The Burmilla is a breed of domestic cat which originated in the United Kingdom in 1981. It is a cross between the Chinchilla Persian and Burmese breeds. Standards were produced in 1984, and the breed gained championship status in the United Kingdom in the 1990s.
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Born from a happy accident between a Chinchilla Persian and a lilac Burmese, the silver-shaded Burmilla has captivated Britain since 1981. Discover how this shimmering charmer rocketed from surprise litter to championship breed in under a decade.
With a sparkling silver coat that looks dusted by moonlight and emerald eyes that seem to smile, the Burmilla turns heads wherever it prowls. This relatively young breed emerged from an unplanned liaison in 1980s London and quickly captivated cat lovers with its easy-going nature and glamorous looks. Whether curling up on a lap or entertaining children with playful antics, the Burmilla proves that sometimes the happiest accidents make the best companions.
History & Origin
The Burmilla’s story reads like a romantic comedy. In 1981, a janitor’s oversight at a London cattery left a Chinchilla Persian male accidentally housed overnight with a lilac Burmese female. The resulting kittens—four stunning silver shaded babies—were so irresistible that breeders immediately envisioned a new variety. By 1984, the first Burmilla standards were drafted, and throughout the 1990s the breed gained full championship recognition in the UK. Today, Burmillas remain relatively rare outside Britain, but admirers prize them for combining the Burmese’s social warmth with the Persian’s glamorous looks—minus the high-maintenance coat.
A medium-sized cat weighing 3.5–6.5 kg, the Burmilla boasts a muscular yet elegant frame clothed in a short, dense coat that gleams like polished silver. Two signature patterns exist: silver shaded (a light silver base tipped with darker pigment, giving a blushed effect) and silver tipped (each hair tipped in contrasting color, creating a sparkling appearance). Whatever the pattern, the coat lies close to the body, requiring minimal grooming. Completing the picture are large, luminous green eyes—often described as “green as a sequoia forest”—set in a gently rounded head with a short muzzle and well-defined nose break. Small, tilted ears and a medium-length tail complete the silhouette of understated luxury.
Temperament & Personality
Burmilla owners frequently use one word: “sweet.” These cats score top marks (5/5) for affection, friendliness, kid-compatibility, and pet-friendliness, making them ideal family members. They crave human company but are not clingy, happily following you from room to room before settling nearby. Playfulness rates a solid 4/5, so expect spontaneous games of fetch or acrobatic leaps after feather wands. Yet their energy level is moderate (3/5), meaning they’ll entertain themselves when you’re busy and won’t scale your curtains at 3 a.m. Vocalization is low (2/5); instead of loud demands, you’ll hear soft, conversational chirps when dinner is overdue. Burmillas also inherit Burmese intelligence (4/5), mastering puzzle toys and door handles with equal ease.
Care Requirements
Grooming is refreshingly simple: a five-minute weekly brush keeps the short coat glossy and removes loose hairs. During seasonal shedding spikes (rated 3/5), a rubber grooming glove twice a week reduces silver tumbleweeds. Routine nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care—especially important given occasional periodontal issues—complete the beauty regimen. Provide a sturdy scratching post and 20–30 minutes of interactive play daily to satisfy moderate exercise needs (3/5). Puzzle feeders prevent boredom and help maintain a healthy weight, as Burmillas can become culinary opportunists. Thanks to their social nature, they thrive in pairs or with other pets; solitude may lead to melancholy.
Health Considerations
Overall, Burmillas are robust, living 10–15 years with proper care. Because Chinchilla Persians were part of the original cross, reputable breeders screen for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) through DNA testing or ultrasound. Regular veterinary dental cleanings curb tartar buildup, while annual bloodwork monitors kidney function. Keep vaccinations, parasite prevention, and weight management current, and your silver companion should sparkle well into senior years.
Is This Breed Right For You?
Choose a Burmilla if you want a loving, low-maintenance glamour cat who adores children, respects other pets, and greets guests with polite curiosity. They suit apartments or houses, singles or large families, provided someone is home for much of the day. Pass if you need a cat content to be left alone for long hours, or if you’re seeking a vocal conversationalist. For everyone else, the Burmilla offers the perfect balance of beauty, brains, and heart—wrapped in a shimmering silver package.
From an accidental romance to a cherished pedigree, the Burmilla proves that the best things in life are sometimes unplanned. With its silken silver coat, emerald eyes, and heart-melting affection, this British beauty delivers Persian elegance without the grooming marathon, and Burmese sociability without the chatty soundtrack. If you’re ready for a gentle, playful shadow who gleams like moonlight on quiet evenings, the Burmilla might just be your perfect match.
2/5
Health Issues
Generally healthy; may inherit polycystic kidney disease (PKD) from Persian lines, occasional dental issues
Burmese mix
Chinchilla Persian mix
hypoallergenic false
rare cat breeds
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