Burmese Breed Guide: Temperament, Food, Health & Costs (Australia 2026)

Burmese cats are generally well suited to family life. They’re known for being people-focused, affectionate and playful well into adulthood.

Most Burmese prefer company and often follow their owners from room to room. They tend to cope poorly with long periods alone, so they suit households where someone’s home for much of the day.

Common traits owners report:

• Sociable: They usually enjoy meeting visitors rather than hiding.
• Vocal but softer than Siamese: They "talk," but in a quieter, raspier voice.
• Playful: Many enjoy fetch, wand toys and puzzle feeders.
• Good with children: They generally tolerate gentle handling well, though young children should still be supervised.
• Usually accepting of other pets: Many live happily with cat-friendly dogs or a second cat.

For people who work full-time, many breeders recommend keeping two cats together. A second Burmese or a similarly active breed can help reduce boredom and attention-seeking behaviour.

The breed split into two lines after it was developed in the United States from a cat named Wong Mau in the 1930s. Different breeding goals in America and Britain produced two distinct looks.

Australian breeders and cat councils mostly follow the European-style standard. That means most Burmese kittens available in Australia are of the traditional type.

The contemporary American line has been linked with a serious inherited condition known as Burmese head defect. A DNA test is available, and responsible breeders use it to avoid producing affected kittens.

The two breeds share Southeast Asian ancestry, and Wong Mau herself is thought to have been a Burmese–Siamese hybrid. Today, they’re separate breeds with clear differences.

• Coat pattern: Siamese have a pale body with darker "points" on the face, ears, legs and tail. Burmese have a solid, rich colour that’s only slightly lighter on the underside, known as sepia.
• Eye colour: Siamese eyes are blue. Burmese eyes range from yellow to gold.
• Body type: Modern Siamese are long, slim and angular. Burmese are more muscular and feel heavier than they look.
• Voice: Siamese are usually louder and more insistent. Burmese tend to be quieter.

The Tonkinese is a cross between the two breeds. It has a "mink" coat that sits between the Siamese pointed pattern and the Burmese solid colour.

In Australia, the recognised Burmese colours follow the ten-colour European standard.

Solid colours:

• Brown (equivalent to the American sable)
• Blue
• Chocolate (equivalent to champagne)
• Lilac (equivalent to platinum)
• Red
• Cream

Tortoiseshell colours:

• Brown tortie
• Blue tortie
• Chocolate tortie
• Lilac tortie

Brown is the original and most common colour. Blue and chocolate are widely available, too.

Lilac, cream and lilac tortie are generally considered harder to find because they rely on combinations of recessive or dilute genes. Availability varies between breeders and states, so buyers wanting a specific colour may need to join a waiting list.

Tortie Burmese are almost always female. Male torties are very rare and are usually sterile.

Prices vary with the breeder, location, colour and the kitten's intended purpose. As a general guide:

A reputable registered breeder's price should typically include:

• Desexing (most states and many councils expect or require this for pet cats)
• At least the first two vaccinations
• Worming and flea treatment
• A microchip, which is compulsory across Australian states and territories
• Registration papers with a recognised body such as ACF, CCCA or a state cat council

Buyers should also budget for ongoing costs, including quality food, annual vet checks, pet insurance and local council registration where required.

Some councils have cat containment rules or night-time curfews. Owners should check local requirements and consider an enclosed outdoor run, sometimes called a "catio."

Kittens advertised well below the usual price range, or without papers, may not come from a registered breeder. Prospective owners should ask to see the parents' health testing results.

Burmese are generally robust cats and commonly live 15 years or longer. Like many pedigree breeds, though, they have some known inherited and lifestyle-related risks.

Health conditions linked to the breed:

• Diabetes mellitus: Australian and UK studies have found Burmese are at higher risk than many other breeds, especially as they age. Keeping them lean is one of the most useful preventive steps.
• Hypokalaemia (low potassium): An inherited condition that can cause episodes of muscle weakness, often seen as a drooping head. A DNA test is available.
• Feline orofacial pain syndrome (FOPS): Causes pawing at the mouth and signs of facial discomfort. It may be triggered by teething or dental disease.
• Flat-chested kitten syndrome: A chest deformity that appears in some young kittens and ranges from mild to severe.
• Burmese head defect: Mostly associated with contemporary American lines, and DNA-testable.
• Dental disease: Regular dental checks help reduce the risk.

When choosing a breeder, buyers can ask which DNA tests have been done on the parents. Hypokalaemia testing is a reasonable minimum.

Everyday care checklist:

• Grooming: Their short, close coat needs only a weekly brush or rub with a damp cloth or rubber mitt.
• Diet: They’re food-motivated and gain weight easily. Measured meals rather than free feeding are usually recommended.
• Exercise: Daily play sessions of 15–20 minutes, climbing trees and window perches help keep indoor cats active.
• Dental care: Tooth brushing with a cat-safe toothpaste, or vet-approved dental treats, supports oral health.
• Vet visits: An annual check-up is standard. Many vets suggest twice-yearly visits and blood or urine tests for older Burmese to screen for diabetes and kidney issues.
• Companionship: Regular interaction is part of their welfare needs, not an optional extra.