Burmilla

Resulting from an accidental mating between a male Chinchilla and a female Burmese, the Burmilla Cat looks remarkably similar to a Burmese, only the Burmilla is silver.

Physical Characteristics

This medium-sized cat has strikingly green eyes that are large and outlined with black, as if it were wearing eyeliner. Its ears, meanwhile, are medium to large, with a slightly rounded tip.

The Burmilla's main attraction, however, is its soft, dense silver coat, which may be tipped or shaded in the following colors: black, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, caramel, apricot, cream, black tortie, blue tortie, chocolate tortie, lilac tortie or caramel tortie. The Burmilla also has an undercoat.

Personality and Temperament

The Burmilla is an ideal companion to while away a lonely evening. Loyal, devoted, and affectionate, this cat will stay by its owner, always keeping them company. In fact, it basks in attention and will often demand to be caressed. It will even entertain you with games of fetch.

Although the Burmilla does not take to strangers immediately, it will eventually warm up to friendly visitors. The Burmilla also gets along well with children and other pets.

Care

The Burmilla sheds a lot and should be groomed at least once a week. Brush it thoroughly to remove dead hair and, if its ears are dirty, clean with a damp cloth. In addition, its teeth should be brushed once a week.

Health

The Burmilla is a generally healthy cat that can live well into its teens. However, it is prone to diseases such as Polycystic Kidney Disease, which causes the formation of cysts in the kidneys and often leads to renal failure.

History and Background

This Burmilla was created in 1981 from an accidental mating between a female Lilac Burmese and a male Silver Chinchilla, both of which belonged to Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg. According to the tale, the male Silver Chinchilla, Sanquist, and a female Burmese, Faberge, were awaiting their mates when they became interested in each other. Although Faberge was later sent away to be mated with her own breed, she produced a litter upon her arrival that was quite different from the Burmese.

The litter, which was later discovered to be fathered by Sanquist, consisted of four female kittens: Galatea, Gemma, Gabriela, and Gisella. They were so attractive that instead of neutering them, the Baroness chose to develop them as the foundation stock of a new breed. They were back-crossed with the Burmese and the breed characteristics were retained. Soon thereafter, the Baroness formed the Burmilla Association to promote this distinct new type of pedigree cat.

Another breeder, Therese Clarke, who adopted Gemma from the original litter, formed the Burmilla Cat Club in 1984. In 1990, the Burmilla was recognized for preliminary Championship Status.

The tale goes that the male Silver Chinchilla, called Sanquist, and a female Burmese, called Faberge, were awaiting their mates. They became interested in each other. During the breeding season Sanquist mated with Faberge. Faberge was later mated with her own breed. The litter she produced was very different from the Burmese and the identity of the father became obvious. The litter consisted of four female kittens and they were named Galatea, Gemma, Gabriella, and Gisella. The Baroness fell in love with them and decided to breed them. She wanted to use them to create a new breed.