Burmilla breed guide

Outgoing and mellow in equal parts, the Burmilla is gregarious yet independent enough to be left alone during the work day. CFA says it gets along with dogs, other cats and children and quickly welcomes complete strangers into its inner circle.

CFA calls it energetic but not hyperactive, content to nap on the couch between bursts of spirited play. It is impish and lively but also quiet and gentle, loving without being needy.

It is not overly vocal or demanding. An intelligent breed, it wants toys, things to climb and perches.

Grooming is simple for both coat lengths, since the longhair is a semi-longhair with an easy-care single coat. Groom at least once a week with a stainless-steel comb or small slicker brush and add regular nail trims, ear cleanings and dental care.

Burmillas may share some health issues with their parent breeds, so responsible breeders test breeding cats to prevent passing on genetic diseases. Because the gene pool is small, breeders keep adding unrelated cats through new lines, outcrosses and imports from other countries.

The breed began with an accident in 1981, when a pet Chinchilla Persian male met a precocious lilac European Burmese female shortly before he was neutered. The litter was four shorthaired females, all black shaded silver. Their owner Baroness Miranda Von Kirchberg started a breeding program.

CFA accepted both coat lengths for registration in 2011 and advanced them to championship in 2014.