Burmilla

Breed Overview

Introduction 

A silver-tipped Burmilla cat with green eyes. The Burmilla cat is a medium-sized domestic breed prized for its striking silver coat and sweet temperament.

This elegant cat was discovered by accident in England in 1981 and combines the playful energy of the Burmese with the gentle nature of the Persian.

Burmillas are known for being affectionate and easygoing, making them excellent family pets or companions. They retain kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood, and their friendly, adaptable character means they generally do well in homes with children or other pets.

Although still relatively rare, the Burmilla has gained recognition by cat associations in recent decades, and enthusiasts cherish the breed for its distinctive “smoky” coat and charming personality.   

Breed History

The Burmilla breed originated in the early 1980s in the United Kingdom through a serendipitous cross between two pedigreed cats. In 1981, Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg’s silver Chinchilla Persian (named Jemari Sanquist) and her Lilac Burmese (named Bambino Lilac Fabergé) mated accidentally when a door was left open.

The resulting litter of four female kittens (born September 11, 1981) had striking silver-shaded coats and gentle temperaments, unlike any other breed at the time. Fascinated by this “miracle litter,” the Baroness and other breeders embarked on a program to develop the kittens into a stable new breed.

The breed name “Burmilla” reflects this parentage (a portmanteau of Burmese + Chinchilla).

Early breed standards were written in the mid-1980s, and the Burmilla gained championship status in the UK during the 1990s.

It later achieved recognition in other registries; for example, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in the U.S. officially accepted the breed for championship competition in 2014.

Today, the Burmilla remains a relatively uncommon breed worldwide, prized by aficionados for its unique history and elegant looks   

Physical Characteristics

The Burmilla is a medium-sized cat with a notably elegant yet sturdy build. Adult males are typically solidly built, while females are slightly more slender, but both sexes are well-muscled.

The overall impression should be of grace without delicate frailty.

The head is gently rounded with a moderate wedge shape, the muzzle broad but never boxy, and the nose straight. Ears are medium-to-large, set wide apart with slightly rounded tips.

Their large eyes are a trademark: round to slightly almond in shape, typically golden-green in kittens and turning vivid green with maturity.

Dark eyelid linings give the appearance of “mascara,” a striking trait inherited from the Persian side.

Burmillas come in two coat lengths: a dense, silky shorthair and a semi-longhair (often called “Tiffanie” or “Longhair Burmilla”). The fur is lush and reflective.

The signature coat effect comes from a tipped or shaded pattern: each hair has a light silvery base and a darker colored tip.

Common color varieties include silver-tipped (e.g. black or blue tipping on a silver base) or golden-tipped, as well as solids like black, blue (gray), chocolate, lilac, cream, red, or tortoiseshell, all with the shimmering undercoat.

Regardless of color, Burmilla coats shine in light – giving the cat an almost iridescent look. Notably, the coat requires only weekly brushing, since shedding is minimal

Behavior and Personality   

Burmillas are playful, friendly, and affectionate without being overly demanding. They inherit the best traits of their ancestors: the Burmese side contributes curiosity and loyalty, while the Persian adds a calm tolerance.

As a result, a Burmilla tends to be sociable and good-natured. These cats love human interaction – they may follow owners around the house and often enjoy lap cuddles.

They are known to remain kitten-like in spirit: mischievous and playful well into adulthood.

Yet they also have an independent streak and can amuse themselves if needed.

In general, Burmillas get along well with children and other pets. They are usually patient with kids and usually accept gentle handling. They tend to be moderately quiet (not prone to constant meowing); any vocalization is usually soft chirping or trills when they want attention.

Overall, the Burmilla’s temperament is laid-back and affectionate – described by one breeder as ”fun-loving yet quiet and gentle”.

Proper socialization from a young age ensures that a Burmilla grows up confident and friendly with strangers, but even without it, most Burmillas are quite tolerant and good-natured

Care Tips

Diet

Provide a high-quality, protein-rich cat food appropriate for the cat’s life stage (kitten, adult, senior). Although Burmillas are energetic, they have a tendency to gain weight (“high potential for weight gain”).

To prevent obesity, measure meals rather than free-feeding, and monitor body condition regularly. Avoid overindulgence in treats. Fresh water should always be available.

As with all cats, obesity can lead to health issues, so sticking to feeding guidelines and regular vet check-ups will help keep a Burmilla at a healthy weight.

Exercise

Burmillas are fairly active and playful. They enjoy interactive games (wand toys, fetch, etc.) and mental stimulation. Aim for daily play sessions or leave out puzzle toys to engage their curiosity.

Climbing towers or perches are ideal; the breed loves to jump and climb. A Burmilla will benefit from having opportunities for exercise to burn energy, especially indoors.

Regular play not only keeps them fit but also prevents boredom (which can otherwise lead to mischief like knocking things over).

