Burmilla
The Burmilla is an elegant, silver-coated cat born from an accidental mating between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian in 1981 in the United Kingdom. Known for their sparkling, tipped or shaded silver coats and gentle, affectionate personalities, Burmillas combine the best traits of both parent breeds. They are playful yet gentle, social yet not overly demanding, making them wonderful family companions suited to a wide range of homes. With their distinctive black-lined green eyes that give them a permanently glamorous, made-up appearance, Burmillas are truly striking cats. They bring together the outgoing sociability of the Burmese with the calm elegance of the Chinchilla Persian, resulting in a beautifully balanced temperament. Their moderate energy level and easygoing nature make them adaptable to a wide range of living situations, from bustling family homes to quiet apartments. They are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners seeking a loving, low-maintenance companion with a stunningly beautiful coat.
Key Stats
Weight
6-13 lbs
Height
9-12"
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Energy
3/5
Is This Breed Right For You?
Origin & History
The Burmilla breed originated in 1981 through one of the happiest accidents in cat breeding history. In London, Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg's Chinchilla Persian male, Jemari Sanquist, accidentally mated with a lilac Burmese female, Bambino Lilac Faberge. The resulting four female kittens had striking silver-shaded coats and delightful temperaments that combined the best qualities of both parent breeds. This unexpected pairing immediately sparked interest among breeders who recognized the potential for an entirely new breed.
The Baroness and other breeders, including Therese Clarke, embarked on a careful, methodical breeding program to establish the Burmilla as a consistent breed. Early breeding efforts focused on maintaining the distinctive silver-tipped coat while preserving the wonderful blend of Burmese sociability and Persian grace. The breed standard was developed to describe a cat of moderate body type with a sparkling coat and expressive green eyes outlined in black. Breeders carefully selected for the silver tipping that gave the coat its signature sparkle, while working to maintain the moderate body type that fell between the cobby Burmese and the more refined Persian. The breeding program also produced a semi-longhaired variety, which would eventually be known as the Tiffanie in some registries. The Asian Group of cats, which includes the Burmilla, was established as a distinct breed group in the United Kingdom.
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom granted the Burmilla full championship recognition in 1994, cementing its status as a legitimate breed in its country of origin. Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) also recognized the breed, helping it gain popularity across Europe. TICA recognized the Burmilla in 2011, introducing the breed to a wider international audience. The CFA does not currently recognize the Burmilla, though the breed has a devoted following worldwide. Despite being relatively rare outside the UK and parts of Europe, the Burmilla has steadily gained popularity for its beautiful appearance and wonderful temperament.
Traits & Characteristics
Individual cats may vary from breed-typical traits
Family & Social
Personality
Cattitude
Adaptability
Health & Wellness
Key health information for Burmilla owners
Health Screening
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Eye Certification
Exercise Needs
- 20+ minutes daily
- Mental stimulation important
- Moderate activity
Watch For
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
- Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Care Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for a Burmilla
Grooming
weekly
Exercise
20+ min/day
Training
Very Easy
Health
Generally Good
Training Your Burmilla
Training Approach
Use treats and praise as rewards. Keep training sessions short and playful. They enjoy interactive games that challenge their intelligence and maintain engagement.
Training Tips
- Respond well to clicker training
- Can learn to fetch and play interactive games
- Enjoy puzzle feeders and food toys
- May learn to walk on a leash with patience
Common Challenges
- May become bored with repetitive training
- Can be independent at times
- Need variety to stay engaged
Is a Burmilla Right For You?
Great Match If...
- You have children or a family
- You want an easy-to-train cat
- You're active and outdoorsy
- You want a loyal companion
Think Twice If...
- You're away from home often
Frequently Asked Questions
Burmillas make excellent family pets thanks to their gentle, patient, and tolerant nature, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 rating for compatibility with children. They are wonderful with children of all ages, rarely showing aggression even during rough play, and their balanced personality means they enjoy interaction without being overly demanding or clingy. This blend of affection and independence comes from their dual heritage, combining the sociable Burmese temperament with the calm elegance of the Chinchilla Persian.
They get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs, making them ideal for multi-pet households where harmonious relationships matter. Their gentle, non-aggressive personality helps them integrate smoothly with existing pets through proper gradual introductions.
Their playful nature makes them fun companions for active families, engaging enthusiastically in interactive games while maintaining a measured, gentle play style that never becomes rough or boisterous. At the same time, their calm demeanor means they handle the noise and activity of a busy household without becoming stressed or anxious. They are also exceptionally forgiving of beginner mistakes, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 rating for first-time owners, making them one of the best breeds for families new to cat ownership.