmilla cat care
The burmilla is a very easy breed to maintain, suitable for people who live with a cat for the first time, as it requires little attention and care to be in good condition. As for his coat, for example, he only needs to receive a couple of weekly brushings to keep him looking neat and shiny.
On the other hand, we must pay attention to the cat's diet, since we must provide it with quality food, adjusted to its nutritional needs and physical activity, which will determine its daily caloric expenditure and its food requirements. It is also vital to note that fresh water must be available to you at all times, otherwise you could become dehydrated.
Finally, it is important to bear in mind environmental enrichmentAlthough we are dealing with a calm cat, let us remember that he loves to play and entertain himself, so it will be essential to provide him with a variety of toys, scratchers of various heights, etc. Likewise, we will have to dedicate part of the day to play with him, enjoy his company and give him all the cuddles we can
Burmilla cat he alth
Perhaps due to its fortuitous appearance, the breed does not present congenital diseasesnor does it have a special tendency to suffer from any condition above other races. Even so, it should not be forgotten that, like any other cat, it must receive its mandatory vaccinations and deworming, as well as undergo regular veterinary check-ups that allow any anomaly to be detected as soon as possible.
In addition, it is recommended to monitor the state of your mouth, eyes and ears, carrying out the pertinent cleanings with the most appropriate products and procedures in each case. Likewise, it is important to keep the burmilla cat exercised and well fed, thus favoring the good maintenance of its state of he alth. With all these cares, the average life expectancy of a burmilla oscillates between 10 and 14 years