Cat
Breed Description:
The European Burmese is a small to medium sized cat with a short, shiny coat. It has large, inquisitive, gold or yellow eyes. European Burmese are close in the sounds of their vocalizations to that of a Siamese cat; only they are a little softer. Many of the physical features of the European Burmese resemble that of the Siamese cat. This is from years of breeding the Burmese with the Siamese cat. The European Burmese can more accurately be called simply a “Burmese”, as the once-accepted differences between American and British breed lines have since been merged as one and are practically indistinguishable between each other.
Temperament:
European Burmese are a very loving, soft pitched and affectionate breed of cat. The European Burmese fares better when large amounts of time are spent with them by their owners and plenty of attention is given. This breed of cat is a great family pet that loves the attention of a child or another pet. The European Burmese is more suitable as an indoor cat due to their loving, quiet temperament.
Health Problems:
The European Burmese are well known for being an exceptionally healthy breed of cat, and are not susceptible to any known genetic defects. Unlike many other breeds of cat, the European Burmese are lactose intolerant, which means milk and milk products should be restricted or withheld. Instead, canned foods and treats should be provided.
Living Conditions:
Due to their soft and loving temperament, the European Burmese have become a very domesticated cat. Indoor environments best suit the European Burmese breed, although short trips to an enclosed yard or fenced area are permissible.
Exercise:
The European Burmese is an active cat that requires constant attention and physical contact from their owner. The European Burmese have been known by some as being able to play fetch. Tossing a toy with this breed of cat is both healthy and exciting for owner and feline.
Grooming:
Due to its short and shiny coat, little grooming is needed to keep the European Burmese looking and feeling superior. Weekly brushing of coat and teeth are important to check for any abnormalities or heath problems that may not be noticeable at a glance. Grooming, like exercise, is critical to creating bonding time between a cat and its owner.
Origin:
The European Burmese was brought from Burma to America in 1930 by a retired naval doctor. It is said that most Burmese cats are the decedents of a single cat named Wong Mau. The Naval doctor began breeding Wong Mau from Burma with a Seal-Point Siamese cat. By breeding the two cats together, most of the Siamese features including the patches have been passed down through the European Burmese line. 