These two sets of colours are found in both Shaded and Tipped patterns which gives a total of 40 colours. Though slightly lighter and softer, the Burmese colours (except Brown) are practically impossible to differentiate from the Standard colours, even on shaded coats. It is because of this number and the difficulty in identification, that colour and pattern are irrelevant but evenness of Shading/Tipping is an essential requisite in the Breed Standard.

General Appearance
The Burmilla is a beautiful shorthaired cat of foreign type and medium size, showing a striking contrast between a coloured Shading/Tipping and a pure Silver base.
The Body has a good bone structure covered with firm muscles, yet gives an impression of great elegance; females are usually a little smaller than males, but still feel heavier than they look. A rounded chest and a straight back add to the overall harmony. The strong slender legs end in neat oval paws; as in most breeds, the back legs are slightly longer than the front legs. The medium to long tail, moderately thick at the base tapers to a rounded tip.

The Head has a slightly rounded top with moderate width between the ears, and wide cheekbones tapering to a short blunt wedge. In profile, the straight short nose, in line with a firm deep chin, shows a gentle break. The penciling round the lips accentuates the unmistakable Burmilla grin.

The Ears are medium to large with a rounded tip, are broad at the base and set moderately apart and show a slight tilt forward. Their outer line continues that of the face - though mature males usually develop full cheeks.

The Eyes are the most beautiful feature of the Burmilla. Large and expressive, they are set well apart on a slightly oblique angle. The upper lid forms a broken line angled towards the nose, while the lower lid is fuller and rounder - both being outlined with the basic colour, thus giving a somewhat innocent expression. Any shade of Green is accepted but it must be clear and luminous; an outer yellow rim is allowed in young kittens. Because the Orange gene (O) introduces some yellow in the eye colour, amber is accepted in Reds, Creams and Torties.

The Coat is short and dense, silky in texture and smooth lying but with enough undercoat to give it a slight lift. The ground colour is pure Silver white. The Shading/Tipping, in all recognised solid and tortie colours, must be evenly and uniformly distributed on the mantle. Remnants of Tabby markings show as delicate 'ghost' tracings on the forehead of all Burmillas and may still appear on legs and tail of the Shaded variety. Whatever its colour, a Tipped Burmilla looks much lighter overall than a Shaded Burmilla.

The nose leather is Terracotta in all Burmillas other than Red and Cream, where it is pink and Tortie where it is in the relevant colour, pink or a mixture of both.
The Paw Pads and Soles are of the colour corresponding to the coat colour.

Shows
From 1983 to the end of 1994, Burmillas were shown at most CA shows and adults were eligible for CA Medallist titles (awards especially created for breeds provisionally approved by CA). From 1st January 1995, following the recognition of the breed by the FIFe the previous May), Burmillas have been entered in the FIFe Open classes and adults have been eligible for FIFe Championship titles. They are shown in two groups: Group 1 includes all non-Orange recognised colours while Group 2 includes all Orange recognised colours.

It is a regular occurrence at CA shows to see Burmilla kittens as well as adults nominated for the Best in Show competition and very often winning group and top awards. Quite fittingly, at a BCC International show, Kartush Xenefer became in October 1998, the first European Champion in the UK - the highest title in the FIFe; Foskat Emperor Auriga, a male neuter, followed in June 1999 gaining the title of European Premier. Several Grand International Champions/Premiers will soon reach that stage while many of the younger generations are competing at the other Championship levels.

Care
General Grooming can be kept at a minimum, as for most shorthaired cats. It is wise though, to loosen the dead hairs and comb the coat thoroughly and regularly - also clean eyes and ears and clip the tips of the claws. Sometimes the Silver coat of a very active cat may require extra attention to retain its purity, but a weekly grooming is usually sufficient. However Burmillas love such 'special times' and often beg for more!

Character
Temperament of the Burmilla is quite exceptional. The demanding and mischievious character of the Burmese mixed with the easy-going, relaxed nature of the Chinchilla, gives the Burmilla its unique personality. Impish and fearless when young, the Burmilla matures into an intelligent and extremely affectionate adult cat.

Door handles and cupboard doors present no problems to a determined Burmilla; anything left lying around, from socks, chocolate bars, envelopes, to pens, key rings and gloves, immediately become a plaything. 'Dribbling' pingpong balls is mastered at a very early age as well as 'retrieving' paper ones. Such activities can come to a sudden stop, and your mad whirl-i-gig will flop on your lap or nestle in your arms with a deep-throated purr and contented grin - not to mention an innocent and loving look, which is so much in character. 

A great mimic, the Burmilla will take on any role: a dormouse tucked in an invisible corner, a dog rolling on its back, a snake sliding on the floor, a ferret climbing inside trouser legs, a monkey clambering up curtains, a high wire artiste balancing on door tops, a hotwater bottle inside the bedclothes, a prying Sherlock Holmes . . . the list is endless! All in all, an intelligent, inquisitive nature and a most affectionate, seductive personality are some irresistible qualities of the bewitching Burmilla.