European Burmese

The European Burmese is the Burmese as it developed in Britain and Europe — the same breed by descent, in more colours and with a slightly less extreme head than its American counterpart.

History

Both lines trace to the same foundation cats brought from Burma to the United States in the 1930s. British breeders outcrossed to bring in red and its dilutions, producing ten colours where American registries recognise four, and the two populations were eventually recorded separately.

Temperament

The breed is known for being extremely social, talkative and insistent on company — a cat that follows its people, joins whatever is happening, and does badly on its own. It stays kittenish for years.

Care

The short satin coat needs almost nothing beyond an occasional hand over it. The commitment is company: a Burmese left alone all day is the wrong cat for that household, and a pair is often the better arrangement.

Health

Burmese lines carry known tendencies including diabetes, certain eye conditions, and an inherited hypokalaemia that breeders can test for. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts and trait ratings are in the panels.