Burmilla
Sparkly silver coat, sweet personality, and playful charm
Quick answer: The Burmilla is a medium-sized cat with a shimmering silver coat and a friendly, playful personality.
Personality Traits
Quick Facts
Overview
The Burmilla feels like the best of both worlds: playful and social, but still easy to live with. They are known for a bright silver coat with gentle shading and a sweet, soft expression. If you want a cat that likes to be involved without being clingy, the Burmilla fits that vibe really well.
Personality & Temperament
Usually enjoys cuddles and being near people.
Likes interactive toys and learning games.
Needs daily activity and enrichment.
Learns routines fast; puzzle toys help a lot.
Personality in real life
Burmillas are friendly and curious. They like to know what you are doing and often hang nearby.
They are affectionate and people-oriented, but many are not pushy about attention.
They stay playful as adults. Short daily play sessions usually make them very happy.
They are usually not too loud. Most are more 'chatty when it matters' than nonstop talkers.
They often do well in family homes and can get along with other pets when introductions are calm.
History
The Burmilla began in the UK in 1981 after an accidental pairing between a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese, an unexpected mix that immediately caught attention.
The kittens stood out for their soft silver coats and warm, friendly personalities, and interest in repeating the pairing quickly grew.
Breeders soon began developing the type on purpose, focusing on preserving the shimmering coat while keeping the Burmese-like affection and playfulness.
Over time, the Burmilla gained recognition and slowly spread beyond the UK, becoming known as a gentle, people-focused companion with a distinctive look.
Appearance
Burmillas are medium-sized cats with a solid, athletic feel when you pick them up.
Their standout feature is the coat: a pale silver base with darker shading or tipping that gives a soft, sparkly look.
Many have a cute 'eyeliner' effect, with darker lines around the eyes, nose, and lips.
Eyes are usually green, and younger cats can start out more yellowish before the color settles.
You can find Burmillas in both shorthair and longhair varieties.
Is a Burmilla right for you?
Good fit if:
- • You want a friendly cat that enjoys being part of the household.
- • You like a playful breed that still has an easy-going side.
- • You want a coat that looks fancy but is usually simple to maintain.
- • You want a cat that can handle some alone time during a normal work day.
Not ideal if:
- • You want a very quiet, low-energy cat that barely plays.
- • You want a super independent cat that keeps to itself most of the day.
- • You want a zero-shedding cat (they still shed a bit).
Daily life with a Burmilla
Energy level
Moderate to high. They love play, climbing, and curiosity breaks, then they relax nearby.
Noise level
Usually moderate. Many are not very loud or demanding.
Attention needs
Medium-high. They like company and involvement, but many are not clingy.
Grooming
A weekly brush or comb is usually enough to keep the coat neat.
Things to Know Before Adopting
- • They are curious and can get bored without toys, climbing spots, and short daily play.
- • They may follow you around a lot. It is cute, but it is not for everyone.
- • The silver coat can show loose hair, so a quick weekly brush helps keep things tidy.
- • Some cats take time for their eye color to fully settle as they mature.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Burmilla' comes from combining Burmese and Chinchilla.
Similar Cat Breeds
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about this topic
1
What is a Burmilla cat?
The Burmilla is a medium-sized cat known for a sparkling silver shaded or tipped coat and a sweet, playful personality.
2
Are Burmilla cats friendly?
Yes. They are usually sociable, affectionate, and easy to live with.
3
Do Burmilla cats shed a lot?
Usually not a lot, but they do shed some. A weekly brush is typically enough to keep the coat neat.
4
Are Burmilla cats hypoallergenic?
No. Like other cats, they can still trigger allergies.
5
How big do Burmilla cats get?
They are usually medium-sized, often around 8-12 lb.
6
How long do Burmilla cats live?
Many live around 15-18+ years.
7
How much does a Burmilla cat cost?
Prices vary by breeder and region. Choose a reputable breeder and ask what is included.
Still have questions? We're here to help!