Burmilla
Burmese × Chinchilla Persian cross (1981). Shaded silver coat. Sweet, independent temperament.
Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA
Ideal for
- ✓Families with time to cuddle
- ✓Flats
- ✓Those seeking a sociable cat
Reconsider if
- ×Homes where it is left alone for many hours
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Is the Burmilla a good match for you?
Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
💶 Estimated cost of ownership
45-75 €/month
Mid-to-high range food (24-40 €), litter (8-12 €), pro-rated veterinary prevention (10-16 €) and accessories (5-10 €). Separately: annual check-up with renal monitoring (40-70 €) and PKD screening in breeding cats.
History and origin
A British breed that emerged in 1981 from the accidental cross between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian. Because of its Persian heritage it retains a predisposition to polycystic kidney disease, so screening is recommended in breeding cats.
Temperament and character
Temperament typical of its breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.
Living together
Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if living together from young. **Dogs:** possible if calm.
Life stages of the Burmilla
Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-15 años.
Kitten
0-6 months
Socialisation, vaccination, deworming and growth diet.
Junior
6 months-2 years
Neutering, PKD screening, dental health and weight control.
Adult
2-10 years
Renal screening, urinary health, weight control and annual check-ups.
Senior
11+ years
Renal and cardiac monitoring, weight control and geriatric diet.
Care
Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
Litter tray: N+1 litter trays (rule of thumb 70).
Feeding: quality wet + dry food.
Vet: annual check-up + blood work from 7 years.
Care in detail
🍽️ Nutrition
Quality dry and wet food in measured portions; a wet diet supports renal health, important given its predisposition to PKD.
✂️ Grooming
Fine, silky coat (short or semi-long depending on the variety), little prone to matting: brushing 1-2 times a week.
🎓 Training
Sweet, sociable but more independent than its Burmese ancestor; learns routines and games with positive reinforcement.
🏃 Exercise
Medium energy: it combines playful spells with quiet moments. Daily play and companionship are enough to keep it balanced.
Breed-specific health
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian breeds and their derivatives. Life expectancy 12-15 years.
🩺 Health predispositions of this breed
Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.
Common diseases in cats
Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Screening and prevention for the Burmilla
Recommended tests and screenings
- ✓Genetic test / renal ultrasound for polycystic kidney disease (PKD, Persian/Chinchilla heritage)
- ✓Screening echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- ✓Renal assessment and liver function in adults
- ✓Regular dental check
Prevention
Early neutering, PKD screening (it partly descends from the Chinchilla Persian), a quality diet and renal check-ups. Ask the breeder for the parents' PKD/HCM results.
Check-up schedule
Annual check-up with renal assessment; PKD ultrasound/test in breeding cats and blood work from 7 years.
Warning signs
- !Drinking and urinating a lot, weight loss (kidney disease/PKD)
- !Laboured breathing or lethargy (heart disease)
- !Persistent vomiting or apathy
- !Bad breath and inflamed gums
Burmilla gallery
Frequently asked questions about the Burmilla
- How long does a Burmilla live? ▾
- The life expectancy of the Burmilla is 12-15 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
- How much does a Burmilla weigh? ▾
- An adult Burmilla weighs between 3-5 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.
- Where does the Burmilla breed come from? ▾
- The Burmilla originates from Reino Unido. A British breed that emerged in 1981 from the accidental cross between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian. Because of its Persian heritage it retains a predisposition to polycystic kidney disease, so screening is recommended in breeding cats.
- How much exercise does a Burmilla need? ▾
- The Burmilla has media energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
- Is the Burmilla good with children? ▾
- **Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if living together from young. **Dogs:** possible if calm.
- Who is the Burmilla NOT recommended for? ▾
- It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it is left alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
- What health problems does the Burmilla have? ▾
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian breeds and their derivatives. Life expectancy 12-15 years.
- Which breeds does the Burmilla come from? ▾
- From an accidental cross in 1981 between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian, which gave it its shaded silver coat and balanced temperament.
- What health problem does it inherit? ▾
- Above all polycystic kidney disease (PKD) from its Persian origin: a genetic test and ultrasound exist to screen for it; ask the breeder for them.
- Does it tolerate being alone better than the Burmese? ▾
- Somewhat better. It is affectionate but more independent, though it is still sociable and appreciates daily company.
- Is it good with children and other pets? ▾
- Yes. With its sweet, calm temperament it lives well with respectful children, calm dogs and other cats.
- Does it need a lot of brushing? ▾
- No. Its fine coat hardly mats; brushing a couple of times a week is enough.
Learn more about cats
Practical veterinary guides to support your Burmilla.
Sources and references
Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.
Want to adopt a burmilla?
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