Burmilla
Also known as: Burmilla Shorthair · Asian Shaded · Burmilla Longhair · Tiffanie
Photos: Sheila Bormann, Bumillas of Chattahoochee (CC BY-SA 3.0 de) · Matt Buck from London, United Kingdom (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Nickolas Titkov from Moscow, Russian Federation (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons.
Breed profile
* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.
What it is like
It came about by accident in 1981 in the UK: Sanquist, a Chinchilla Persian waiting to be neutered, met Fabergé, a lilac Burmese belonging to Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg, and four shorthaired silver shaded female kittens were born. They were so admired that a breeding programme was set up, and FIFe recognised the breed in 1994. The Burmilla has the body of the European Burmese, a silver or golden coat with coloured hair tips and green eyes outlined in a dark line, as if wearing eyeliner. In character it combines the calm of the Persian with the curiosity of the Burmese: affectionate, playful without being frantic and easy to live with.
Coat colours and patterns
Colours and patterns that are common or accepted in this breed. Each page explains where the colour comes from, the myths around it and other breeds that have it.
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Temperament
Care
Weekly brushing: it has a little more undercoat than the Burmese and sheds a bit more when moulting. Daily play, a good scratching post and a reasonable amount of company; it copes better than other Orientals with a household where people work away from home, although it would rather not spend the whole day alone. Keep an eye on its weight and mouth, and on its eyes, which water slightly in some cats.
Health
Because of its Persian ancestor, insist on polycystic kidney disease (PKD) testing of the parents, and hypokalaemia, also testable, has been described through its Burmese side. Otherwise it is usually a healthy cat. From the age of seven, periodic blood tests to keep an eye on the kidneys, as for any cat of that age.
Fun facts
Its first four kittens were called Galatea, Gemma, Gabriela and Gisella.
Its name blends Burmese and Chinchilla, the breeds of its parents.
In the GCCF it belongs to the Asian group, along with the British Bombay and the Tiffanie, the semi-longhaired version.
The dark outline round the eyes, nose and lips is one of the features most prized in the show ring.
Frequently asked questions
How big does a Burmilla get?
An adult Burmilla usually weighs 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb) and stands about 23–28 cm (9–11 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.
How long does a Burmilla live?
Its usual life expectancy is 12–15 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.
Is the Burmilla hypoallergenic?
No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.
Is the Burmilla good with children?
Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.
How much play does a Burmilla need?
As a guide, 20 min of play a day. Its activity score is 3 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.
Similar breeds
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