Breed profile

Burmilla

Burmese × Chinchilla Persian cross (1981). Shaded silver coat. Sweet, independent temperament.

Origin: Reino Unido Size: Mediano Lifespan: 12-15 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Families with time to cuddle
✓Flats
✓Those seeking a sociable cat

Reconsider if

×Homes where it is left alone for many hours

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Is the Burmilla a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

45-75 €/month

Mid-to-high range food (24-40 €), litter (8-12 €), pro-rated veterinary prevention (10-16 €) and accessories (5-10 €). Separately: annual check-up with renal monitoring (40-70 €) and PKD screening in breeding cats.

History and origin

A British breed that emerged in 1981 from the accidental cross between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian. Because of its Persian heritage it retains a predisposition to polycystic kidney disease, so screening is recommended in breeding cats.

Temperament and character

Temperament typical of its breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.

Living together

Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if living together from young. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Life stages of the Burmilla

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-15 años.

Kitten

0-6 months

Socialisation, vaccination, deworming and growth diet.

Junior

6 months-2 years

Neutering, PKD screening, dental health and weight control.

Adult

2-10 years

Renal screening, urinary health, weight control and annual check-ups.

Senior

11+ years

Renal and cardiac monitoring, weight control and geriatric diet.

Care

Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Litter tray: N+1 litter trays (rule of thumb 70).

Feeding: quality wet + dry food.

Vet: annual check-up + blood work from 7 years.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality dry and wet food in measured portions; a wet diet supports renal health, important given its predisposition to PKD.

✂️ Grooming

Fine, silky coat (short or semi-long depending on the variety), little prone to matting: brushing 1-2 times a week.

🎓 Training

Sweet, sociable but more independent than its Burmese ancestor; learns routines and games with positive reinforcement.

🏃 Exercise

Medium energy: it combines playful spells with quiet moments. Daily play and companionship are enough to keep it balanced.

Breed-specific health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian breeds and their derivatives. Life expectancy 12-15 years.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🫘Enfermedad renal poliquistica

Common diseases in cats

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis 🦟Pulgas 🕷️Garrapatas

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Burmilla

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Genetic test / renal ultrasound for polycystic kidney disease (PKD, Persian/Chinchilla heritage)
✓Screening echocardiography for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
✓Renal assessment and liver function in adults
✓Regular dental check

Prevention

Early neutering, PKD screening (it partly descends from the Chinchilla Persian), a quality diet and renal check-ups. Ask the breeder for the parents' PKD/HCM results.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with renal assessment; PKD ultrasound/test in breeding cats and blood work from 7 years.

Warning signs

!Drinking and urinating a lot, weight loss (kidney disease/PKD)
!Laboured breathing or lethargy (heart disease)
!Persistent vomiting or apathy
!Bad breath and inflamed gums

Burmilla gallery

Foto de la raza burmilla — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Burmilla

How long does a Burmilla live?

▾

The life expectancy of the Burmilla is 12-15 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Burmilla weigh?

▾

An adult Burmilla weighs between 3-5 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.

Where does the Burmilla breed come from?

▾

The Burmilla originates from Reino Unido. A British breed that emerged in 1981 from the accidental cross between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian. Because of its Persian heritage it retains a predisposition to polycystic kidney disease, so screening is recommended in breeding cats.

How much exercise does a Burmilla need?

▾

The Burmilla has media energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Is the Burmilla good with children?

▾

**Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if living together from young. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Who is the Burmilla NOT recommended for?

▾

It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it is left alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Burmilla have?

▾

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic test recommended. PKD in Persian breeds and their derivatives. Life expectancy 12-15 years.