BURMESE CHARACTER & TEMPERAMENT

The Burmese cat has grown in popularity over years with numbers increasing at Shows and more people aware of them as a distinct, fascinating breed. The handsome Burmese, whatever the colour, is a highly intelligent cat, affectionate, vital, tough, mischievous, athletic (also at times extremely clumsy - watch that Ming vase and other precious porcelain objets de art!) but without the strong vocal attributes of his 'Siamese hybrid ancestors'.

The Burmese is a cat with a delightful sense of humour, an extrovert and is extremely loyal to his owner. Some are known for their voracious appetites. He is almost dog-like in his devotion; he is a clown, with a complete repertoire of stunts - from headstands and somersaults - to lying sprawled out on the sofa on his back with his legs in the air. Many Burmese are good retrievers and will exhaust their owners with their persistent games. They, too, are excellent hunters and can arrive on the doorstep with their trophies: lizards, live rats, mice and hapless birds. (One Burmese was known to catch bats - in mid flight!) Burmese have the reputation as wanderers as they do not like to be left unattended for long periods.

IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO GIVE A BURMESE FULL FREEDOM!

CARE & GROOMING

The Burmese coat is very short and needs relatively little grooming. Most Burmese are routinely 'groomed', unconsciously by their owners, as they lovingly stroke their cats. A rubber brush or curry comb is useful in removing loose or dead hair from their coats. A rub with a silk scarf will 'polish' the coat beautifully.

SHOW PREPARATION

Most Burmese lovers are strictly pet owners. But for the crazy nuts out there who have been bitten by 'the show bug' (i.e. getting up before moonset on a freezing winter's morning), your prize exhibit has to be spruced up and groomed. For long-haired enthusiasts, this involves a great deal of time and work. However, most Burmese manage to keep themselves in a reasonably respectable state.

Claws: Clip each claw. If done regularly, the 'quick' will soon recede. This procedure will also help protect your upholstery and drapes that Burmese are so fond of using for aerobics and other exercises.

Head: Eyes and nose should be clear of any discharge. Check the chin, cleanse if necessary. Each ear will need to be inspected and gently cleaned with an ear bud. If a brownish waxy exudate is found, this may indicate a problem with ear mite. If concerned, a veterinary consultation may be necessary and if verified as ear mite, withdraw your cat immediately.

Stud Tail: Many tips have been given, but one that works is the use of hand cleaner used by motor mechanics. Avoid the tender anal area as well as the urethral opening from the bladder. Rinse the tail carefully after use.

Coat: Check for fleas and other possible skin problems. Again, veterinary consultation may be required if there is any evidence of dermatitis or any other skin problems. Burmese seldom need to be bathed unless they have mischievously got themselves into a mess by hiding under a greasy axle of a motor car or by making a 'nest' and rolling in yesterday's ash in the fireplace. Secta, Triocil (good for the 'dandruff' type of coat) or Johnson's baby shampoo are usually safe products. If a bath is indicated, dry the cat thoroughly and keep it warm in a draft free room to avoid it catching cold. Or, a Bran bath, which most Burmese seem to purr their way through, can be given. Take 100 grams of Bran and heat it in a metal container in the oven for half an hour at 150C. Stand the cat on masses of newspaper and rub the bran into the coat. Then brush out thoroughly. The result should be a sleek, glossy cat with the desired look of a winner!

BREEDING WITH BURMESE

Burmese queens tend to be precocious and some have been known to start calling as early as four months and less! Most queens breed readily; the average sized litter is four to six kittens. However, both in South Africa and in the United Kingdom, larger litters have been recorded of between eight and twelve. Burmese are very good mothers, and have little problem producing their young. The kittens are born with fine 'downy' coats and therefore, care must be taken to ensure that the kittening box is placed in warm, draught free environment. (An electric 'hot pad' left and set on "1" with sufficient bedding is advisable if breeding in winter). The kittens can lose body heat rapidly, become chilled and die from pneumonia. With large litters care must be exercised to ensure that each kitten has sufficient nourishment from the queen, as the strongest will push the smallest aside. Most queens cope well with four or five kittens.

BREED FEATURES

The Burmese is considered to be a "Foreign". Its coat, regardless of colour, is smooth, satin like in texture, close lying and glossy. It is a medium sized cat with the males tending to be slightly larger. It is muscular and well developed. When picking up a Burmese, one should be astonished at its weight. The head is rounded with the overall emphasis of roundedness. The ears are well placed with rounded tips in profile. The eyes have a rounded lower line with the upper having a slight oriental slant. The muzzle is blunt, allowing a completely rounded look to the head. Eyes of golden yellow are preferred, however, any shade of yellow is acceptable.

CURRENT PRICES

What can one expect to pay for a Burmese kitten? Well, if you lived in North America, either in the States or Canada, pet quality kittens with a very uncompromising "NO BREEDING CONTRACT" (pedigree, registration and other relevant documents are only handed over once the 'new owner' can prove that the cat has undergone neuter or spay) attached, will sell for about $600.00. However, a top Show or Breed Quality kitten will set you back $1000.00 or more. In England, prices range from 425 pounds sterling for a pet, whereas a top show or breed quality kitten, from certain bloodlines, may fetch between 800 to 1,000 pounds sterling!

South African figures are considerably more reasonable. Top quality Show and future Breeding kittens, depending on bloodlines too, range from R650.00 to R1250.00. Kittens with 'faults', according to the Standard of Points, and where the 'defects' are not deleterious to the health of the kitten e.g. a kink or small 'nibble' or 'pip' at the distal end of the tail; excessive tabby markings and stripes which may be referred to as 'barring'; an unsightly white 'locket' or large numbers of white hairs will command a considerably lower price. After all, whether the kitten is show/breed quality or a pet, they do all cost the same to raise!

Many pedigreed cats, including Burmese, are being sold with a NOT FOR BREEDING clause recorded on their registration documents. An ethical breeder will grade their kittens according to quality and charge accordingly. Some breeders may be willing to lift the restriction if, as the cat matures, and it conforms to the necessary breed standards.

It is imperative, however, if you do not intend to breeding to neuter or spay your cat at the appropriate age as one of the character disadvantages of the Burmese breed, is the tendency to 'go walk about' in search of human companionship.

Please, do not expect to collect your kitten before it is ten to twelve weeks old. It should also have had it's first inoculation and have been dewormed.

Where does one find these amazing creatures?

• Your local Cat Club will be able to put in touch with reputable Burmese breeders or check the following links ...
• contact the Burmese Cat Fanciers Association of South Africa who will be able to advise you of breeders who may have kittens ready for placing in new adoptive homes
• make contact with a breeder and reserve a kitten from an expected litter.
• check both the South African cat registries, either CFSA or SACC