Burmese
Curious, clever, and friendly, Burmese adore their people and are known for being good with children. The overall impression of the ideal Burmese would be a cat of medium size with substantial bone structure, good muscular development and a surprising weight for its size.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Weight | 8–15 lb [1] |
|---|---|
| Lifespan | 10–17+ years [1] |
| Coat | Shorthair [2] |
| Look | The overall impression of the ideal Burmese would be a cat of medium size with substantial bone structure, good muscular development and a surprising weight for its size. [2] |
| Personality | Curious, clever, and friendly, Burmese adore their people and are known for being good with children. [2] |
| Recognized by | CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) [2] |
Activity and exercise
Curious, clever, and friendly, Burmese adore their people and are known for being good with children. They also typically like (or at least tolerate) the family dog. [2]
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, Burmese are low-maintenance cats. The sleek, fine-textured coat sheds minimally, but should be brushed with a rubber brush every week to remove dead hair and keep it glossy and shining. [2]
Health issues to budget for
PetMD's vet-reviewed breed guide lists these conditions to know about: Diabetes Mellitus, Feline Orofacial Pain Syndrome, Hypokalemic Polymyopathy (Burmese Hypokalemia). [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Routine vet visit, any cat (owner bills) | $190–$525 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a cat, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,149 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, cat (US 2025) | $435/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for cats in general or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- Gaze into the glowing golden eyes of a Burmese and two things happen: you will be convinced that the cat has a soul, and you will come to believe it can actually see into yours. [2]
- While Burmese occur naturally on the Malay Peninsula, and a few have been imported, most of today’s Burmese trace their origins back to one cat, Wong Mau, brought to America in 1930. [2]
- Curious, clever, and friendly, Burmese adore their people and are known for being good with children. [2]
Good fit for
- Our sources don't publish fit ratings for this breed. Meet the breed, talk to breeders or rescues, and read the profile above.
Common questions
How long do Burmese cats live?
PetMD's vet-reviewed guide gives a lifespan of 10–17 years.
How big does a Burmese get?
PetMD lists a weight of 8–15 lb.