European Burmese breed guide

People-oriented enough to go from lap to lap, the European Burmese may even welcome visitors at the door. A favorite family member may emerge without anyone being neglected.

CFA says it gets along with other pets and adapts to a household of any age, from infants to senior citizens.

Energetic and interactive without being unduly active, the breed follows you from room to room and helps with daily activities. When it is time to nap it snuggles as close as it can and some purr constantly while held.

It is more likely to look up and purr for your attention than to meow.

CFA names the European Burmese one of the easiest breeds to care for: occasional brushing with a rubber brush controls already minimal shedding. Regular bathing is unnecessary unless the cat is shown.

CFA expects long lives with proper care. Hypokalaemic myopathy, a recessive condition that causes muscle weakness, shows up in the breed; genetic testing detects it, breeders remove carriers and potassium supplements treat it.

Some sources point to a genetic predisposition to diabetes in older cats, but CFA says research on its heritability is not conclusive.

The European Burmese shares an ancestor with the Burmese: Wong Mau, brought to the Western world in 1930 by Dr. Joseph Thompson. American-bred Burmese were exported to England from 1949, where brown cats gained championship recognition in 1952 and blue, red, cream, chocolate and lilac followed to complete the ten-color palette.

The breed returned to the United States. CFA accepted it for registration in 1993 with championship status in 2002.