Environment & Enrichment

These cats form strong bonds with their people and shouldn’t be left alone for very long. They adapt well to apartment or house living, but they thrive in homes where there is companionship.

Burmillas are generally amenable to being an only pet if given enough attention, but they also typically accept other friendly pets (dogs or cats) as companions.

Because they love to explore and play, provide a safe indoor environment with vertical spaces (cat trees, shelves) and toys. If allowed outside, it should be in a secure, supervised way (e.g. on a leash or in a catio) since Burmillas are curious and could wander off.

Interactive human time is important: talk to your cat and provide cuddles or gentle brushings, as Burmillas enjoy affection.

Grooming

Despite the luxurious look of their coat, grooming is easy. Shorthaired Burmillas need only a weekly brush to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. Longhaired (Tiffanie) Burmillas also typically need only moderate grooming—brushing a few times a week—to prevent tangles.

During seasonal shedding, you may brush more often. Bathing is rarely needed (once every few months) unless the cat gets especially dirty. Regular nail trims, ear checks, and dental care (weekly teeth brushing or dental treats) help maintain overall health.

In general, Burmillas are clean cats and often tolerate grooming well, especially when introduced gently.

Mental Stimulation

Burmillas are intelligent and curious, so mental enrichment is as important as physical care. Provide puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys to make mealtime stimulating.

Teach simple tricks or give them training games, which they often enjoy (they are reportedly easy to train and can even learn to walk on a leash). Make sure they have private cozy spots to retreat to when they need alone time.

Overall, aim for a balance of play/interaction and rest. A bored Burmilla might become anxious or naughty, so rotating toys and regularly interacting with your cat helps keep it content.

Health Concerns

Is This Breed Right for You? 

FAQ

Are Burmilla cats hypoallergenic? 

No. Like most cats, Burmillas produce the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva and dander. They have minimal shedding, but they are not hypoallergenic.

Are they good with children and other pets? 

Yes. Burmillas are known to be very gentle and sociable. They generally enjoy family life, get along well with friendly dogs and cats, and tolerate kids well when properly supervised.

How much grooming do they need? 

Only moderate grooming. Even long-haired Burmillas need just weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy. Short-haired ones often only need an occasional brush. Weekly nail trims and dental care should also be part of the routine. Overall, grooming is easy compared to many longhaired breeds.

What about exercise and activity level? 

They are playful and active, but not hyperactive. Plan for daily play sessions or interactive toys to satisfy their energy. Providing climbing spaces and puzzle toys keeps them engaged. They enjoy play but also appreciate downtime – a consistent routine of play and rest suits them well.

Why are Burmillas rare/expensive? 

Their rarity comes from a complex breeding program. A “full” Burmilla requires four generations of careful breeding back to Burmese to meet the standard. As a result, quality Burmilla kittens are uncommon, and from reputable breeders they often cost on the order of $800–$1,200.

How vocal are they? 

Burmillas tend to be relatively quiet. They might chirp or meow softly when seeking attention, but they do not typically yowl or be overly chatty. Many owners find them pleasantly calm in this regard.

Bonus Facts

The name “Burmilla” is a portmanteau of Burmese and Chinchilla, reflecting its parent breeds.

The very first Burmilla kittens were all female and named Galatea, Gemma, Gabriella, and Gisella. These four girls became the foundation of the breed.

A proper Burmilla (after the first accidental litter) is produced through four generations of breeding back to Burmese ancestors. Breeders must carefully select and mate kittens to achieve the desired silver-shaded coat and temperament.

As of the 2010s, the Burmilla was among the newest breeds recognized by major cat registries. It was the most recent cat breed accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for championship competition.

Burmillas are sometimes called Asian Shaded (or Tiffanie in Australia) in cat fancy circles. However, the UK and most registries reserve “Tiffanie” for the longhaired variety of this Asian group. Regardless of name, all Burmillas share the same charming “smoky” coat and personality.

References

Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. “Asian – Cat Breed”. gccfcats.org. Retrieved 8 September 2023.

Jump up to:^a b c “The Breed – Asian Group Cat Society”. Retrieved 2023-09-08.

Jump up to:^a b “The Asian Cat Association – Showcasing the beauty of the Asian Cat Breed”. The Asian Cat Association. Archived from the original on 2023-03-25. Retrieved 2023-09-08.

ASPCA: “Complete Guide to Cats”. Chanticleer Press, 1999

Jump up to:^a b “Breed standard – BURMILLA (Longhair [BML 81] and (Shorthair [BML])” (PDF). acf.asn.au. Australian Cat Federation. June 2023.

“ANCATS National Breed Standards May 2018 – Australian Tiffanie” (PDF). ancats.com.au. Australian National Cats Inc. February 2020. p. 48.

“Muezza Cat”. Retrieved 16 March 2023.

“Breeders”. www.ancats.com.au. Australian National Cats Inc. Retrieved 2023-09-17.