THE BURMESE IN A LARGE NUTSHELL

WHAT IS A BURMESE?

The Burmese has been described as the most perfect pet cat. “The Burmese is an excellent cat for people who enjoy an active and friendly cat, but find the Siamese a bit demanding and demonstrative.” *He’s a cat that likes company, but can amuse himself if need be. The Burmese is remarkably placid and free from temperamental behavior common to the Siamese. Burmese are resourceful and very adaptable. They make excellent pets for singles, older folks and shut-ins. Burmese are self-confident, curiosity prone, and seem to have a capacity for logical thinking and problem solving. And, last but not least, Burmese have big, soulful, gold eyes guaranteed to melt even the most resistant heart. It takes but a few short days for a newly acquired Burmese to con it’s owner out of everything the owner possesses.

*THE BURMESE CAT by Dorothy Silkstone Richards, Robine Pocock, Moira Swift and Vic Watson.

I THOUGHT THEY ONLY CAME IN BROWN?

The very first Burmese was Walnut Brown. Not the almost black-brown that you see today, but a warm dark brown like Walnut wood. Until recently the Burmese was the only brown cat and that made them unique. Therefore most early Burmese breeders decided that the Burmese should be brown, and bred them accordingly. There have always been other colors of Burmese but until recently they were hidden or given away as unregistered pets. Only recently have many breeders come to realize that the Burmese is unique for other reasons besides color.

In the United States, there are four colors of Burmese. The dark brown known as Sable, is the most common color. The honey-tan known as Champagne, is the second most common color but still rare in many parts of the country. The dark bluish-gray known as Blue, which differs from other blue cats in that the mature cat’s coat reflects a coppery sheen in sunlight. The Blue is very rare. And a silver-tan with a pinkish cast, known as the Platinum, are extremely rare.

WHERE CAN I GET ONE?

Probably the best way to find a Burmese is to visit a cat show. Talk to people showing Burmese, pick up business cards, and watch the Burmese being judged so you will know what a good Burmese is supposed to look like. Most of these lovely show cats have little brothers and sisters at home waiting for adoptive parents. The next best place to look is in the newspaper under CATS. Most breeders advertise, and some Veterinarians know local breeders. Don’t buy a Burmese from a pet shop. Pet shops abound in disease and no feeling Burmese breeder would subject their babies to such a place.

MALE OR FEMALE?

Whether you get a male or a female depends on your personal preference in a cat. Lots of people get one of each. An older, established cat usually will welcome an opposite sex kitten sooner than a same sex kitten.

The male Burmese is usually quieter than a female. He is more dog-like in his affection. Males roll, wiggle, rub, grin and purr in response to even the slightest hint of attention from their people. Males are more even tempered than their sisters; they don’t have “witchy” periods. Males are also more devoted and dependent on their owners. These are all characteristics of the neutered male cat.

The female Burmese, being more moody, is also more interesting, and more taxing on your patience and nerves. She will sulk and spurn you one minute and the next minute will find her, heart on sleeve, sitting at your elbow seeking just the merest hint of attention. And woe be unto you if she doesn’t get it. These are characteristics of the spayed female cat.

Unaltered Burmese would make Linda Lovelace blush.

The Burmese will remain kitten-playful for all their life. Most people acquire a Burmese when it is a kitten but it really doesn’t matter at what age you get one. Burmese adapt themselves to their new people very easily and quickly.

Breeders tend to have all boy litters when the buyer wants girls and all girl litters when the buyer simply must have a boy. So please be patient. We don’t plan it that way... it just happens.

E-MAIL MENEHUNES CATTERY

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