The Burmilla is medium sized cat with a muscular
yet elegant body. The head is sculptured in
appearance, where the rounded top head, nose profile,
medium broad muzzle and well-developed chin set
the balance. The eyes can be any shade of green and
are often greenish gold to yellowish in youth, with the
green coming in as they mature. The overall look should
be somewhat like a Burmese, but with a sweeter, more
open expression. Their distinguishing feature is their
sparkling silver coat, and distinctive “make up” lining
the nose, lips and eyes. The Burmilla comes in two coat
lengths, semi longhair and shorthair.
The Burmilla is an irreverent and independent cat
that adores its owner and displays many kitten-like
characteristics even into adulthood. The temperament
of the Burmilla is quite exceptional. The demanding
and mischievous nature of the Burmese, mixed with the
easy going and laid back personality of the Chinchilla
Persian, makes the Burmilla sociable, playful, and
affectionate. Fun loving, yet quiet and gentle, this
sweet natured cat gets along well with children and
other animals. In all, an intelligent inquisitive nature
and a most affectionate seductive personality are some
irresistible qualities of the Burmilla.
The Burmilla Longhair is a true semi-longhair, with a
fine silky coat, feathering to the underside, britches,
plume and bib. These cats should not require intensive
grooming and should not look like a pet quality
Chinchilla, i.e. big full coat, short legs and cobby body,
extreme short face and little ears. They should be a
Burmilla in fancy dress.
While the Burmilla is the newest breed to grace the cat
fancy as a CFA breed, the origin to this breed dates back
over 30 years ago. Baroness Miranda Von Kirchberg
originally purchased a Chinchilla Persian male, Jemari
Sanquist, as a pet for her husband. Shortly before having
him neutered, he accidentally met up with a precocious
Lilac Burmese female, Bambino Lilac Fabergé. When a
cleaner inadvertently left Fabergé’s door open, she was
able to escape and mated with Sanquist, thus producing
the very first litter of Burmilla. The result of this mating
produced 4 female kittens, all shorthair and black
shaded silver in color. These kittens, born on September
11, 1981, were so attractive that it was decided to
embark upon a breeding program.
Burmillas are still quite a rare breed in the United States.
Look for kittens available from reputable breeders
around sixteen weeks of age, after they have been well
socialized and have had their inoculations. Keeping
such a rare treasure inside; neutering or spaying and
providing acceptable surfaces scratching posts (CFA
disapproves of declawing) are essential elements for
maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.
For more information, please send
inquiries to CFA at cfa@cfa.org.