 .The
Burmese is a breed of domesticated cats descended from a specific
cat, Wong Mau, who was found in Burma in 1930 by Dr. Joseph G.
Thompson. She was brought to San Francisco, California, where she
was bred with Siameses. This breed was first recognized in 1936 by
the CFA. Due to a dispute by Siamese breeders, who regarded the
Burmese as a poorly coloured Siamese rather than a distinct breed,
registration was suspended by the CFA between 1947 and 1953. The
breed was recognised by the UK Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in
1952.
The Burmese is a foreign shorthair. They have yellow eyes and a very
short satiny coat. They are heavier than they look, as they are very
muscular. By the standards of pedigreed cats they are long-lived,
many reaching 16 to 18 years.
Burmese have very strong voices and are very affectionate, forming a
strong bond with their owners. Other characteristics include an
inclination to climb curtains and sit on doors. They are easily
trained to use a scratching post to help conserve the owner's
furniture and carpets. Burmese cats are very friendly and curious
even towards complete strangers. They are athletic, brave and
humourous, and may show remarkable ingenuity, particularly in
finding warm places. Burmese cats tend to follow their owners
everywhere, even to the point where they may become a bit
disturbing.
General: The overall impression of the ideal Burmese
would be a cat of medium size and rich, solid color with substantial
bone structure, good muscular development and a surprising weight
for its size. This together with its expressive eyes and sweet face,
presents a totally distinctive cat which is comparable to no other
breed.
Head and Ears: The head should be pleasingly rounded without flat
planes, whether viewed from front or side. Face should be full, with
considerable breadth between the eyes, tapering slightly to a short,
well-developed muzzle. In profile there should be a visible nose
break. The chin is firmly rounded, reflecting a proper bite. The
head sits on a short, well-developed neck. Ears to be medium in size
and set well apart on a rounded skull; alert, tilting slightly
forward, broad at base and slightly rounded tips.
Eyes: The eyes are large but not protuberant, set well apart and
with round aperture, with color ranging from yellow to gold, the
greater the depth and brilliance the better.
Body, Legs, Feet, Tail: Body medium in size, muscular in
development, and presenting a somewhat compact appearance. Allowance
to be made for larger size in males. An ample, rounded chest with
back level from shoulder to tail. Hips are the same width as the
shoulders. While the Burmese is a medium size cat, consideration
should be given to proper proportion and total balance. Legs are
well proportioned to body with substantial bone structure. The feet
are rounded and well knit and are able to support the weight of the
cat without splaying. Tail to be straight of medium thickness and
length, and free from vertebral defects. Five toes in front and four
in the rear.
Coat: Fine, glossy, satin-like in texture, short and very
close-lying.
Condition: Perfect physical condition, with excellent muscle tone.
There should be no evidence of obesity, paunchiness, weakness or
apathy.
Penalize: Indication of points or tabby marks on legs or ears.
NFA: Blue or green eyes.
BURMESE COLORS
SABLE: the mature specimen is a rich, warm, sable brown; shading
almost imperceptibly to a slightly lighter hue on the underparts but
otherwise without shadings, barring, or markings of any kind.
(Kittens are often lighter in color.) Nose leather and paw pads:
brown. Eye color: ranges from gold to yellow, the greater the depth
and brilliance the better.
CHAMPAGNE: the mature specimen should be a warm honey beige, shading
to a pale gold tan underside. Slight darkening on ears and face
permissible but lesser shading preferred. A slight darkening in
older specimens allowed, the emphasis being on eveness of color.
Nose leather: light warm brown. Paw pads: warm pinkish tan. Eye
color: ranging from yellow to gold, the greater the depth and
brilliance the better.
BLUE: the mature specimen should be a medium blue with warm fawn
undertones, shading almost imperceptibly to a slightly lighter hue
on the underparts, but otherwise without shadings, barring or
markings of any kind. Nose leather and paw pads: slate gray. Paw
pads: ranging from slate gray to warm pinkish blue. Eye color:
ranging from yellow to gold, the greater the depth and brilliance
the better.
PLATINUM: the mature specimen should be a pale, silvery gray with
pale fawn undertones, shading almost imperceptibly to a slightly
lighter hue on the underparts, but otherwise without shadings,
barring or markings of any kind. Nose leather and paw pads:
lavender-pink. Eye color: ranging from yellow to gold, the greater
the depth and brilliance the better.
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