Burmese were recognised for registration by the American Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1936, but further development of the breed was hampered by poorly informed breeders who thought that to sustain and develop the breed, it was necessary to keep introducing Siamese; recognition was temporarily withdrawn in the forties. Due to the determination of a handful of breeders, the CFA in 1953 restored their registration.

An article, "The Burmese Cat from 1930 to 1967" (published as an excerpt -August 1967 - by the ACFA Bulletin) revealed a second direct import from the Far East: Tangyi of Forbidden City. Both Wong Mau and Tangyi feature prominently in the early pedigrees of North American Burmese. Mrs. Blanche Warren of California was regarded as the successor in Dr. Thompson's pioneer work with Burmese. However, recognition must be given to the important roles played by Gladys deFleron and Dr. Ralph C. Boren who, in 1959, were instrumental in drawing up the original Standard of Points which enabled American Burmese Fanciers to exhibit their cats nationwide. The Standard has remained virtually unchanged to the present day in the USA.

The Americans, in fact, tended to ignore spontaneous occurrences of the Blue, Chocolate and Lilac dilutes appearing in litters. The 'purists' persuaded the Cat Fanciers Association, the largest registry of purebred cats in the U.S.A., not only to give the dilutes different breed numbers but also called them by a different name! "Malayans!!" Fortunately, during the 80s, all four traditional Burmese colours were once again united and considered to be one breed. Bearing in mind that those same 'purists', in order to maintain 'genuine' Sable (Brown) lines, breeders neutered and spayed (and placed in good homes) any Burmese that was not Brown.

In retrospect, this obviously further diminished a limited gene pool possibly leading to the inevitable genetic problems expressed earlier. On the whole the unintentional British 'experiment' by adding colours and Torties has paid off handsome dividends; they broadened the genetic base by developing Torties and also improved the health of the cats by the introduction of 'hybrids', American breeders admit that their Burmese have a low tolerance to line-breeding, as when undertaken, genetic problems appear to multiply at an alarming rate.