Meet the Breeds - the Burmese, Lap Warmer Extraordinaire

One of the most popular breeds among both exhibitors and spectators is the Burmese cat. They are a compact but very muscular cat that are found throughout Asia, but most particularly in Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. Some breeders are traveling to Thailand these days not just for the spectacular sights, but to bring back a cat or two as well. The breed can trace its roots back to the 1930s, and a little cat named Wong Mau.

Originally in the cat fancy, the cat was accepted only in the color sable, which is a rich dark brown. The beautiful sheen of the short hair creates a slick, soft feeling on all Burmese. However, genetics being what they are, combined with the use of the Siamese cat in the breed, have resulted in more than just the sable coloring. Today, CFA accepts all four traditional "Siamese colors" in their solid form - meaning the Burmese cat is only shown in a solid color, not with color restricted the way a Siamese appears.  Those colors are sable (brown), blue, champagne (a warmer beige color), and platinum (lilac/lavender). 

There are some variations to the head type today on Burmese, and all are correct for the show standard, but provide slight differences in the needs of the cat. A cat whose eyes are more prominent, like the Persian, will require a little maintenance such as wiping the tears away (which is extremely simple). They require really no bathing at all, so long as you pet them regularly, and the friendly and attentive nature of the breed means you *will* be petting them. A Burm rarely passes by an available lap without stopping.  

They will also require some play time to pass the day along. Much like the Siamese, they can get bored if they're on their own for large amounts of time, so it's recommended you bring home a second cat - Burmese get along famously with other animals so it need not be another Burm. They don't require anything special as far as diet or eating - despite the shorter muzzle, unlike in the Persian, a Burm will do just fine eating any size kibble from any size bowl.

Burmese are quite a bit heavier than they look. Part of their compact and muscular body means, as some judges say, you're picking up a brick wrapped in silk. Some Burmese exhibitors will let you handle their cats, so if you ask them, you can feel this phenomenon yourself. It's actually quite surprising the first time you hold one - your eye tells you one thing while your arms find quite another.

Burmese have some interesting dog-like traits, including generally following people everywhere they go, and playing fetch! I've seen it myself, they will actually help you along in the game, sometimes whether or not you feel like playing. Burms aren't demanding in the way some other breeds are, but they do love attention. Their big expressive eyes and adorable gravely meow draw you in to these lovely little cats.

CHECK IT OUT - you can learn more about the Burmese and other pedigreed cats this weekend, April 27 and 28, from 9am to 4pm at the Charles Chrin Community Center in Palmer Township. This is the last show of the 2013 competitive show season, and many of the best cats in the world will be there, along with them the top Burmese cats. It's a great family event to have some fun and learn more about all the feline breeds!

Also present at the show will be Hope, the Exotic Shorthair who co-starred with Eli Manning in Toyota commercials!

Use this coupon for $1 off admission, and learn more:

https://sites.google.com/site/libertytrailcatfanciers/october-show-coupon